Our Projects
Sumas WID Priorities, Goals, and Possible Actions
Goal:
Agricultural activities in the Sumas WID do not cause exceedances of relevant water quality standards for surface water and groundwater bodies
Actions
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(2017) Continue WID’s ongoing water quality monitoring & response program
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(2018) Spring tour – to be a biennial event
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(2017-2018) Host spring and fall board meetings in Sumas to discuss water quality data with farmers.
Goal:
Farmers in the Sumas WID have secure (legal) access to sufficient water for agricultural uses.
Actions:
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(2017-2018) Contribute to AWB water supply program. Recruit potential surface to ground water transfers.
Goal:
The Sumas WID’s plans and actions contribute to the recognition, protection and strengthening of the agricultural base in the WID area.
Actions:
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(2019) Give guidance to County's PDR program
4. Communication, outreach, education,and reporting
Goal:
Internal: WID members are aware of and understand the priority issues and participate in WID planning and implementation
of priority actions.
External: Non-agricultural residents, other stakeholders, and relevant bodies & agencies are aware of, understand, and support the Sumas WID's priority actions.
Action:
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(2017) Outreach and education with landowners done
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(2017) Prepare a preliminary management plan for the Sumas WID
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(2017-18) Review and update the Preliminary Management Plan, focusing on manageable sized sections at each board meeting.
5. Agricultural drainage: Field drainage
Goal:
Drainage infrastructure and ditches in the Sumas WID are actively and effectively maintained.
Action:
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(2017) Select and implement a ditch cleaning project
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(2017) Bridge replacement at Panghorn creek
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(2018) Panghorn Creek mowing and preparation for 2019 cleaning
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(2018) DID #15 pump and pipe around gas plant
6. Agricultural drainage: management & protection
Goal:
Agricultural lands in the Sumas WID are protected from flooding due to surface water runoff at critical times in the
growing season.
Actions:
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(2018) Continue WID cooperation with DID #15 and DID #31 to support ongoing drainage projects
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(2019) Cooperation with WDFW and County Road Dept to replace problem culverts
7. Water flow processes; Habitats & species
Goal:
The Sumas WID's plans and actions help to protect and enhance water flow processes and fish and wildlife habitats in the
Sumas watershed.