April 28, 2005

Chair: Walt Edelen, Spokane County Conservation District (SCCD)

Present: Keith Holliday, Department of Ecology

Dee Bailey, Coeur d’Alene Tribe

Bill Rickard, City of Spokane, Environmental Programs

Shallan Dawson, Spokane County Conservation District

Rick Noll, Spokane County Conservation District

Peter Grunte, Landowner

Steve Bortfeld, Hangman Hills Water District

Reanette Boese, Spokane County

Joe Shogan, Spokane City Council

Bruce Carmack, Landowner

AGENDA/Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. The minutes had been previously distributed for review. Keith noted a correction to Keith Stoffel’s name. The minutes were approved as amended.

Early Action Items

The early actions items were distributed to the group. The fifth item proposed, “The Planning Unit will pursue the reservation of a portion of the Conservation Futures Program to fund the acquisition of high priority riparian shorelines”, was discussed as this would result in a change in policy for the Conservation Futures Program, but not require any funding. The group agreed to move this action item to the recommendation table in the report, to be implemented immediately following the approval of the plan.

The group discussed and developed an additional early action item of identifying and restoring riparian shorelines in Hangman Creek. The following was approved and inserted into the Early Action Item List:

The Planning Unit may fund restoration/acquisition of high priority riparian shorelines in the watershed.

The group reviewed the remaining early action items and approved them with no further changes. Walt will make the approved changes to the Early Action Item List and the recommendations in the plan and send them out to the Planning Unit for confirmation.

Minimum Instream Flow Recommendation

The group approved the instream flow recommendation as is, but due to this change, the report text on instream flow is now inaccurate. Walt will modify the report text under the instream flow section to reflect the new recommendation. It will be sent to the planning unit for review.

Next Step

Walt began the review of the steps to be taken with the plan. He asked all members if they had reviewed the plan with their constituents and asked for an update.

Councilman Joe Shogan reported that the plan has been approved by the City Council, and they are very interested in long term watershed planning.

Keith Holliday reported that the State Caucus is reviewing the plan and that he has requested approval by May 13^th.

Steve Bortfeld will be bringing the report to his Water Board in early May for their approval.

Dee Bailey will ask Scott Fields if the plan needs to be approved by the Tribal Council.

Walt will check with Gary Ostheller if he needs to have the plan approved by the Grange.

The plan has been forwarded to the Whitman County Commissioners. Walt will call them to see if they have reviewed it and whether or not they have any preliminary concerns.

This group set a tentative meeting for May 19^th to formally approve the plan. Additional agenda items may include; Phase IV draft application, Tekoa Golf Course update, discussion of High Priority riparian shorelines, and Conservation Futures Program.

Tekoa Golf Course

Walt has been in contact with the City of Tekoa and the Tekoa Golf Course (Golf Course). The City has been working with the Department of Ecology to look at the potential for continuing surface water withdrawal at the Golf Course, and augmentation of surface water from a City well. There are issues with the well’s capacity and water quality. The City is considering drilling a separate well for the Golf Course. This could be accomplished without the need for a new water right. Other permits may be required. The Golf Course is still actively looking for a record of surface water withdrawal rights. Walt will attend the May 2^nd Tekoa Council Meeting with Keith Stoffel from Ecology to discuss current options. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

Conservation Futures

The deadline for property nominations is next Monday the second of May. Walt did not know of any streamside property being proposed in Hangman Creek. He did know of at least two properties being nominated in the Little Spokane River watershed that included riparian areas. Walt suggested that the group review and begin prioritization of shorelines in Hangman Creek for potential nominations.

Keith requested a brief presentation for better understanding of the Conservation Futures program. Walt will contact Steve Horobiowski about attending the next meeting to give a short presentation.

Other Projects in the Watershed

Dee updated the group on the following projects:

Genetic testing of redband trout has been completed. The data suggests that there are several distinct, isolated populations within the headwaters of Hangman Creek. The low flows and other barriers have prevented these populations from interbreeding.
The Tribe is working with IDEQ in the headwaters to assess stream bank erosion and solar radiation of the stream.
There will be a new off channel pond installed on Hangman Creek for fishing.
There will be a restoration project on Hangman Creek that includes willow plantings.
Camp Larsen was just purchased by the Tribe.

Bill updated the group on the following projects:

The City of Spokane will be replacing sewer lines under Hangman Creek, near I-90, during low water.

Walt updated the group on the following projects:

There will be a culvert replacement and restoration project in the upper portion of California Creek this summer. This will expand the habitat for redband trout upstream. Fish and Wildlife are involved with this project and support it
A new bridge on Valley Chapel Road, crossing at Rock Creek, will be constructed this summer.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is tentatively set for May 19th to formally approve the plan, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This meeting is dependent upon approval of other entities.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

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