Uncategorized admin | 24 Jun 2007 12:32 pm
About
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL CHARTER
Background and Authorities:The Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District was organized and chartered in the State of Oregon in January, 1947. The District is a legal subdivision of state government lead by an elected Board of Directors, formed under the authority as defined in ORS 190.420 and ORS 568.225.
Authorities for the formation of Watershed Councils were adopted in 1993 under SB 2251, and are contained in ORS 541.350. Watershed Councils are voluntary local organizations recognized by county or city government to address the goal of sustaining natural resources, watershed protection and enhancement within a watershed.
The Lower Columbia Watershed Council was organized in July, 1997, and represents the major stakeholders including the municipalities and utilities that depend on ground and surface water. The area encompasses approximately 212, 682 acres and includes the drainages of Beaver Creek, Tide Creek and all tributaries draining into the Columbia River in Columbia County.
The two organizations operate under a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
Vision:
Rural and urban communities working in harmony to provide healthy productive watersheds with a balanced eco-system and quality of life for future generations.
Mission:
To be a vehicle for individuals, groups, and agencies to participate in the management, development, and conservation of natural and human resources.
Purpose:
The MOU is to define the roles and working relationships between the Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Watershed Councils as they work cooperatively to support watershed improvement activities in the North Coast Basin. Work activities include public education/outreach, watershed assessment and action planning, conservation planning with individuals, water quality monitoring and project design and implementation of watershed restoration projects. The parties will proceed with a voluntary, locally driven and non-regulatory approach to improve the health of the watershed. This MOU will facilitate efficiencies to maximize watershed improvements with limited resources and staff available. Roles and responsibilities are defined herein, but these lists are not exclusive of other activities individual entities may wish to undertake.