Future Directions in Water Resource Management
Limited water availability, reduced state resources, population growth and climate change are forcing new perspectives for managing our water resources. Management tools that have been in development for at least a decade are now being implemented, including out-of-kind/out-of-place mitigation (e.g., reclaimed water and restored habitat) for new water allocations, selling water rights in private water banks, creation of new water storage, and the application of “overriding consideration of the public interest.” Project proponents are also increasingly forming partnerships to address a broad spectrum of water resource management needs.
This conference will share lessons for those tools plus forming partnerships, funding and problem solving from the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, the Lacy/Olympia/Yelm/Nisqually Coordinated Mitigation Plan, the Dungeness Water Exchange and other projects. Discussion will focus about how these successful approaches can be applied elsewhere.
This conference also explores these projects in the context of the new state administration of Jay Inslee, who has shown a strong commitment to water resources management through executive orders and the appointment of Maia Bellon as as Director of the Department of Ecology. As keynote speaker, Maia Bellon will share the new administration’s views and positions on water resource management, especially in context of the state budget. The conference will end with a panel discussion.
A reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks will follow immediately. We hope you join us to discuss the conference outcomes with speakers and peers.
Please contact co-chairs Megan Kogut or Chris Pitre with questions.
