Minutes of the Marys River Watershed Council Meeting
August 6, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm and people briefly introduced themselves.

• Outreach & Education Committee: Tentatively scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, August 12, 2003 5:30pm at 305 SW "C"st.
• Water Quality Monitoring Committee: a) It was reported by Thom Whittier) that the Marys River was 80 degrees F during the July hot spell; b)It was noted that "Dissolved Oxygen" has been added to DEQ's 303(d) list , in addition to the Marys River's former listings for warm summer temperature, flow modification and bacteria at several seasons. Flow modification, still a problem with the Marys River, is shown under DEQ's "Integrated Report" on their website; c) Kids Day for Conservation is Saturday, September 13, 2003 at the Benton Co. Fairgrounds (10am-4pm). If anyone would care to join in singing/playing music for that event, please contact Amy Schoener.
• Land and Water Use Committee: Kirk reported that there will be a meeting next week.
• Fish Passage Committee: Although there is no meeting, it should be noted that work is underway at Norton Creek culvert.
• Steering Committee: There was a meeting on July 29th dealing with the Action Plan which is being prepared. Chuck Lane also mentioned Philomath's water supply, most of which comes from the Marys River. Marv Durham gave us some background as to the concerns he sees. It was reported that the Philomath Planning Commission recommended a watershed study be conducted, and the Philomath City Council also expressed similar desires. The MRWC empowered Sandra Coveny to initiate discussion with appropriate key people towards addressing this need. 

Liz Dent reported that the first draft of our 50-page Action Plan (15 additional pages of executive summary) for the MRWC was prepared in July.  Each committee has a different chapter. The steering committee has reviewed this document and now it is being returned to the various committees for review. Liz also referred to the Restoration Opportunities screening map which primarily deals with fish habitat and riparian condition in the watershed. She requested that people with properties consider giving access to her, so that the map can be evaluated on the ground.

THE COORDINATOR's REPORT: Sandra Coveny handed out a 2-page report with updates in it specifying projects which she envisions in the biennium. The MRWC has been awarded a 2-year council support grant from OWEB ($70,000), which will support salary, though at a reduced level from previous years

GUEST SPEAKER: Steve Parrett of the Oregon Water Trust, a private, non-profit, 501c(3) organization, gave us an introduction to his organization's history, purpose and philosophy. They began in 1994 by a group of people who recognized problems with stream flows. Their mission is to improve stream flows by acquiring water rights and he detailed many ways to do so. The Water Trust advocates free-market environmentalism, meaning that they will pay for the benefits of instream water rights. Presently they focus on the SW and NE areas of the State.  It was recommended that we look at OPB's 1-hr video entitled "Water-the Oregon Story" by Rick Bastach (spelling?)

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm . Submitted by Amy Schoener