Washington State Department of Ecology

Grays-Elochoman & Cowlitz (WRIA 25/26)

WRIA 25

WRIA 26

Grants awarded through June 2010

$1,630,104

Projected grants July 2010 - June 2011

$62,500

Background

Wahkiakum, Lewis, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties unanimously adopted the Watershed Plan in July 2006. Plan adoption came after a county remand process and changes to the plan by the planning group.

Work under Phase 4 is well underway, as the planning unit implements the action items identified in their Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP). The DIP was approved in June 2008.

Ecology awarded Lewis County an Operating grant for a feasibility study on a potential regional water supply from the lower main stem Cowlitz River, which may serve the Vader-Toledo-Winlock area. This project is moving forward, although with reduced funding. The planning group was also awarded a $50K grant for further development of an innovative mitigation strategy for new water rights, which they are undertaking in conjunction with the Lewis/Salmon-Washougal planning group.

Additional information about the Grays-Elochoman and Cowlitz watershed plan can be found on the plan website: Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, Watershed Management Plans

Instream flow proposed rule status

July 2010 Update - Watershed group meets July 15 and August 12, 2010

Ecology has announced plans to remove draft rule language about metering.

Ecology News Release July 14, 2010

The WRIA 25 and 26 watershed planning group is meeting at 2 p.m. July 15, and August 12, 2010 in the Cowlitz Administration Building in Kelso, WA. (The Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board leads the meetings; Ecology is one of many participants.)

Members of the planning group will discuss specific recommendations for revising Ecology’s draft water management rules for WRIAs 25 and 26. Ecology staff will be at each meeting to listen to the discussion.