Watershed Management Basics

What is a watershed management plan?

• Community-based list of prioritized actions to preserve, protect, and improve a waterway and its drainage area
• Incorporates input from a broad range of stakeholders
• Blends concern about natural, cultural, and economic resources

Watershed planning in a nutshell

• Establish need for regional planning and define a geographic area
• Evaluate watershed conditions and problems
• Identify leadership, stakeholders and issues
• Develop vision, goals, and objectives
• Identify action items, resources, and responsibilities
• Implement action items to guide land use and community decisions
• Monitor/assess progress and update plan

Top 10 Watershed Lessons Learned

• The best plans have clear visions, goals, and action items
• Good leaders are committed and empower others
• Having a coordinator at the watershed level is desirable
• Environmental, economic & social values are compatible
• Plans only succeed if implemented
• Partnerships equal power
• Good tools are available
• Measure, communicate, and account for progress
• Education and involvement drive action
• Build on small successes