Attendance:  Reanette Boese, Elaine Snouwaert, Walt Edelen, Gary

                      Ostheller, Bill Sayers. 

                 NOTE:  There were not enough people to have a quorum.

Introduction:

Bill Sayers noted that he would like to be on the email list for the Hangman Creek 2514 Watershed Planning project.  Bill also inquired about the other TMDL processes in the Spokane River and Little Spokane River.  Discussion ensued regarding the following:

Spokane River TMDL process:

The process is currently on hold.  The dischargers and the county are considering the possibilities to resolve the phosphorus loading with a combination of nonpoint and point source controls.  More information will be forthcoming at the next group meeting (not currently scheduled yet).

The Little Spokane River TMDL project:  This TMDL process is about at the same junction as the Hangman process.  They are awaiting the loading analysis from Ecology and WSU. 

Hangman Creek 2514 Planning Project: The group has hired a consultant/facilitator and begun Phase IV work.  This includes detailing how each recommendation in the plan will be funded and accomplished over the long-term.

Conservation Summit:

Walt and Rick recently attended a Conservation Summit last week.  It involved several different conservation oriented groups such as the Lands Council, Inland Northwest Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited, etc.  It was designed to help coordinate efforts and help each other achieve common goals.  An application for a large grant to acquire and restore land was being prepared for submission in March 2007.

Minutes: 

The minutes could not be approved due to the lack of a quorum.  The participants noted that the minutes for October 19^th were “marginal”.  They would like to see some expansion on the different topics.  Ie: More information on the status of Joe Joy and his analysis.

May 18 minutes:

Jon Jones was present, but not noted in attendance.

October 19 minutes: Drea Traumer was present, but not noted in attendance.

The group then discussed the poor attendance and what may be needed to bring people back.

·                     A personal phone call (not just a message) to each person will help

·                     Highlight discussion items for meeting – advertise in NPJ (topic for meeting)

·                     Start activities in different watersheds.  People will be likely to come if they know you are talking about them specifically.

·                     Attend Council meetings, other outreach, talk to WWTP people.

Walt went over Timesheets with the group.

The group then went through a series of slides that reviewed the TMDL requirements and the work plan.  The group was to comment on areas of concern or provide additional comments for consideration.  During the presentation, the following comments were made:

·                     Forest roads: possibility of graveling them to prevent erosion and keep down dust.

·                     Stormwater: Implement E. WA Stormwater Mgt & Permit Manual

·                     How do we deal with catastrophic storms?

Walt then presented a slideshow about the recent Direct Seed Technology Workshop that was held by the SCCD.  It showed several different types of direct seed operations in the area and how they are working.  The producers (Emtman, Sievers, Schmidt, and ??) attested to their success and challenges with direct seeding.  They claim it is cost-effective, has the same or better yields, reduces weeds, and improves the soil tilth.

Meeting over at 8:30pm

Next Meeting January 18^th – Joe Joy review loadings