Work Groups undertake the primary, substantive work of the Council
It is the responsibility of the Board, working closely with member organizations, to establish standing committees, special committees and work groups (collectively referred to as “work groups”) as necessary to carry out the purposes of the organization.
The Board appoints chairs and co-chairs for work groups based on recommendations from the members of those bodies. The term of service is three years, or that needed to complete the assignment. Work Groups operate under the direction of the Board and make recommendations to the Board for the Board’s consideration, except where explicit decision-making authority has been granted by the Board to the work group.
Membership is drawn from those organizations which are members of the Council, except in those circumstances where this requirement would limit access to needed expertise. In general, expertise is sought in the following disciplines: hydrology; geology; riparian forestry; water quality; fluvial geomorphology; fish biology; freshwater and estuarine ecology; restoration project implementation; protection project implementation; and engineering.
Work Groups operate with a set membership of no specific number. Those with the required expertise and the willingness to participate regularly are accepted by the common agreement of the group. Work Group membership is established annually. New members may be added during the year by common agreement from the committee. Work Group meetings are conducted using procedures and decision-making processes outlined in the Council’s Operating Procedures Manual.