Scientific framework for a comprehensive assessment of tribal water resources in western Washington

Abstract

Abstract : Judicious management of water resources and protection of Tribal water rights requires information about the quantity and quality of water available in western Washington, the quantity of water needed by Tribes for current and future out-of-stream uses, and the quantity of water needed for salmon restoration and protection. A framework for a comprehensive assessment of Tribal water resources in western Washington would produce scientific information on water resources that could be used to support various Tribal management, administrative, and legal activities. The assessment would evaluate water resources with regard to three research goals: 1. Quantity, timing, and location of water available for all in-stream and out-of-stream uses; 2. Quantity and quality of water needed to satisfy current and future out-of-stream uses by Tribes in western Washington; and 3. Quantity, quality, location, and timing of streamflow necessary to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems so that they support sustainable populations of harvestable fish. Past and future changes in water use, flood control, land drainage, land cover, and climate require that the assessment have both historical and future perspectives on water resources in the region. The information needs of resource managers should ultimately guide implementation of the framework including the level of detail.