The Kitsap Peninsula (including Bainbridge Island) has joined with several others in a state-sponsored “Watershed Planning” effort. This effort, also known as ESHB2514 or WRIA (Water Resource Inventory Area) planning, involves 30 jurisdictions and stakeholder groups in monthly meetings of the planning unit.

The mission of the Kitsap Peninsula Watershed Planning Unit is “to develop a practical plan to sustainably manage water resources for people, fish, and wildlife.”

The planning unit has been organized and conducted background studies in preparation for developing a watershed plan. The watershed plan will be written during the next 12 to 16 months and will be presented to the counties (Kitsap, Pierce, Mason, and King) for approval by April 2005.

This fall there will be a series of workshops throughout the region to solicit public input.

• Tuesday, November 4, Silverdale Community Center
• Thursday, November 13, Poulsbo Fire Hall
• Thursday, November 20, Givens Community Center

All workshops will be 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information visit the website at www.kitsappeninsulawatershed.org.