Washington State Department of Ecology

The meeting commenced with introductions and a review of the agenda. Key discussions included a presentation titled "Salmon Mean Business" by Steve Martin, and detailed reviews of the Tri-Sovereigns 2026-2027 Priorities, focusing on major reports/studies, legislative updates, community engagement, bi-state co-management, and implementation of the 2050 Plan strategies. There was also a dedicated BAC Member Discussion period. Updates were provided on the Oregon and Washington Legislative Sessions, the Walla Walla Water 2050 progress, the 2026 meeting schedule, and recent Working Group activities, specifically noting the Drought WG Meeting and reminders for upcoming meetings.

The meeting commenced with introductions and an agenda review. Key discussions included a presentation on the economic valuation and status of salmon recovery efforts, noting significant investments and specific population trends for various species. The committee then reviewed the Tri-Sovereigns' proposed priorities for 2026-2027, focusing on foundational studies like basalt aquifer characterization and the completion of USGS and Bureau of Reclamation Basin Studies, while noting the unfunded Appraisal Study. Following this, BAC members discussed their potential priorities for 2026-2027, generating themes across interest groups. Environmental interests focused on severe water shortages in the Walla Walla River and Little Walla Walla system, the need for telemetry for water use monitoring, and advancing floodplain reconnection projects. Recreation/Quality of Life interests emphasized the link between water availability and recreational expansion. Agriculture interests stressed the need for a Little Walla Walla plan and clearer rules for off-season water use. Local Government highlighted the need for proactive public communication regarding projects like the Tiger Mill project and collaboration with agencies like the U.S. Forest Service. Economic Development stressed communicating a broader regional vision and tying Basin work to economic impacts. State and Federal Government interests covered ongoing work on developed water strategies, streamflow planning, and supporting fish passage improvements like at Nursery Bridge. Updates were provided on the Oregon and Washington legislative sessions, noting tight budgets and potential policy bills. The meeting concluded with updates on the 2026 meeting schedule and various working group activities.

This document outlines the purpose and scope of the Watershed Master Resiliency Plan for the City of Walla Walla. The plan aims to identify, analyze, and evaluate mitigation strategies against threats such as drought, wildfire, flooding, landslides, and weather volatility to the Mill Creek Watershed, the city's primary drinking water source. It serves as a guidance document providing recommended actions to prepare for and respond to risks affecting municipal property, infrastructure, and the drinking water supply, ensuring resiliency, mitigating risks, and safeguarding water quality and quantity while minimizing environmental impact. The plan functions as a roadmap for future efforts.

This document summarizes the Basin Advisory Committee's priorities for the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Strategy, focusing on addressing urgent drought conditions and enhancing streamflows. Key areas include advancing a regional anchor project and Bureau of Reclamation Basin Study, alongside strategic planning for both short and long-term initiatives. Significant emphasis is placed on improving water monitoring and metering, implementing ecological restoration projects such as floodplain reconnection and habitat connectivity, and fostering community engagement regarding water impacts and conservation efforts. Additionally, priorities cover developing integrated management plans for distributary systems, exploring winter water use, and re-evaluating water conservation and irrigation efficiency strategies.

The meeting agenda included several key discussion points. Topics covered were an introduction and program overview, an update on the legislative session, and a review of the General Permit, specifically focusing on the upcoming General Permit work. Financial Management Services reviewed a draft offer list. The Watershed Management section addressed the 2025 Nonpoint Plan and Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture chapters, as well as Water Quality Standards, including the response to a request for fluoride rulemaking and criteria for harmful algae blooms and nutrient levels for lakes and reservoirs. The meeting concluded with a roundtable discussion on future agenda topics.