A watershed based plan is not a:
- zoning map.
- land use map.
- comprehensive plan.
- means to designate land uses.
- legally binding document.
- required part of local comprehensive plans.
A watershed based plan does:
- focus on a waterway (river, stream, creek) and its tributaries.
- involve watershed stakeholders in a cooperative partnership to focus on watershed challenges and opportunities.
- establish mission, goals, and objectives.
- analyze watershed problems.
- provide recommendations to help with point & nonpoint source pollution issues.
- recommend voluntary methods to protect, maintain, and hopefully, enhance a watershed’s quality (through stormwater best management practices or other solutions for problem remediation and prevention).
- develop an action plan to focus restorative and preventative efforts.
Why do watersheds matter?
The condition of watersheds has real consequences. Healthy watersheds can offer many benefits including:
- a healthy river through improved water quality
- enhanced opportunities for recreation, environmental education, and environmentally sustainable economic revitalization
- enhanced wildlife habitat
- reduced flooding problems
- an ensured safe drinking water supply.
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