Development of Tribal Beneficial Uses and Strategies for Healthier Water
29 April 2026
Uses of Water: Nexus between Water Quality and Quantity
Workshop Coordinator: Sherri Norris, California Indian Environmental Alliance and Tribal Partners
This workshop focuses on the history of establishing beneficial uses to support beneficial uses of water, water quality and fish tissue testing for toxins of concern, database entry and reporting, interpretation of results, the process to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads to reduce toxins and emerging regulatory efforts and development of health advisories. We will discuss the new Tribal Beneficial Use designations, challenges to designations with these uses, recommendations being developed by Tribes, communities and state agencies, and the steps to prepare for the negotiations among agencies stakeholders to set Water Quality Objectives. The intersection between flows and water quality will be discussed and finally we will share and discuss an overview of how to develop healthful instream flow criterion.
Travel Scholarships and Registration support are available by pre-arrangement for California Tribal leaders and staff participants. Contact Michelle Rivera by March 27, 2026 at micheller.ciea@gmail.com or call 510 848-2043
Speakers:
History of Tribal Beneficial Uses, Strategies for Healthier Water and Current Status of Designations, Sarah Ryan Big Valley Rancheria; Vice-Chair Malissa Tayaba, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; Krystal Moreno, TEK Program Manager, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians; and Max Gomberg, Water Policy Advisor Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
Watershed Flows, Jon Rosenfield, Science Director, SF Bay Keeper; and Max Gomberg, Water Policy Advisor Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
Water Quality Standard Use: Application and Challenges, Sarah Ryan, Big Valley Rancheria Environmental Director; Debie Rasmussen, EPA Director Enterprise Rancheria; and Sherri Norris, Executive Director, California Indian Environmental Alliance
Data Collection and Reporting for Water Quality Objectives Workshop, Sarah Ryan, Big Valley Rancheria; and Sherri Norris, CIEA
