The Methow Watershed Council is sponsoring a series of free community discussions about issues affecting water rights in the Methow Valley, beginning this weekend.
The lower valley meeting will be on Sunday (Sept. 10) from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Community Center in Methow.
The middle valley meeting will be next Wednesday (Sept. 13) from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Twisp Valley Grange in Twisp.
The upper valley meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the Mazama Community Club.
Greg Knott, chair of the Methow Watershed Council, will provide a brief description of the council and an update on recent council activities. He will also provide a preview of upcoming fall/winter presentations on water management in the Methow by subject matter experts.
Natalie Kuehler, attorney at Ryan & Kuehler in Winthrop, will discuss how the recent Hirst court decision may affect individual water rights locally.
Okanogan County Commissioner Andy Hover will explain the county’s response to the Washington state Supreme Court’s Hirst decision – which affected how counties issue water permits – give updated information on the current rate of county approvals, and lead a discussion about zoning issues related to water rights. Questions will be welcomed. Contact Knott at gknott47@gmail.com for more information, or visit http://MethowWatershed.com.
