Attached are the draft recommendations for the biological instream flow recommendations from Ecology's fish biologists. I don't believe the actual flow recommendations will change, but I haven't been able to connect with our biologist to confirm. However, I wanted to get them out before our meeting next week.

You will likely be shocked when you see the instream flows, as they are based on the flows that optimize habitat for fish. The main message to communicate, however, is not the instream flows, but really that there is not physically enough water to provide for year round supply. For many months in the year, all the flow is taken by Rosario, as authorized under their existing water rights. Ecology is committed to working with the water users in the watershed to see if we cannot work out another path to meet the various water needs in the watershed. To that end, I was wondering if the 4 systems (Eastsound, Rosario, Olga, and Doe Bay) would want to meet before the East Orcas Water Supply Committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss the flows and how we might be able to structure a future process for addressing the water right applications. Depending on if we fly or boat in, we can be on Orcas as early as 2 pm. If folks are available, Ted or Vicki, could we either meet at EWUA or at the firehouse at say 2:30 or 3 PM? In particular, I would like to discuss if we want to apply for a storage assessment grant as we will need to act on that application very soon. In the case that we are not meeting this week and/or if next Tuesday afternoon doesn't work, I would like to know your interest in having a meeting of the water systems and Ecology in the near term and we can work to schedule an alternate date and time.

I will be out of the office all day tomorrow, but will be in on Monday, if you would like to talk with me directly.

Sincerely,
Jacque

<<cascade creek flows memo.doc>>

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Jacqueline Klug
Watershed Lead
Department of Ecology
3190 160th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98008-5452
ph: 425-649-7124 fax: 425-649-7098