In March, 2009, the Network of Oregon Watershed Councils held Risk Management for Watershed Councils seminars in four locations around the state (Salem, Medford, Pendleton, and Bend).  The seminars were attended by 36 councils and other organizations, including SWCDs and municipalities.  Developed in partnership with Deb Dyson (Attorney at Law, specializing in work with non-profits and watershed councils), Lynn Omey and David Harrison (brokers for WSC Insurance), and Liz Redon (North Santiam Watershed Council Coordinator), the seminars focused on identifying the risks inherent in watershed council activities—including restoration projects, volunteer events, and community outreach activities—and discussing affordable tools to address those risks.  Also addressed were some of the diversity of watershed council operations, such as working with fiscal sponsors and soil and water conservation districts, employee vs. contractor status, and being (or not being) a 501c3 organization.  Seminar participants received a handbook of materials discussed during the presentations, which includes contract templates, insurance descriptions, and legal information vital to councils interested in assessing and addressing risk in their operations.

The Network would like to thank the following sponsors and partners for their invaluable contributions, which made these seminars possible: Meyer Memorial Trust, Spirit Mountain Community Foundation, Laird Norton Family Foundation, Compton Foundation, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, ICF/Jones & Stokes, River Design Group, Port of Portland, Environmental Science & Assessment, ENTRIX, Inc., and Winzler & Kelly.

Risk Management For Watershed Councils Presentation (2MB)

Risk Management for Watershed Councils Handbook Part 1 (14.9 MB - large file)

Risk Management for Watershed Councils Handbook Part 2 (17.3 MB - large file)

Risk Management for Watershed Councils Handbook Part 3 (20.5 MB -  large file)