County seeks alternate for Water Conservancy Board

The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is seeking a volunteer to serve as an alternate on the Lewis County Water Conservancy Board, a governing board that processes water-rights applications at the local level.

The Water Conservancy Board, which was established by RCW 90.80, works closely with water-rights applicants and the Department of Ecology to make recommendations regarding applications for water-rights changes and transfers. Each new board member must attend Ecology’s four-day (32 hours) training event in the fall and then receive eight hours of continuing education annually to continue to meet state standards. All training is paid for by the Water Conservancy Board.

The board is made up of three regular members and two alternates. At least one of the regular positions must be filled by a water right holder who diverts or withdraws water for use within Lewis County. The current vacancy is for one of the alternate positions.

Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit an application, a letter of interest and a brief resume by mail to the following:

Lewis County Water Conservancy Board

Attn. New Board Member

P.O. Box 1345

Chehalis, WA 98532

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, to be considered. Please note that Water Conservancy Board members cannot be affiliated with any municipal organizations.

For general information about the board, please visit the Department of Ecology’s website at https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-supply/Water-rights/Water-conservancy-boards.

For questions about the vacant position, please contact Water Conservancy Board member David Hilligoss by phone at 360-880-7016.

Posted: January 28, 2026