Spokane River Instream Flow Rule Appealed
Environmental groups with local, regional and national affiliations are challenging the Spokane River in-stream flow rule that Ecology adopted in February, 2015. The purpose of an instream flow rule is to protect and preserve water in streams for fish, wildlife, recreational uses, wastewater management, and hydropower.
At the core of the appeal is the desire for increased flows to protect and restore the river’s redband trout population and meet recreational boating needs. Click here for their news release. Said Guy Gregory with the Washington Department of Ecology, “We were notified yesterday. Once complete, we’ll begin reviewing it in accordance with Washington law.”
Instream flows will be addressed as part of climate change, the water needs of a growing population, conservation efforts, aquifer protection and fishery restoration at the Spokane River Forum Conference March 23rd – 24th. Click here to register.