Water Rights 101

Water, the lifeblood of the Kittitas Valley and a source of concern for many residents, is the focus of a free ?Water Rights 101? workshop scheduled for 6:00 ? 8:30 p.m. on October 26th at the Kittitas Valley Event Center. The workshop will provide important information to anyone using surface water for irrigation or stockwater and conservation practices involved in the delivery and application of that water. Kittitas County Conservation District is hosting the program in the Armory Building at the Kittitas Valley Event Center in Ellensburg, WA. Presenters from Washington Water Trust, Trout Unlimited?s Washington Water Project, Kittitas County Conservation District, and Kittitas County Public Works will offer information about water rights, potential conservation project opportunities and an update on the Naneum, Wilson, Cherry Watershed Assessment with a Q&A session for each topic. The sponsoring organizations share a common objective of a working with landowners and water right holders to help them achieve water quantity and water quality improvements, particularly in light of both drought and flood risks. Kittitas County Conservation District provides leadership, technical, educational, and financial assistance to landowners for managing natural resources. Trout Unlimited?s Washington Water Project and Washington Water Trust are nonprofit organizations working to improving stream flows in critical tributaries around the state. Kittitas County?s Flood Control Zone District leads the Naneum, Wilson, Cherry Creek Watershed Assessment in the Kittitas Valley. The County?s assessment will provide information to develop a watershed plan to reduce flood hazards and improve fish habitat within the watershed.