Careful and responsible management, stewardship, and protection of the Bull Run drinking water supply are vital to maintaining water quality and public health. Protection of the streams, rivers, and forest within the watershed began in 1893 with a presidential declaration. Today, federal legislation, state law, and city code guide and strengthen protections that preserve this resource for future generations.

The Bull Run Watershed Management Unit Agreement guides cooperative management and protection of the watershed. The agreement serves as a partnership guide for the long-term stewardship of the Bull Run watershed. It describes the distinct and joint stewardship roles of the City of Portland and the USDA Forest Service as well as how the agencies will coordinate on future activities. The agreement articles nine specific areas to frame the joint stewardship effort:

• Security and access control
• Fire prevention and suppression
• Road maintenance
• Protection and restoration of public and private lands' streams to improve aquatic habitat
• Protection of threatened and endangered species under the provision of the Endangered Species Act
• Control of invasive weeds
• Collection of water quality, water quantity, and meteorological data
• Education the public through conservation education

The agreement establishes semi-annual public working group meetings. At these meetings, City and Forest Service staff reviews work plans, budgets, and staff assignments. They also communicate about accomplishments and issues that arise during the course of management activities. The meetings are held in the spring and fall of each year. An annual report is presented at the spring meeting. The latest report is the fall 2012 update of the 2012 Annual Report.

The next Portland Water Bureau and Mt. Hood National Forest Bull Run working group meeting will be in spring 2013.