Watershed Planning

The 1998 legislature passed Ch. 90.82 RCW, to set a framework for developing local solutions to watershed issues on a watershed basis.  Ch. 90.82 RCW states: The legislature finds that the local development of watershed plans for managing water resources and for protecting existing water rights is vital to both state and local interests. 

• More Background on the Watershed Planning Act

The State Will Speak With One Voice - 2514/2496 Memorandum of Understanding for the Coordinated Implementation of Watershed Planning and Salmon Recovery Planning

Watershed Planning Grant Information

2009-11 Biennium Budget Overview, Details and Grant Resources

Grants improve stream flows in fish critical basins -  Watershed Plan Implementation and Flow Achievement Capital Grant Program

Grant awards keep watershed management on track - Watershed Planning Operating Budget Grants 

2009-2011 Watershed Grant Guidance

• Biennium Transition Guidance

Application Forms:

• Phase 1, 2 and 3
  • Watershed Planning Grant Information -
• Phase 4
  • Phase 4 Grant Application Guidance
  • Phase 4 Grant Application
  • Phase 4 Grant Application Year 2 and Beyond
  • Billing Forms Phase 4 Match
• Supplemental Grants
  • Instream Flow
  • Water Quality
  • Multipurpose Water Storage

Additional Information:

• Requesting State Agency Participation
• Role of Indian Tribes in Local Watershed Planning

Watershed Planning Elements

• Water Quantity - required
• Water Quality - optional
• Habitat - optional
• Links to other useful websites

Instream Flows

• Instream Flows in Washington - Water Resources Program
• Doppler Flow Measurement Standard Operating Procedure - Operation of the Teledyne RD Instruments Stream-Pro Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
• Stream Gaging Standard Operating Procedure - Measuring Gage Height of Streams

2009 Watershed Planning Workshop

• “Western Washington Watershed Planning Act Workshop: Moving from Planning and Implementation to Beyond”.  10/29/09 - Updated with presentations

General Information

• Watershed Planning and Implementation Technical Guidance
• Watershed Assessment and Water Right Decisions
• Watershed Planning Program Quarterly Progress Report Form