NO. 99-23
(amended by four Resolutions for the Minutes)

A RESOLUTION to establish a Watershed Advisory Council.

WHEREAS, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) was formed by the four Basin states and the federal government to manage the water resources of the 13,539 square mile basin; and

WHEREAS, the DRBC's vision statement states that "The Commission will be the leader in protecting, enhancing, and developing the water resources of the Delaware River for present and future generations"; and

WHEREAS, the DRBC Commissioners determined during their 1995 retreat process that the Commission would lead by acting as a policy-maker, regulator, planner, manager and mediator on behalf of the Signatories to the Delaware River Basin Compact and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the DRBC co-sponsored a series of ten workshops throughout the Basin to assess professional and community opinions regarding existing and ideal conditions and obstacles to achieving desired results; and

WHEREAS, recently the DRBC and partners published Flowing Toward the Future: 21st Century Visions and Directions for the Delaware River and Its Watersheds ("the report"), containing Visions, Directions and Action Items; and

WHEREAS, one of the report's recommended actions is to "establish a Delaware River Basin Watershed Advisory Council"; and

WHEREAS, the DRBC recognizes the need for such a council to advise and guide it in developing a new comprehensive water resources plan and in setting directions for basinwide watershed management; and

WHEREAS, the Governors of the Basin states ("the Governors") have requested by resolution that the Commission develop a new comprehensive water resources plan for the Basin and periodically compile an environmental goals and indicators report; and

WHEREAS, the Governors have also requested by resolution that the Commission establish a Watershed Council to assist the Commission with the comprehensive water resources plan update; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the DRBC that a Watershed Advisory Council is hereby created.

1. The primary purpose of the Council is to advise the Commissioners on the development of the basinwide comprehensive water resources plan.

2. The Council will advise on goal-setting and establishing indicators to monitor progress.

3. The Council will advise in the development of watershed management policies.

4. The Council will recommend goals for watershed education and provide suggestions on potential implementing organizations.

5. The Council will recommend a program to create a basin identity to increase interest in the river basin as a tourist destination and to enhance environmentally sound economic development. The Council will provide suggestions on potential implementing organizations.

6. The Council will forward its recommendations to the Commissioners through the Executive Director.

7. The Council will have 25-30 members, with technical, economic development, academic, and environmental interests, selected from numerous sectors. Following are potential categories to be considered:

Academic/Scientific
Tourism
Recreation
Industry
Utility
Water Authority
Economic Development
Municipality
City
County
States - Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
Regional Environmental Organizations
Local Watershed Organizations
Agriculture/Forestry
Fisheries
Builders/Developers
Environmental Education
Transportation
Legislative
Philanthropy
Federal Government

8. Members will be appointed by the Executive Director based upon recommendations of the DRBC Commissioners.

9. The Council shall be authorized to establish subcommittees to address specific issues or perform more narrowly focused tasks.

10. The Council shall elect a Chair/Co-chairs and establish its own operating procedures.

11. The Council, its organization and assignment shall terminate in two years from the date of this resolution, unless it is renewed or extended prior thereto.

This resolution shall take effect immediately.

ADOPTED: October 27, 1999

* Amended by Resolutions for the Minutes on February 28, 2001 (authorizing the Executive Director to host a facilitated two-day meeting of the Council, including a consensus-building workshop); June 6, 2001 (extending the term of the Council through December 31, 2003 and authorizing it to provide for its own organizational structure); February 6, 2002 (authorizing the Council to include as many as 40 members); and December 3, 2003 (extending the term of the Council through December 31, 2004).

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