1998 Work Plan of the Western States Water Council

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from these discussions arose an interest in beginning a dialogue with the Tribes about what would b an acceptable approach. In the c se of these discussions, it was generally agreed that there was a need for quantification, but that negotiated settlements were preferable to litigation, and that such settlemei its should be encouraged and facilitated by the federal government, particularly the Dep nt of the Interior. The Ad Hoc Group has actively promoted negotiated settlements since 19 2 and is comprised of representatives from the WGA, WRC, the Native American Rights F d (NARF), the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, and the National Congress of Americ Indians. The WSWC has been assisting the WGA in these endeavors. Directly ollowing the October 1997 Symposium on the Settlement of Indian Reserved Water Rights C aims, there was a meeting between the WGA, NARF, WSWC, and the WRC. In attendan a were: John Echohawk (NARF), Don Leonard, Jim Bush (WRC), Martha Pagel, Julie Krenz, S isan Cottingham (Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission), Craig Bell, and Shadn McGrath (WGA). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss whether to reenergize the Ad Floc Group, and if so, how. It was ge aerally agreed that the climate of the last four years around water rights settlements is beginni to change favorably. One key indicator was when Bruce Babbitt testified before the Western Water Policy Review Advisory Committee (on which John Echohawk serves). He made a mmitment to look at new funding mechanisms for settlements, and has since created the Tribz I Task Force on Funding (on which John Echohawk also serves). Secretary Babbitt also appointe I David Hayes to be his special counsel to handle these issues, which has been viewed very pos tively. During the symposium, David Hayes repeatedly talked about DOI's efforts to "take a n ow approach" toward settlements. Of that 1998: working , the lack of funding and the Administration's approach have not been the only for the Ad Hoc Group: the WGA has lacked a lead governor on this issue. Regarding L Council member and Legal Committee Vice - Chair, Martha Pagel, got clearance from Kitzhaber to make it a priority for Governor Kitzhaber, and to take over as lead WGA e Ad Hoc Group will sponsor a workshop, most likely in Washington, D.C. This will likely take place sometime early in the year. The Council will assist the WGA in ng what objectives should be pursued at the workshop, how best to organize it, invitations, as well as appropriate follow up. Another area where the Council will be vith the WGA is to seek to secure WGA and WRC representation on the Task Force on and in participating in developing a process to prioritize settlements. Estimat d workdays: 10 Time fr me: January - June 4