Why Watershed Management Matters
Understanding watersheds
A watershed consists of all the land that drains water, sediment, and other material to a common point. Land elevation, not political borders, defines watershed boundaries.
Watersheds are important as the viability of the watershed directly affects the health of the communities within that watershed. Water for human consumption, wildlife, industry and recreation are all impacted by activities that occur within the watershed.
Why watershed planning matters
Growth and development from communities are stressing water resources. Community based watershed management helps reduce flood damage, decreases the loss of green space, reduces soil erosion and improves water quality.
Watershed management planning works to protect water resources by empowering local people to provide for the environmental, social, and economic health of the community.
Resources
- Minnesota Stormwater Manual
The Minnesota Stormwater Manual is a valuable tool for stormwater managers; it helps professionals and newcomers manage stormwater in a way that conserves, enhances, and restores high-quality water in our lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and ground water, ensuring a high quality of life for all Minnesotans.
www.pca.state.mn.us/water/stormwater/stormwater-manual.html - Online Watershed Management Training
From:
Watershed Academy module that explains basic watershed processes, principles of long-term watershed management, elements of successful watershed management frameworks, and benefits of a watershed management approach.
www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/wacademy/acad2000 - 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/ext/watersheds_manual/index.htm - What is a Watershed?
From:
Educational videos that explain what a watershed is, impacts on watersheds, and sources of pollution.
www.ctic.purdue.edu/KYW/glossary/whatisaws.html - Why Watersheds?
From:
Presentation that describes what a watershed is, how development impacts watershed health, plus why protecting watersheds is critical.
www.cwp.org/whywatersheds_files/frame.htm