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Department of Ecology News Release - December 20, 2007
07-373
SPOKANE—Washington and Idaho residents in the Spokane River watershed will soon have one place to go to get information about “all things” Spokane River. Dunau Associates in Spokane has been selected in a competitive process to form an independent organization to provide information and create new opportunities for the public to be engaged in Spokane River issues.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is contracting with Dunau Associates for $150,000 to have Dunau create a self-sustaining, non-profit group that will lead the public education, outreach and engagement functions. The board of directors and participants will represent diverse interests from both Idaho and Washington. The Spokane River Forum will be the initial name for the non-profit.
The watershed spans from Lake Coeur d’Alene to Lake Roosevelt and underground in the aquifer from Bayview to Tum Tum. Unfortunately, the river suffers from pollution and other problems that require action. The decisions to be made involve nearly a million people, two states, numerous non-governmental organizations, the federal government, several local governments, two tribes and six dams.
“Members of the public need timely, understandable, easy-to-access and consistent information about the quality of the aquifer and river water, fish consumption advisories, river flow issues, and how much water is in the aquifer,” said Ecology Deputy Director Polly Zehm.
Including a website and newsletters, the Spokane River Forum will provide diverse on-line and print materials to better inform the public. At the same time, the River Forum will provide workshops and other face-to-face opportunities for people to learn from each other and engage in “hot” topics.
“We’re happy to help get this mechanism established because this is truly a topic that the entire community should be able to pay attention to,” Zehm said.
“Our job is to amplify what’s working, generate discussion about what’s possible, and make it easier to become involved,” said Andy Dunau of Dunau Associates. “The river’s a community resource. Everyone should consider themselves a steward of the Spokane River’s health.”
“We can start by celebrating and letting others know about the good work civic groups, tribes and agencies are doing in Idaho and Washington,” he added.
The Forum will not be a Department of Ecology organization, but Ecology’s David Moore will manage the contract for 18 months while Dunau is getting the Forum organized. David Moore is the new project manager for the Spokane River dissolved oxygen water quality cleanup plan.
Andy Dunau has lived in Spokane for 18 years and has extensive experience working on natural resource issues, including projects that involve the Spokane River. His experience includes managing non-profit organizations, developing communications materials and facilitating multi-party negotiations.
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Media Contact: Jani Gilbert, communications, 509-329-3495; cell, 509-990-9177; email, jagi461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
