BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1997 Proposal

Section 1. Administrative
Section 2. Narrative
Section 3. Budget

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Title of project
Yakima Basin Environmental Education

BPA project number   9405900

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
Yakima Education Service District

Sponsor type   WA-Consultant

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   Andy Thoms, EWP 503/230-5827

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   7.6B.5

Short description
The program engages- students, teachers, and other community members in working together to find solutions to water resource problems in the watershed.

Project start year   1995    End year   

Start of operation and/or maintenance   

Project development phase   maintenance

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects

Project history
The Environmental Education Training Program offers teachers throughout the Yakima Valley the opportunity to become involved with their students in real life projects to protect, enhance, analyze and provide solutions to water resource problems in their community. Teachers receive training in a wide range of issues including salmon life cycle and spawning requirements, monitoring of water quality, and understanding water needs (reservoirs, irrigation diversion, cultural use, agricultural use, industrial use, hydroelectric power). Teachers are able to replicate these lessons and field trips with their students, and involve the students in real hands-on activities that provide a relevant interdisciplinary curriculum. Activities range from math and science investigations to language arts, journal writing, historical investigations of the watershed, civics, economics and responsible citizenship. Other involved groups include the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Ecology, and North Yakima Conservation District.

Biological results achieved
Over the past four years, students have identified projects to improve water quality and habitat on Cowiche Creek, Wide Hollow Creek, Satus Creek, Toppedsh Creek, and the Yakima River.

Annual reports and technical papers

Management implications
This on-going program is in its fourth year of operation. In excess of 100 teachers throughout the region are trained and annually over 1,500 students are involved in hands-on activities related to understanding and being involved in better stewardship of our watershed.

Specific measureable objectives
1. Provide relevant, hands-on curriculum for all participating students and teachers.
2. Provide students and teachers with equipment and materials to participate in local environmental education activities.
3. Create community partnerships to improve education and the environment.
4. Stimulate student interest in science and the environment as career choices.
5. Protect and rehabilitate local habitat.

Testable hypothesis

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints

Methods

Brief schedule of activities
Each additional year the project is funded, more teachers participate with additional students becoming involved with more projects related to our watershed. It is the intention to expand to the adjacent Educational Service District 123 where teacher requests for the program have been numerous, as well as other schools around the region.

Biological need
Water conservation and water quality is a priority issue in the Yakima River watershed. Competition is great among agriculturists and others regarding limited available water. This creates a great need for education about water conservation, water quality and caring for our watershed ecosystem. This program provides not only training for local teachers and students, but opportunities for local community involvement in effecting positive changes in our local resources.

Critical uncertainties

Summary of expected outcome
With continued support, watershed education and community participation will result in further watershed restoration, rehabilitation and most importantly a better informed citizenry for future decision-making related to local resources.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation

Risks

Monitoring activity
Participating teachers and students complete annual assessments and evaluation forms for each training activity.

Section 3. Budget

* For most projects, Authorized is the amount recommended by CBFWA and the Council. Planned is amount currently allocated. Contracted is the amount obligated to date of printout.

Funding recommendations

CBFWA funding review group   System Policy

Recommendation    Tier 1 - fund

Recommended funding level   $100,000

BPA 1997 authorized budget (approved start-of-year budget)   $100,000