SOUND STEWARDS DERT's Newsletter - October 2021 Go with the flow - Free the Deschutes!

The Deschutes Watershed: Thurston County’s Lifeline "Water is our most precious and interconnected natural resource. It sustains all ecosystems, communities, and economies from local watersheds to the seas. It is vital to sustaining our health, safety, and the environments in which we live and work. Simply put, water is life." ~ Alexandra Cousteau   Over the last three years, DERT worked on water resource planning with a group of stakeholder jurisdictions and agencies. DERT's interests were protecting the environment and ensuring enough water for fish, wildlife and people.    We put forth a proposal during the planning process to form the Deschutes Watershed Council (DWC). The DWC would bring together water interests from around the Deschutes Watershed including environmental organizations, local government jurisdictions, the Tribes, and business entities. As part of DERTs overall mission to protect and restore the Watershed, we are working to make the DWC happen.  Here are some highlights of what the DWC could be: A broadly-based watershed group to develop and implement a plan and process for following science-based recommendations provided from previous and future planning efforts for water quality and water quantity, such as the Deschutes Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Watershed Restoration Enhancement Committee (WREC) Plan mentioned above. A collaborative partnership to implement recommendations arising from plans and studies to improve water quantity and water quality as well as identify and implement water management solutions on a regional scale that increase regional self-reliance, reduce conflict, and manage water to concurrently achieve social, environmental, and economic objectives. This approach could deliver a higher value for watershed investments by considering all partners interests and providing multiple benefits. Such examples might include:  Restoration of streamflow Improved water quality Permit-exempt mitigation Permit-required water right mitigation Protection of senior water rights, including Tribal water rights Flood management Restored and enhanced ecosystems for fish and wildlife habitat Reliability of surface and groundwater supplies and working across jurisdictional boundaries.   A Deschutes Watershed Council would build on successful models in other watersheds and use science-based tools with demonstrated effectiveness from those watersheds. The DWC could incorporate adaptive management techniques to address such future impacts as climate change. It would stress collaborative solutions that reduce conflict and avoid litigation. The time for a Deschutes Watershed Council is now – and DERT is committed to working with others to make it happen. Your input would be appreciated – please let us know what you think. You can email Sue at olydert@gmail.com with ideas, suggestions or cautions. Thanks!

LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS This month we are introducing a new section to our newsletter that highlights some local environmental news stories from the South Sound. If you have any articles that you would like us to highlight, send them to matthew. Thurston County installs new habitat features for fish... Thurston County Public Works reported completing four new habitat features for fish passage during the county commissioners' work session last week. In a presentation on Thu., Sept. 30, Public Works Associate Engineer Marcus Storvick shared that... Read more www.thejoltnews.com Your comments sought on county's Shoreline Master... The Thurston County Planning Commission invites public testimony on the proposed Shoreline Master Program (SMP) comprehensive and periodic updates. Thurston County residents and shoreline stakeholders are invited to attend and provide comment at... Read more www.thejoltnews.com

SEEKING ONLINE AUCTION ITEMS We are hosting a virtual auction the first week in November to raise funds to support our programs and initiatives. We will send a follow up email with more details soon. Do you have items to donate? Be creative! There are many things that make excellent auction items - gift certificates, arts & crafts, classes & trainings, food, an opportunity to enjoy a unique local experience. Donated items will be auctioned off virtually - with all proceeds directly supporting our valuable work! If you have items to donate or have any questions regarding our auction, please contact Katrina & Karen at: dertauction@gmail.com

DERT is participating in this year's Give Local Event, held from November 8 through 19. Hosted by Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, Give Local is an online giving campaign to support nonprofits across Thurston, Mason, and Lewis Counties. For two weeks, everyone who loves the South Puget Sound can support their favorite local causes by donating to one or more participating nonprofits. Thanks to a generous donor, each donation made during Give Local receives a proportional match from our Bonus Fund. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Are you passionate about restoring and protecting our watershed? DERT is hiring a new EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR! The Executive Director of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team reports to the Board President and the full Board of Directors (Board), serves as senior management for DERT, supervises staff and interns, and is responsible for mission achievement and meeting financial objectives. This position works 60% FTE, and the hours are flexible.     The Executive Director maintains overall responsibility for budget, staffing, management, fundraising, program development and implementation of daily operations pursuant to the direction of the Board. The Executive Director supervises staff and works closely with them in developing, implementing, and administering all programs and funds to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives, to maintain compliance with all applicable funding and corporate requirements, and to pursue partnerships and collaborations to ensure the long-term viability of DERT and its programs. Click on the image in the upper right for the full Position Description.

It has been a really big year for DERT! We became an affiliate of Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, launched the South Sound Healthy Watershed Program, hired a Program Coordinator, led an effort to form the Deschutes Watershed Council, and spent many long hours participating in the EIS process and spreading the word to our community members - And we are just getting started! In order to build upon these accomplishments and sustain them into the future, we truly need your help. Any donation that you can offer will be deeply appreciated. Thank you! DONATE to DERT

Another way you can support DERT is by wearing our swag around town! DERT has merchandise for sale, including our snazzy new "Yestuary" hats, dam smasher bumper sticker, and some remaining t-shirts in limited sizes. Please contact Matthew (mkaras@deschutesestuary.org) to inquire about purchasing and receiving items. Prices are below: Bumper stickers (Dam Smasher or "Yestuary") - Donations welcome Yestuary Hat ...$30 T-Shirts (DERT logo)... $20 T-Shirts (Dam Smasher, Red, Black, or Grey...$20 Sweatshirt ...$20

You can support DERT by joining our Board of Directors or the Volunteer Core Committee! We are looking for new energy as we increase our presence in the community and expand our programming. More information on joining the Board can be found here: Join the DERT Board As a member of the Volunteer Core, you are expected to participate in at least one program activity (kayak patrols, water quality monitoring, public outreach, or others), attend monthly meetings, and inform program development. If interested, please contact Matthew Karas at mkaras@deschutesestuary.org