May 11, 2023
Contact: Rachel Lindsey, Water Quality Analyst Rachel.lindsey@deq.idaho.gov
BOISE — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks representatives from various interest groups to serve on the Little Salmon River Watershed Advisory Group (WAG).
The WAG is comprised of citizens from a diverse set of interests dedicated to improving and protecting water quality in the Little Salmon River subbasin. The Little Salmon River WAG was initially formed in May 2004 and met throughout the development of multiple Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), five-year reviews, and implementation plans in the Little Salmon River subbasin. The WAG has not officially met since 2016 but will reconvene in spring 2023 to assist with the five-year review of the water bodies in the subbasin with TMDL water quality improvement plans and to advise DEQ on all waters within HUC 17060210.
DEQ is seeking participants from groups representing agriculture, mining, point source dischargers, forest products, local government, livestock, water-based recreation, environmental interests, and land management or regulatory agencies. Members do not need to be water quality experts to serve on a WAG. Individuals who live or work within the area of interest are knowledgeable and informed, and DEQ values community input.
Responsibilities of WAG members include the following:
- Advise DEQ on developing a water quality improvement plan known as a TMDL for the Little Salmon River subbasin.
- Advise DEQ on developing a five-year review for the Little Salmon River subbasin.
- Help identify contributing pollution sources in the Little Salmon River subbasin.
- Recommend specific actions to effectively control sources of pollution in the Little Salmon River subbasin.
- Help develop and implement a plan to meet water quality targets identified in the TMDLs.
The WAG meets monthly or bimonthly and members are asked to serve at least two-year terms. Meetings will be advertised and open to the public. To learn more, see the WAG fact sheet.
For anyone interested in attending or serving as a member on the Little Salmon River WAG, please complete the WAG survey here or on DEQ’s Watershed Advisory Groups web page. Return surveys by email to rachel.lindsey@deq.idaho.gov, mail (1445 N. Orchard Street, Boise, ID 83706), or deliver in person at the meeting.
The upcoming WAG meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 7, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. MDT at the New Meadows Senior Citizen Center.