Sumas WID Priorities, Goals, and Possible Actions

1. Water Quality

Goal:

   Agricultural activities in the Sumas WID do not cause exceedances of relevant water quality standards for surface water and groundwater bodies

Actions

• (2017) Continue WID’s ongoing water quality monitoring & response program

• (2018) Spring tour – to be a biennial event

• (2017-2018) Host spring and fall board meetings in Sumas to discuss water quality data with farmers.

2. Water Quantity

Goal:

    Farmers in the Sumas WID have secure (legal) access to sufficient water for agricultural uses.

Actions:

• (2017-2018) Contribute to AWB water supply program. Recruit potential surface to ground water transfers.           

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3. Agricultural Protection

Goal:

    The Sumas WID’s plans and actions contribute to the recognition, protection and strengthening of the agricultural base in the WID area.

Actions:

• (2019) Give guidance to County's PDR program

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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:

• (2017) Outreach and education with landowners done

• (2017) Prepare a preliminary management plan for the Sumas WID

• (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:

• (2017) Select and implement a ditch cleaning project

• (2017) Bridge replacement at Panghorn creek

• (2018) Panghorn Creek mowing and preparation for 2019 cleaning

• (2018) DID #15 pump and pipe around gas plant

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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:

• (2018) Continue WID cooperation with DID #15 and DID #31 to support ongoing drainage projects

• (2019) Cooperation with WDFW and County Road Dept to replace problem culverts

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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.

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The WID contains other special purpose districts within its boundaries that is dedicated to improving drainage within a portion of the WID.   More information on these districts is available at: