07/24/08 New Columbia River watermaster

Washington Ag July 24, 2008 The Washington Department of Ecology has assigned a new watermaster to work in the Columbia River Basin. Columbia River watermaster Tom Perkow is based in Ecology's new field office in Wenatchee. Ecology spokesperson Joye Redfield-Wilder explains Perkow's role. Wilder: "The main goal is to make sure that water is being legally and fairly used. Our new watermaster Tom Perkow his initial role will be to work with farmers and provide technical assistance and just make sure their water rights match up with their water use." Ecology says enforcement will be a small part of Perkow's work. In cooperation with the Washington State Farm Bureau, Ecology s hosting several open houses where people can learn more about the water master's duties. Those open houses will run from 4 to 6 p.m. and will be held Tuesday July 29th in Coulee Dam at the Lake Roosevelt High School; Wednesday August 6th in the West Richland Library; and Wednesday August 13th at the North Central Regional Library in Wenatchee. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has appointed a task force to identify potential changes in the governance structure of NCBA. Washington cattlemen Sid Viebrock is one of the task force members. I'm Bob Hoff.