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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemorandum of Agreement Big Quilcene RiverBIG QUILCENE RIVER MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is made and entered into by and between Jefferson County and the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Whereas: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDF ) has a duty to preserve, protect and perpetuate the fish and wildlife resources of the State of Washington; and Whereas: Jefferson County has a responsibility to protect the public health and safety and to regulate land use for the general well being of its citizens; and Whereas: Both parties have a mutual desire to cooperate with each other and with other affected parties in the protection, enhancement and restoration of fish, wildlife, and water resources, as well as -the identification and resolution of other issues and concerns in the Big Quilcene Watershed; therefore: Jefferson County Agrees: A. To implement all aspects of the Big Quilcene settlement agreement of December $, 1994, between Jefferson County and the State of Washington, Department of Fish' Wildlife. �o l B. To involve the WDFW in the determination of acceptable flooding risk for the Big Quilcene River so as to minimize adverse impacts to fish, wildlife, aquatic and riparian habitat, and water resources. C. To be a full and active partner with the WDFW and other affected parties in the protection, enhancement and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat in the Big Quilcene watershed. D. To seek funding from state, federal, private and other sources for planning and implementation of watershed restoration projects on the Big Quilcene River. E. To manage all county properties on or adjacent to the Big Quilcene River so as to �� ; protect fish and wildlife habitat, provide for public recreational uses which are �) compatible with habitat protection, and recognize tribal treaty rights. � Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Agrees: A. To be a full and active partner with Jefferson County and other affected parties in the protection, enhancement and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat in the Big Quilcene watershed. B. Consistent with WDFW's primary duty to protect fish and wildlife, to work cooperatively with Jefferson County to minimize the risks of flooding on the Big Quilcene River. C. To provide technical assistance and information needed for the protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources in the Big Quilcenc watershed. D. To assist and support Jefferson County in seeking funding from federal, state and Private sources for planning and implementing watershed restoration and fish and wildlife enhancement projects on the Big Quilcene River. Both Parties Agree: A. To work cooperatively with other governmental, and non -governmental entities in managing the Big Quilcene River for the protection, restoration and enhancement of fish, wildlife, habitat and water resources, Other affected parties include, but are not limited to: I Point No Point Treaty Council Skokomish Tribe Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Lower Elwha S'Klallam Tribe Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Washington Dept. of Ecology U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Environmental Protection Agency B• To develop and encourage recreational uses on public lands within the Big Quilcene Watershed that are consistent with the legal mandates of each party and with the Protection, restoration and enhancement of fish, wildlife and habitat resources. C. To designate contact persons for they and to promote a close worldng relationship at all leose of vels hwitingh routine respective organizations. bi '5 P D. To meet at least once annually during the month of April with other affected parties to discuss issues, concerns and opportunities relating to management and use of the Big Quilcene watershed. E. To immediately inform the other party of emergent situations. F. To share data and information from past, current and future studies on the Big Quilcene Watershed. G. To jointly pursue the acquisition of private parcels within the historical Big Quilcene River delta. 2 H. This Memorandum of Agreement shall become effective when signed by both parties. 1. Because both parties expect their field managers to follow a mutual cooperative philosophy and resolve resource concerns in a professional manner, it is likely that issues will be resolved at the field level. However, in the unlikely event resolution of concerns cannot be reached at the on -the -ground level, both parties agree to elevate the issues of concern through equivalent levels of each organization for resolution. When issues can not be resolved cooperatively at lower levels, they may be referred to the Director of the WDFW and the Commissioners of Jefferson County for l� resolution. A J. This MOA will be effective for ten years, provided that at the end of the fifth year it 6C ,� Z shall be reviewed to determine whether it is meeting the stated objectives and may be modified as necessary upon the mutual consent of both parties, to improve its effectiveness in meeting these objectives. K. This MOA may be amended at any time in writing upon the mutual agreement of both parties. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: By: bert Turner, Director Dated: 1-2- f 714 Jefferson C lSy— Richard Woj , ommissioner By: Robert Hinton, Commissioner By: Glen Huntingford, C�nissio er Dated: r b..