Washington Dept. of Commerce
Capacity Building Project
This spring, the Methow Watershed Council received a Washington Department of Commerce grant that supports foundational research that will enhance the Council’s capacity to determine and fund future projects. Four areas of research were completed in a very short time frame by local consultants Sandra Strieby of Mosaic Planning Studio, with assistance from George Schneider; Katie Stege Neal of Reach Studio; and Walt Burt of GSI Water Solutions, Inc. MWC used this opportunity to build knowledge, explore feasibility in the four following areas.
The Projects
Twisp River Firefighting Water Connection Feasibility Study
Okanogan Fire District #6, working with the Council, identified the Twisp River near Newby Creek as a top priority for determining the feasibility of establishing an emergency water supply for fighting fire. The land and hydrological analyses we are conducting with Reach Studio are the first steps to finding sites that have both adequate water and potential access for firefighters and equipment. For a higher resolution document, see our Documents of Interest.
Methow Valley Perceptions of Drought: Interview Project
This focused survey taps the expertise of key individuals in the Methow Valley to develop an overview of the community’s knowledge of drought. The interviews will be summarized for common themes, ideas and more, resulting in insights on current perceptions of drought, the challenges drought may bring, common concerns or questions about drought, and ideas on which to follow up in current work on drought.
*Please note- this document is being reviewed and summarized by MWC's Technical Committee. We will share results soon.
Water Retention Strategies: Approaches for the Methow Valley
Innovative solutions and research on retaining water (such as artificial beaver structures, storage ponds) can help address changes in hydrological patterns and support the water needs of people, fish and wildlife in our community. Mosaic Planning Studio’s white paper surveys local and regional projects to guide readers in understanding the variety of methods currently in use and how retention solutions could be applied in the Methow Valley.
Municipal Water: Demand, Supply, and Needs – Twisp and Winthrop, Washington
The Methow Valley is growing. What are the requirements for future water infrastructure that will meet expected growth? The municipal water white paper reviews demand and supply for water in Twisp and Winthrop and discusses potential for collaboration between the towns and Okanogan County to plan for development in unincorporated areas adjacent to the towns. In the final phase of review, it was noted that there are several relevant studies that were not available to the authors. MWC anticipates updating this paper in the near future.