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Strategic Plan Summary

Goal 1: Water Quality Management Plans
Goal 2: Recommend Actions
Goal 3: Public Involvement

Mission, Vision, and Role

The mission of the Lower Boise Watershed Council is to foster and support the protection and enhancement of water quality for the Lower Boise watershed, with the vision of supporting all appropriate uses in the Lower Boise River. With this in mind, the Council drafted a Strategic Plan to continue to collaborate with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and effectively implement water quality plans, meet beneficial uses for the Lower Boise River, and involve the public in water quality decision-making.

As the state-designated watershed advisory group (WAG), the Council has certain legal responsibilities as described in Idaho Code Title 39, Health And Safety, Chapter 36, Water Quality (Section 39-3615). Amended by the State Legislature in 2005, these responsibilities include advising DEQ on the attainability and status of beneficial uses, developing and implementing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), working with the larger basin advisory group to coordinate plans, and collaborating with DEQ to provide public outreach.

Beyond these basic responsibilities, the Council has a strong desire to become a water quality resource for the entire watershed. As land use in the watershed changes from rural to urban, the Council is committed to helping create excellent water quality in the Lower Boise River. Through the TMDL process, the Council seeks to achieve the Lower Boise River's designated uses. Following are the goals and associated objectives for achieving our mission.

Goal 1

Consult with DEQ director on development and periodic review of water quality management plans as they relate to point sources and non-point sources

  • Participate in TMDL development/periodic reevaluation
  • Focus and prioritize monitoring
  • Remain involved in use attainability analysis (UAA)/site-specific criteria

Goal 2

Recommend actions for non-point sources and point sources to meet designated beneficial uses

  • Spearhead TMDL implementation
  • Improve funding coordination

Goal 3

Assist in facilitating public involvement

  • Strengthen partnerships
  • Improve diversity of WAG involvement
  • Enhance information sharing