DOE issues call for advisory panel

Invitations have been sent to a broad array of agricultural interests to participate on the state Department of Ecology’s new agriculture and water quality advisory committee.

DOE is reaching out to expand upon and improve working relationships with agricultural landowners and livestock producers. The aim is to provide an open forum for dialogue ensuring both water quality protection and a healthy agricultural industry.

“I believe we can have on-the-ground approaches that preserve agricultural lands and protect water quality if we roll up our sleeves and work together on this,” said Director Maia Bellon.

“We think the time is right to get everybody in the same room so we can improve our relationship and communication with agricultural interests,” said Kelly Susewind, special assistant to Bellon. “We think we have a lot in common, we all want livestock and agricultural production to thrive and we want clean water in our rivers and streams.”

“I have invited Vic Stokes, president of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association, to co-chair the group,” Bellon said. “I look forward to benefiting from his personal experience as we collaborate and work through tough challenges facing agriculture and water quality protection.”

“There’s been volatile conversation at times and I think the director wants a frank discussion,” Stokes told the Gazette Tuesday afternoon. “I think we have to do it. I’m anxious for the opportunity.”

Stokes said that Connell attorney Toni Meacham also was asked to be a member of the committee.

DOE is inviting livestock producers, wheat and other crop growers, environmental groups and tribes to join the group. Members of the committee will have hands-on experience in the industry in order to provide practical guidance on key issues.

The first meeting is scheduled for March 19 at DOE’s offices in Lacey. Meetings will be open to the public and locations will alternate between eastern and western Washington.

DOE will post information as it becomes available about the advisory committee on its website http://www.ecy.wa.gov.