Jo reported on the National Watershed Forum that she recently attended in Boise. This group is Region 10 and is comprised of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. There were representations from other parts of the United States in attendance as well. Carol also attended this meeting. There were basic problems discussed that seem to keep coming up time and time again.
Problems involve funding as well as lack of communication between agencies.
Participation in watersheds is a problem. Unless there is a severe problem in the watershed, people do not come together to resolve it. Water quality and water quantity, which have been looked at separately because of departmental policies, really need to be looked at together, as one effects the other. This issue needs to be addressed. She said there was also considerable discussion concerning the direct linkage between the economy and environment.