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DNR describes active, adaptive statewide rollout of new water-typing system
Summary
DNR staff reported a statewide implementation approach for the new water-typing rule that combines classroom and field trainings, reviewer roundtables, and continuous operational updates; early observations include localized questions about consultation levels and form handling.
DNR staff told the Forest Practices Board that the water-typing system rollout is underway as an active, adaptive implementation that emphasizes consistent statewide application and on-the-ground training.
Mac McIntyre, ADM of Forest Practices Operations, described the implementation as a continuous-support model rather than a standard one-time training. The rollout has included seven classroom sessions and nine field trainings so far, plus reviewer roundtables to gather feedback. McIntyre said about 392 attendees participated in classroom trainings and about 189 participated in field sessions to date; staff and external participants have been heavily engaged across regions.
Early operational questions included how to apply the AFF, when and at what level consultation should occur, and what supporting information is appropriate for submissions. Maggie Frankmont said DNR received feedback that some regions initially saw a short-term slowdown in processing water-type modification forms submitted under the new system but that staff expect throughput to improve as users and reviewers become familiar with the form and procedures.
Board members asked about metrics the agency will report to the board; staff committed to provide a staff report with proposed metrics ahead of the August meeting, covering items such as ID-team activity, regional consistency, and processing workloads. The board emphasized monitoring implementation workload, regional calibration, and whether differences emerge across physiographic areas.
