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that the specific format of the basin discussion including how it will all work is being developed <br /> and asked for anyone to give ideas who have them. Mely Whiting of Trout Unlimited said there <br /> should be fair representation of all interests, including people for and against WSR designation. <br /> It was asked who will be included in the workgroups that will be formed in 2011 (for the Piedra <br /> and Animas rivers). Marsha said anyone can come to the workgroup meetings but likely the <br /> Piedra will involve many people who have been interested in the East and West Forks of the San <br /> Juan. <br /> Michael Whiting asked for clarification on Steve's mention of an "offset". He said he doesn't <br /> want to see an area such as Archuleta County become a "sacrifice zone" to get rid of a potential <br /> reservoir site somewhere else. Michael said more people live in La Plata County than Archuleta <br /> County and their needs would tend to outweigh those of surrounding counties. Steve said that <br /> would have to be decided; perhaps Lake Nighthorse could be considered the offset. Marsha said <br /> Michael's concern is real and needs to be recognized. She said the idea is to meet the needs <br /> and interests of as many people as possible. <br /> It was asked to whom the report will be given, besides the Forest Service.Steve said the San <br /> Juan watershed involves three counties, and those county commissioners should receive the <br /> report. Other interested entities and the public at large will receive it as well. <br /> John Taylor of Hinsdale County said it is imperative for the group to come up with its own <br /> recommendations as an alternative to the Forest Service's WSR suitability/eligibility findings for <br /> the West and East Forks. He said any Congressperson could introduce legislation to designate <br /> these rivers a WSR, although he does not believe any WSR has been designated yet that was <br /> opposed by the local congressional representative. <br /> There was discussion of John's idea to create a local committee to advise the Forest Service on <br /> management of the San Juan watershed. Marsha said if that recommendation is included in the <br /> final report, it will mean the local community will have to step up and be involved, and work out <br /> the details. . Michael asked how the committee would be set up. Marsha said there are two <br /> broad directives. It could be a local group formed ad hoc or under the wing of a non-profit; such <br /> a group would be informal, but would have bylaws.The other option would be a formal group <br /> sanctioned through the Forest Service with members chosen under federal laws and processes. <br /> Such groups' recommendations are generally given greater weight. More information is needed. <br /> Steve said the down side of a formal group is that the Secretary of Agriculture would appoint the <br /> committee members.The Hermosa workgroup decided they wanted their advisory committee <br /> to be more informal and grassroots-based.The San Juan group will have to decide how it wants <br /> its advisory committee to be structured. <br /> Pete,Tom, Kurt, Rusty, Lucille, Gail,J.R.,Tom, Kathy, Mely, Michael,John, Ray and Don Weber <br /> all indicated an interest in looking at the council. Steve said the Southern Ute tribe needs to be <br /> involved too. <br /> 2 <br />