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Cohort Action Team #2 – Statutes, Rules, & Funding; Water Law; Water Rights

Minutes from the first meeting Saturday, February 4, 2023

Mission: Various ideas to consider – To use funding and legislation and rules writing to effect positive change in water laws and water rights….to ensure abundant and clean water for all now and in the future. Educate on Water Rights and water law. Grow community unity for equitable, clean, efficient water use.

Schedule: No schedule set yet.

Needed information and support: Dedicated Zoom room link.

Goals and some initial thoughts:

One person made a comment that people have spent their whole careers on water issues…perhaps we need some new thinking: the climate crisis is here and we’re not ready.

  • The group needs to educate itself on water laws
  • The group needs to understand the political system around water
  • Identify other organization we can partner with
  • Facilitate/support the grass roots efforts of other organizations to effect change
  • Silos in agencies is a problem; need to do liaison work
  • Proposed to Fish and Game, Rogue River Dist to create a Riparian Setback from springs and not allow RV campground so close to riparian areas
  • Bureaucrats are not listening to concerns about protecting this valuable spring; only interested in development
  • Very interested in Beneficial Use. Want to learn what that means.
  • What are the laws that guarantee clean, equitable water, abundant clean water. What laws need to be enforced? What laws do we need to pass?
  • People want to understand the systems around water better to help take action.
  • We need to unite with other groups like ours, with technical, legal, and administrative capacities
  • We could help the Legal folks to track activity in bills
  • We could help Legislators: they need staff (more help that they have).
  • Once the laws change, the agencies form regulatory rules. We would want to influence those rules ahead of time.
  • Need to change Water Rights system – which doesn’t account for natural systems
  • Water Rights system is a big root of this crisis. Yet is is almost impossible to rebuild.
  • Water Rights laws are not enforced. Enforcement is tied to funding. (funding is not there.)
  • Enforce Water Rights law in Rogue Valley
  • Watchdog role is challenging.
  • Ag use is dominant
  • Water Quality problems need attention
  • Enforce Beneficial Use
  • Support equitable water distribution