2006 ANNUAL REPORT

Our mission: "to develop human and natural resources through cooperative efforts." 

Our vision:  "to empower local people to take a proactive role in improving their standard of living and quality of life.  To serve as a catalyst in creating the partnerships needed to successfully achieve economic and natural resource development while maintaining an environmental ethic."

In keeping with our mission and vision, the BBRC&D, successfully works with the people and resources in our council area to empower local people and create partnerships.

2006 PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ADAMS COUNTY MUSEUM  The Adams County Historical Society continues to seek funding for the remodel of the museum.    The current museum space in Lind was sold leaving the Historical Society in need of renovation funding for the new building.  Grant research is on going and local fund raising is in progress.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS - RENEWABLE ENERGY  Alternative fuels and renewable energy is one of the top priorities of the RC&D.  We continue to research viable opportunities and network with other organizations pursuing similar prospects to bring economically feasible ventures into the Big Bend region.

COLUMBIA BASIN WATER INITIATIVE  A local work group has formed and met throughout the year.  A November forum was held to provide updates and insights for the supporters of the initiative.  The Bureau of Reclamation has completed the draft sub-area study and it has been distributed for public review.

COULEE CORRIDOR CONSORTIUM  The Consortium hosted “ The Big Event” at the Soap Lake High School and featured art along the Corridor.  The National Scenic Byway funding will allow the Consortium to advance the project.

COULEE CORRIDOR NATURAL HISTORY/ GEOLOGY MAPPING  Retired Geologists are lending their expertise to develop two separate maps for the Coulee Corridor Consortium covering the natural history and geology of the region within the coulee corridor.

INLAND EMPIRE HISTORICAL RAILWAY SOCIETY  The Society has begun laying bed and track with the hopes of completing this work to the Rearden museum site.  Once this work is completed the engines and cars stored in Spokane will be moved to the site.  Grants are being researched, permit applications are completed and dreams of life on the rail are being awakened.

SHRUB STEPPE DEMONSTRATION  Grant County community service workers assisted in trail building, weed removal and cleaned up landscaping in the project area.  Soap Lake high school students built and installed a wooden kiosk.  Art students will design the content of the kiosk and other students will create a map using GPS equipment and associated software.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH EDUCATION  

A two-day conference and tour was held in May at the LaQuinta Inn, Ritzville with 40 participants in attendance.  The theme of the conference was “Sustainable Rural Enterprises” and featured keynote speaker An Peischel, Tennessee State University, who discussed various aspects of marketing livestock and sustainable uses.  The Adams County Cattlemen provided a pitchfork steak fry for participants during the evening program

WRIA 34 PALOUSE & WRIA 43 WATERSHED  Sprague Lake water users and Cow Creek residents are working with the Palouse Conservation District and Crab Creek residents and Lincoln Conservation District on a watershed study which addresses the water quality and quantity issues of concern in their area.  Drafts of several sections of the studies are completed and available for review and input.

WASHINGTON RANGELAND COMMITTEE    The WRC brochure was updated to reflect current membership and mission.  A brochure for rest area racks is being developed for 2007.  The committee met with Dean Dan Bernardo to provide input on the direction of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences Department.  He was very open to our suggestions.