Methow Watershed

05/05/2026

This evening at 5:30 PM, Methow Watershed Council looking forward to meeting Mark Miller on the banks of the Methow at Homestream Park!

Parking: Please park in the lots at the ice rink or Town Trailhead. Walk toward the river and pass to the right of the Methow River Lodge to find the trail that passes under the highway bridge and reaches the park. Limited parking at the site is available for visitors with mobility needs.

04/29/2026

COMING UP SOON!
PERCEPTIONS OF DROUGHT DISCUSSION

We're excited to host Methow Valley: Perceptions of Drought -- a panel discussion at the Winthrop Library on Tuesday, May 12th. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for a social, followed by the discussion with guest panelists at 6:00 p.m. Our panelists are among 21 community members who graciously participated in the Council's 2025 Perceptions of Drought Interview Project. The interviewees--from agriculture to water suppliers to fisheries to recreation to habitat restoration--each brought a range of perspectives and insights on drought and its impact on their operations and livelihood. Come hear what they have to say! We're expecting:

• Jasmine Minbashian, communications director for Conservation Northwest
• Dylan Marks, Methow Rafting
• Vic Stokes, Rancher
• Craig Boesel, Rancher and Irrigator
• Kirk Lohman, Lost River HOA Community Water Manager
• Jake Gates, Town of Winthrop Public Works Superintendent

04/08/2026

Not unexpected, given the conditions. MWC will be hosting drought related information events soon. Stay tuned!

02/24/2026

JOIN MWC AT THE WINTHROP LIBRARY Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Starting at 3:00 p.m., our featured guest this month is Caroline Mellor, Statewide Drought Lead for Washington State Department of Ecology. Caroline leads the agency's work on drought and she will discuss the water supply outlook for 2026 and more. Council member Murray Taylor will follow and share an overview on water retention opportunities in the Methow Valley watershed. Learn a bit more on their work in the article below!

Join in person or on Zoom!

More info in our newsletter:

Our Vision: Water for our Rivers: Maintain sufficient instream flow for aquatic species Water for our Farms: To ensure sustainable agriculture Water for People: Sufficient water supplies for vibrant towns and thoughtful rural development

01/30/2026

Many of our local organizations are speaking to snowpack, water and current conditions. Find more info here in our newsletter as well!
https://mailchi.mp/7ab3a30b3e3c/forecasting-summer-water-views-on-our-snowpack

12/16/2025

Here's this month's MWC news, featuring an upper valley update from MWC Councilmember Boo Turner. The rain is startlingly impactful all over the state; read here for more on our local situation.

MWC meets this Wednesday. Meeting information is included here too. Take care of yourselves and each other! Check on your neighbor. And we wish you happy holidays!
https://mailchi.mp/cb6efa787d5e/upper-valley-creeks-wreak-havoc-with-december-rain

12/09/2025

We've been learning a lot about what awesome work beavers can do lately! Visit our website for a link to a recent presentation that discussed this project (November meeting)

Working with Nature: An Ongoing Story of Wetland Regeneration paints a picture of process-based restoration as an act of reciprocity. Through hands-on effort...

11/17/2025

SPECIAL PRESENTATION at our meeting THIS WEDNESDAY, November 19 at 3:00PM

WATER CYCLE RESTORATION: BREAKING THE DROUGHT, FIRE, FLOOD CYCLE

Water Weaver Earthworks (Councilmember Wren Soperanez) will join our meeting at 3:00 p.m. to share a short yet powerful presentation on how community-led restoration work can reshape the future of our landscapes. This talk will explore the many ways restoring natural water processes strengthens watershed health, supports wildlife, and protects landowners facing growing fire concerns and increasing drought pressures. Read below for more details!

https://mailchi.mp/d421d8bd7a3e/learn-about-water-cycle-restoration-this-wednesday

10/27/2025

Help all Methow Valley nonprofits! Give today to meet our challenge of raising $700,000 by 10/31. An additional $50,000 becomes available to Methow nonprofits!! It's been a tough year, folks, and we can use your help! If every Methow Valley resident gave only $10, we'd reach this goal.

10/20/2025

It's Funday Monday! If you're thinking about giving, it's a great day to do so! We appreciate your support!

This Wednesday, MWC is lucky to host Methow Beaver Project to give a presentation of their work. Our local furry water engineers are some of the best at storing water on the landscape which improves flows, temperature and habitat. (PS, they are part of Give Methow as well!)

Join us via Zoom at 3:00 PM Wednesday for their presentation and to learn about MWC's work as well. Meeting links, information about our work, inspiring reading and more are all here in this newsletter!
https://mailchi.mp/fb4f91adc9f1/current-news-october-20-methow-watershed-council-news

Last but not least, will you head over to Okanogan Conservation District and take the drought survey?
https://www.okanogancd.org/drought-preparedness-plan

10/11/2025

Methow Watershed council is grateful for your work, MVCC!

💧 Stand Up for the Methow’s Water 💧

As water shortages deepen across Washington, the Yakima Basin is facing historic cutbacks with surface water users ordered to stop sending water by early October. Read more: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/oct-1-dwindling-water-supplies-force-new-restrictions-in-yakima-basin-beginning-oct-6

That’s why our “Stand Up for the Methow” message this week carries extra weight. With drought in our future, it’s vital that we share water equitably, protect instream flows, and keep our rivers healthy for ecosystems, agriculture, future generations.

This October, when you donate through Give Methow, you’re not just supporting the Methow Valley Citizens Council, you’re also standing up for flowing rivers, clean water, and the health of the entire valley.

👉 Donate at https://cfncw.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=88974 and help us stand up for the Methow’s water.

📷: Anna Sand