Long-term project planning is ongoing, creating an advantage in securing and utilizing habitat restoration funds as opportunities arise. In conclusion, the Grande Ronde Model Watershed Program is an exciting and innovative experiment in citizen-based natural resource planning by coordinating among all entities involved in watershed activities in the basin and is charged with providing a model for other watershed basins to consider. It takes time to create partnerships and develop a strong basin council. Being based in local county government has been very positive and offered additional opportunities. A watershed council must allow for a diverse group of interests, local agendas, and perspectives.
Planning is vital before moving to projects.
The key is a local assessment of environmental conditions in order to establish priorities driven by the local governments, agencies, tribes, and community. The time expended for this is also well utilized in developing local consensus and unity. Realize project development is very time consuming, and many local entities must be involved and incorporated in the process.