SEEC A Retrospective Looking back Planning forward v

SEEC … A Retrospective

Looking back Planning forward v Refresh our memories about how we’ve arrived v v Review past experience investing in the watershed Introduce the launch of our next strategic plan

United States and Canada: Longest “undefended” border in the world 3

Source: SEEC web site

SKAGIT Hydroelectric Project 5 Gorge § Original wooden dam – 1919 § Current high dam – 1961 Diablo § Construction complete – 1929 § 770 -acre reservoir Ross § Construction complete – 1949 § 11, 680 -acre reservoir, largest in W. Washington

A brief history… 1949 - 53 § Seattle completes 3 rd phase of Ross Dam and floods 200 ha. into Canada. § BC government re-evaluates 1940’s agreement, and negotiations with Seattle stall 1958 -67 § Negotiations postponed, ultimately until completion of Columbia River Treaty in 1964. 6 Phase 3, existing inundation and High Ross proposed inundation (shaded) § New 1967 agreement is reached allowing High Ross in exchange for modest compensation (<$50, 000/yr). BC signs but never ratifies.

1968 -70 • North Cascades National Park Service Complex created in the US in 1968 • Birth of the environmental movement and protective laws. • The North Cascades Conservation Council (NC 3) in the U. S. and the Canadian Run Out Skagit Spoilers (ROSS) Committee begin 15 years of activism in the upper Skagit watershed Curly Chittenden

1984 After extensive public and political pressure, Canada and the US (then British Columbia and Seattle) reach equitable agreement without raising Ross Dam above current elevation of 1615 ft. The High Ross Treaty creates and enables the Skagit Environmental Endowment Fund and Commission. Treaty spans a period of 80 years, ending 2064. 8

Retrospective in Print Pre-SEEC…projects and publications involving the upper Skagit Basin

1986 Introducing SEEC

Late 1980 s Focus was on Resource profiles and inventory

1990’s…finding a path…. • Exploring education and interpretation opportunities • Understanding long-term resource management

1990’s…finding a path…. Broad perspectives concept for International Park Transboundary conference 1994

1990’s…finding a path… 1995…the conversation on Grizzly Bears begins…

1990’s…finding a path…. Government Initiatives 1996 – Skagit River designated a ‘Heritage River’

1990’s…finding a path…. 1998 High Lakes Survey

2000’s… a foundation to work from 2000 -2004 NPS addressing increased camping needs and impacts Ross lake Multi-Task Team initiative

2000’s…a foundation to work from 2004 Acknowledging and supporting Indigenous culture and history in the watershed

2000’s…a foundation to work from 2004…Needs Assessments • Education • Recreation • Conservation Biology • Land Management

2000’s…a foundation to work from 2005 Oral History Project - Recorded interviews with key individuals involved in the Skagit controversy and eventual treaty creation.

2000’s…a foundation to work from 2006 Conference “Protecting an International Watershed” Ken Farquharson, Tom Brucker, Dr. Bert Brink

2000’s… a foundation to work from 2007 - Dedication of the Hozameen Interpretive Shelter

2000’s…establishing a foundation to work from 2008 – the Quest for Silverdaisy/Giant Copper

2000’s…a foundation to work from Reaching out… understanding and respecting Indigenous history 2009 Gathering at Hozomeen

5 -Year Planning: Public and Non-profit partners 25

Vision Profile of SEEC Guiding Values Mission Core Strategies that apply to all programs Education Recreation Ecosystem Management Land Management Goals Objectives Strategies Communications Administration Includes fund management, audits & SEEC meetings

2011 expanding communication approach video

Hozomeen: A Story about Chert, Identity, and Landscape By Benjamin Drummond + Sara

Wolverines of the North Cascades (2014) By Fire & Light Media Group

2018 and beyond…what does the future look like?

Conversation … Ø Ø Ø Questions / impressions about SEEC history and our current program? Ideas / wishes about potential changes or additions to our approach? Thoughts or examples of strategic planning approaches?

SEEC Situation Analysis - 2013 North Cascades Visitors & Friends Upper Skagit Ecosystem Agencies & Groups in the Upper Skagit – “Partners” SEEC Members and Resources

Strong SEEC Model North Cascades Visitors & Friends Upper Skagit Ecosystem Agencies & Groups in the Upper Skagit – “Partners” SEEC Members and Resources

Strong Treaty Model North Cascades Visitors & Friends Upper Skagit Ecosystem Agencies & Groups in the Upper Skagit – “Partners” Province of BC SEEC Members and Resources City of Seattle

Strong Partner Model North Cascades Visitors & Friends Upper Skagit Ecosystem Agencies & Groups in the Upper Skagit – “Partners” SEEC Members and Resources