Drought Contingency Planning and Preparedness
July 23, 2020

This virtual forum was organized by the Whatcom Watershed Information Network and the Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) to help community members learn about drought vulnerability and preparedness in Whatcom County, and drought contingency planning at the federal, state, and local levels. This forum featured speakers from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, RH2 Engineering, Whatcom County Ag Water Board, and many more who discussed how drought could impact fisheries, public water systems, self-supplied residential systems, agriculture, and forestry as well as plans to mitigate and respond to drought. Topics and Speakers: Climate Overview - Crystal Raymond, UW Climate Impacts Group Federal Drought Preparedness - Darion Mayhorn, Bureau of Reclamation Washington State Drought Contingency Plan - Jeff Marti, Washington Department of Ecology Whatcom County Drought Contingency Plan – Andy Dunn, RH2 Engineering, Inc. Water Sources – Sue Blake, Retired WSU Extension and Washington Sea Grant Whatcom County Drought Contingency Plan Vulnerability Assessment, Mitigating Measures, and Actions Overview of Drought Hazards and Vulnerabilities, Andy Dunn, RH2/Jim Bucknell, Retired, RH2 Fisheries- Megan Kernan, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Public Water Systems – Dave Olson, Water System Services Self-Supplied Residential Systems – Jay Chennault, Associated Earth Sciences, Inc Agriculture – Henry Bierlink, Ag Water Board Forestry – Dick Whitmore, Retired Forest Engineer Wrap Up by the Moderator