The state of Washington is divided into 62 watersheds for planning purposes under the Watershed Planning Act (Chapter 90.82 RCW).  These units are called Watershed Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs).  Jefferson County is involved in developing and implementing watershed plans for WRIAs 16, 17, 20 and 21.  For a graphic representation of the state's WRIAs and other background information on watershed planning, visit the following source:

• Dept. of Ecology watershed planning webpage

Contact the County's Natural Resources program for information on the County's role in watershed planning efforts for WRIAs 16, 17, 20 and 21.

With respect to WRIA 17, the Quilcene-Snow Basin of northeast Jefferson County, the Department of Ecology has initiated rulemaking for the establishment of "instream flows."  The concept would be to establish a water right for ensuring that sufficient flows are maintained in streams to support fish populations.  See Links below for more information.

2005 Instream Flow Activities

The Jefferson County Planning Commission hosted a workshop on August 31, 2005 concerning an instream flow rule being proposed by the State Department of Ecology for the Quilcene-Snow Basin (WRIA 17).  Ecology staff was on-hand to present and answer questions.

• Press release on Planning Commission workshop 8/26/05

• Ecology slideshow presented 8/31/05

Ecology hosted an open house on September 20, 2005 at the USO Building in Fort Worden.

• Ecology 9/20/05 open house announcement

The process is ongoing.  Contact Natural Resources for updated information.