Douglas County is forming an advisory work group led by local residents and county staff to assist the county in developing short and long term strategies in dealing with Lake Tahoe Basin water issues and challenges.

The group will be conducted as a partnership between the county and a number of volunteer community residents with keen knowledge of the issues, and requisite expertise and experience to accomplish the work. The group is expected to make specific recommendations to the county manager by Jan. 31, 2012.

The initial members include Doug Patterson, Ron Alling, Cameron McKay, Darryl Harris, Lynn Endicutt, Greg Ott, Steve Kenninger, Rick Gardner, Ben Sharit and Mike Hashemi, all residents of the Tahoe basin who have been involved in water related issues.

The work group is expected to release interim reports prior to submission of its final recommendations.