Roles in Watershed Planning
Most watershed groups are originally formed to solve a distinct problem: flooding, shrinking green space, poor water quality, etc. Many individuals do not realize that effective Watershed Planning can also increase property values, expand the marketability of a community/county and improve the health of its inhabitants, both human and animal.
Watershed Planning requires participation from a variety of individuals. Agency input is certainly useful, but it is the ideas and efforts of individuals whom live in the watershed that will make the plan successful.
Everyone who has an interest in the watershed should feel welcome to play a role in the planning process. Obviously becoming a member of the group is one way, but other roles are just as vital. It is up to each individual to decide which role they would like to play.
Roles in Watershed Management
- Volunteers will be needed to assist with everything from stuffing envelopes to collecting water samples
- Landowners can allow tours which highlight a conservation practice or best management practice that has been installed
- Business owners can readily display flyers or donate items
- Teachers can add a watershed/water quality section to their curriculum
- Individuals, organizations and private entities can make monetary contributions
- Individuals can write letters to the editor, city/county/state government or agencies who have provided funding to the Committee stating positive impacts the Watershed Committee has had on their lives/community/land.
Interested individuals can use the Find Your Local Watershed Group feature to locate active watershed groups in their area.
If there is not an active watershed group in the area, consider forming one. The Building Watershed Committees portion of this site offers numerous resources that will assist in the formation process. Another method to gain valuable formation information would be to contact watersheds that are listed through the Find Your Local Watershed Group feature.
Resources
- EcoWatch
From:
Help keep an eye on the environment... become a Citizen Scientist with the Illinois EcoWatch Network.
dnr.state.il.us/orep/ecowatch/ - Renewing Local Watersheds:Community Leaders' Guide to Building Watershed Communities
From:
This community leaders' guide offers a process for local residents to come together as a group to learn about their watershed and become more actively involved in the management of their waters.
www.soc.iastate.edu/extension/watersheds_manual/index.htm