I have talked today about the responsibility that the ESA places on governments and on private entities to avoid taking or further degrading the habitat or endangered and threatened species. The real challenge for us is to agree on collaborative solutions that will demonstrate to the federal regulatory agencies that we are taking effective steps to preserve the species. The agriculture, fish and water negotiations now under way is one example of a collaborative effort involving federal agencies, the state and Washington farmers and irrigators. In addition to developing broad agreements, those with a stake in the ESA must propose and implement local solutions that promote the survival of threatened and endangered species.
Resources are available to help local agencies and property owners get started.
A number of these projects are in Eastern Washington, including the southeast corner of the state, Okanogan and Klickitat counties. Many are aimed at habitat acquisition, in-stream work such as building fish screens, and habitat improvement such as vegetation planting and stream shading. Through the Department of Ecology, the state also provides funding for conservation projects conducted by irrigation districts. Improving the efficiency of irrigation water through conservation can also improve water quality by reducing the amount of water that returns to the river carrying fertilizer and sediment. Finally, we must continue to educate people about the environmental needs of endangered species and how individual citizens and businesses can help.