Perry explained the difficulties in obtaining requested documents relating to the wolf management program and the live stock grazing policies. Perry will contact Steve Bozarth, Deputy PA about the lack of cooperation from the state agencies. He noted that Senator Rockefeller dropped a senate bill regarding watering of livestock.

Jeri Headlund explained the proposed bill would amend 90.44, Existing operations using less than 5.6 acre feet would be exempt but those using more would have to apply for verification with Department of Ecology and if they are using water that is in hydraulic continuity with service waters that have endangered salmon habitat they would have to meter the wells. Any new operations using over 5.6 acre feet would have to apply for a water right. Using less than 5.6-acre feet, you would be exempt but would still have to meter your wells. This breaks down to about 5000 gallons of water a day. Using ecology’s average cow use is 18-20 gallons a day would only allow you to have 250 cattle. A study shows that in Okanogan County you need about 500 head to support one family. It doesn’t matter if you have 10 acres or 10,000 acres. The way they define it if you have contiguous parcels or an operation it is still 5.6-acre feet. It would essentially prohibit any new operation of 250 head or more to start without a water right. Any new operation, regardless of the type of livestock the wells would need to be metered whether regardless of one cow or more.

Perry noted that it puts a livestock operation in a difficult situation. Commissioner Lampe asked Perry to draft a letter for the Commissioners signature opposing the bill.

Perry mentioned some legislation regarding the prohibition of large tracts of land purchases. Commissioner Peterson mentioned that she has been commenting via emails on a bill that addresses land purchases being submitted by Joel Kretz. She recommended that there be requirements to get approval by county authorities by resolution, secured funding for the purchase, an economic impact study, long term weed control plan, the intention of the agency as to the subsequent use of the property would be and no more back door purchases through a non-profit agency. Perry mentioned that there is a series of similar bills. There are two land purchase proposals by federal agencies to buy land along Salmon Creek. There is a one half acre tract at the mouth and a 17-acre tract about a half-mile or so up stream. Planning has received a SEPA notice on extending the release of water out of Conconully of 1200 acre feet. The agency will also be doing NEPA. The comment period for SEPA is tomorrow. The deadline to comment on the SEPA is tomorrow. Char will draft a comment letter to ensure the county is standing.

Skalitude PD

Perry explained that Skalitude PD is being brought to the forefront once again. He stated that the Temporary Use Permits were not specifically addressed in the contract-zoning document. Documents were not recorded. New information has come to light and they are trying to figure out what was granted before. Perry will let the commissioners know after more research is done.