The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, in collaboration with a multi-agency team, is inviting public comments on a draft document detailing Best Practices for Community Engagement in the development of water projects. This initiative aims to ensure that community voices are integral to water project planning and implementation across Oregon.
Water projects encompass a wide range of activities related to the management, conservation, and distribution of water resources. These projects can include the construction and maintenance of water supply systems, irrigation infrastructure, watershed restoration efforts, habitat protection for aquatic species, flood control measures, and water quality improvement programs.
In line with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 541.551, state agencies may offer support for the creation of community engagement plans for water projects. When such support is provided, adherence to the Best Practices for Community Engagement is mandatory. Recognizing the diversity in scale and scope of water projects, the agencies understand that community engagement strategies must be adaptable and context-specific.
The draft document, titled Best Practices in Community Engagement around Water Projects, is available on the Oregon Water Resources Department’s (OWRD) funding opportunities webpage. This resource is a product of collaborative efforts with communities statewide, aiming to foster effective and inclusive community involvement in water projects.
How to Share Comments
The multi-agency team, which includes the OWRD, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), seeks public input to refine the draft guidance.
All comments received by the deadline will be reviewed by the interagency team. The collective feedback will be incorporated to enhance the final document, ensuring it effectively supports community engagement in water project planning and execution.
This initiative underscores the commitment of Oregon’s state agencies to inclusive and meaningful community participation in environmental stewardship and resource management.
Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on August 1, 2024. Submissions should be emailed to engagement.best.practices@water.oregon.gov. For further information about the document’s development, interested parties can refer to the March 14, 2024, open house details or contact Charlotte Regula-Whitefield directly.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please reach out to:
Charlotte Regula-Whitefield, Ph.D.
North Central Community Engagement Coordinator
Phone: 971-375-3481