August 6, 2001
Thanks to temporary Scribe, Betsy Richardson
-Declining income over a three year period due to cuts in funding will require some new and creative fund raising efforts. A question was also raised about the need for liability insurance to cover members, especially officers. Since the meeting the coordinator has learned that the council does have liability coverage as a result of a piece legislation passed last year. Coordinator has a copy of the policy if anyone would like to see it.
-The benefits of foundation funding were discussed. Perhaps set up and raise money for an endowment fund.
-Water quality samples are being taken from main tributaries as part of the water quality monitoring program. Fish monitoring is occurring, may require electro-shocking due to high turbidity. Permits will be needed for this. There were some concerns raised by the membership about how electro-shocking might affect fish.
-Bill Ferber answered a barrage of excellent questions regarding water rights. Detailed information is available by contacting Sandra Coveny, as she has the speakers notes from the talk. What are the criteria used to allocate in-stream water rights?
-The rights are allocated on a seniority basis, according to season, with domestic use taking priority over irrigation only when the priority dates are exactly the same. “Best” use is not considered. This has been true since 1909 for surface water and since 1957 for groundwater.
-Do criteria change with "emergency" conditions?
-Yes, for emergency firefighting.
-These and many other questions were discussed, including the issuing of new water rights and the moving of old ones groundwater use, Oregon Water trust as the purchasing agent, seasonal issues, how the salmon plan affects water rights, how groundwater use affects surface water, what crops use less irrigation water (Christmas trees and grass seed), How water rights are granted to subdivisions, the politics and economics of water rights, the criteria for in-stream water rights (such as fish culture) etc.