Since 1999, the members of the WRIA 16 Watershed Team have met monthly in the Hoodsport area to develop and implement a plan for watershed management consistent with the Watershed Planning Act (Chapter 90.82 RCW).

The purpose of watershed planning and implementation in WRIA 16 is to improve and protect the watershed - which includes water quality, stream flows, fish habitat, nearshore and marine waters. The WRIA 16 Watershed Team provides a forum for citizens, tribes and government agencies to collaboratively develop strategies and implement actions to enhance the watershed.

Studies, plans and educational resources to support Watershed Team recommendations and implementation actions have been developed with the support of grants from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Matching funds or in-kind contributions were provided by local and tribal governments as well as citizen volunteers.

Butler Creek Dosewallips Sub-basin Photo: Bill Graham

The WRIA 16 Watershed Team formed in 1999 as the WRIA 16 Planning Unit through the WRIA 16 Intergovernmental Agreement. Mason County is the lead agency.

Members of the WRIA Planning Unit in 2006 on the day they recommended the WRIA 16 Watershed Management Plan for adoption by Mason and Jefferson counties.

• WRIA 16 Operating Procedures - Revised
• WRIA 16 Planning Unit Roles and Responsibilities 2007

The goal of the WRIA 16 Watershed Team remains healthy local watersheds and a healthy Hood Canal. The Watershed Team is currently seeking funds to continue to implement and update its watershed management plan recommendations.

A maidenhair fern in WRIA 16