Habitat Work Schedule System
The Habitat Work Schedule (HWS) System is envisioned as a centralized, web-accessible salmon habitat restoration project tracking database, with GIS and mapping functionality.
As salmon recovery and watershed plans reach completion and local efforts shift toward implementation, funding the array of proposed salmon habitat restoration projects will require identifying and prioritizing projects, and developing systems to queue projects and actions that are ready for implementation. The Washington Legislature foresaw this when they crafted salmon recovery legislation, and outlined a process for requiring a prioritized schedule of habitat projects, i.e., habitat work schedule (RCW 77.85.060).
The purpose of the HWS System is to help lead entity watershed groups meet their legislative requirement, but more importantly, the HWS System provides a centralized, web-based tool that helps lead entities, project sponsors, project funders, and the general public track the different phases (i.e., status) of restoration projects (from concepts to proposed projects to completed projects).
Once potential or proposed projects are entered into the HWS System, linkages between potential habitat restoration funding sources (e.g., mitigation funds, grants) and priority salmon habitat restoration projects will be easier, and can be accomplished by a variety of groups and organizations.
Because the HWS System will be web-based with public access, mapping, and reporting capabilities, any organization involved in salmon recovery may have access to non-sensitive project information.
