Tried and True - Watersheds are the Best Option for Resource Planning


		Tried and True - Watersheds Are the Best Option for Resource Planning by Alice Miller Keyes Georgia Conservancy Senior Policy Analyst back
Watershed Management The Etowah River Watershed The Middle Chattahoochee River Watershed Conclusions		Georgia's 70,000+ miles of streams and rivers are among the most under appreciated wonders of the southeast! Not only do they support the human population of the state, but also are home to 220 fishes, 70 crayfish and 100 mussel species, making them among the most diverse temperate aquatic ecosystems on earth. Despite their ecological and cultural value, Georgia's rivers and streams are suffering. Many freshwater species are currently threatened or extinct, and many water bodies no longer provide safe drinking water, recreational opportunities or uncontaminated fish for our communities. Georgia's rapid population growth and increasing water demands are asking too much of our rivers and streams. Water withdrawals and the pollution associated with increasing population and consumption are exceeding the limits of our water resources. Communities and citizens throughout the state are struggling to manage growth, protect the character of their place, protect water supplies for all citizens and yet not hinder economic vitality. top \| back Watershed Management Research demonstrates that water quality and consumption should be managed at a watershed scale. Basically, a watershed is the land over which water drains to a particular body of water. By addressing the land use practice and consumption within a river’s drainage area, we are best able to protect the water and the many services it provides. Political boundaries are rarely useful for managing water quality as they tend to be disconnected from the natural boundaries. Produced by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Georgia has attempted watershed-based planning on several occasions. Unfortunately, the state lacks the authority and often the political will to implement necessary land use changes. Regional, watershed based-planning with local leadership is the only way our state can protect our water resources in the future. The Georgia Conservancy is actively involved in several regional watershed-based planning projects. Two such projects illustrate the way cooperation within a river’s natural boundaries can help break down political boundaries, leading to better protection of both natural and cultural resources. top \| back The Etowah River Watershed The Etowah River basin, covering 3027 square miles of north Georgia, is home to more aquatic species than both the Colorado and Columbia River Basins combined. Researchers have discovered many species are fighting to survive. Two fish species (amber darter and Etowah darter) are endangered and a third (Cherokee darter) is threatened. Fortunately, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects the species from harm and requires the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to assure habitat critical for the survival of threatened species will be protected. HCPs traditionally are conducted for individual projects such as developing a subdivision or constructing/maintaining a road and are often very time consuming and expensive. In an effort to effectively protect threatened species and consolidate the traditionally lengthy permitting process, a team guided by University of Georgia (UGA) and the Georgia Conservancy, with partners from two dozen groups and government entities are working to develop a regional, watershed-based HCP. The partnership will recommend a set of plans, ordinances and policies to reduce the impact development might have on water quality and aquatic life. Each participating county and city will tailor the plans to meet the needs of their citizens. The local partners hope the regional watershed planning effort will foster sustainable development, implement an efficient permitting process, provide more protection to imperiled species, and reduce taxes over the long term. "The unique fish of the Etowah face an uncertain future as rapid development degrades their habitat. Federal regulations to protect the fish can impose costly delays and restrictions on growth. The solution is to develop a regional Habitat Conservation Plan that minimizes impacts of growth, ensuring long-term environmental and economic health for the region. " UGA Office of Public Service and Outreach top \| back The Middle Chattahoochee River Watershed The Middle Chattahoochee River creates part of the boundary between Georgia and Alabama. The river provides water for drinking, hydropower, industrial operation, transportation, and recreation. This mighty river and its tributaries shape the character of the cities, rural landscapes and forests within this watershed. The civic leaders within the Middle Chattahoochee watershed had the foresight to recognize the important role that the river plays in maintaining the quality and character of their communities. Although they may not share the same mayor or courthouse, they realize the river links them as a community and they want to protect it proactively. The Middle Chattahoochee River Watershed (MCRW) was delineated by the project’s 30-person steering committee. It is the land that drains to the river from West Point Dam to Walter F. George Dam and it encompasses 11 counties in Georgia. Representatives from forestry, agriculture, business, industry, development, environmental organizations, local governments, state and federal agencies make up the steering committee. With the help of Georgia Tech City and Regional Planning Department, the steering committee conducted three sub-watershed studies. Each sub-watershed represents the diverse landscapes and land use trends in the MCRW: the urban landscapes, rapidly developing suburban regions, and rural regions in need of economic stability. Using the studies, the steering committee recommended ways to mitigate problems and diverge from trends harmful to the water resources. Currently, the steering committee is educating their local officials about the importance of watershed protection. The long-term goals of the project are to coordinate efforts among counties to proactively reduce the negative impacts that current land use practices are having on the river. The Middle Chattahoochee River Watershed Committee is committed to raising awareness about implementing regional inter-jurisdictional watershed management and land use planning to sustain the middle Chattahoochee River Watershed's water resources by balancing the protection of natural resources and economic stability. Middle Chat. River Watershed Steering Committee May 1, 2003 publication top \| back Conclusions The Etowah HCP was initiated because of federal requirements and concern over endangered species, whereas the Middle Chattahoochee planning effort began as an attempt to avoid serious water quality problems before mitigation was mandated. Regardless of their beginnings, each unique watershed project uses natural boundaries and limitations to guide the effort. The Georgia Conservancy can provide guidance, technical assistance, and facilitation, but success rests not in the Conservancy's services, but with the individuals who live in the watersheds. In a time of uncertainty over the future of water use in Georgia, (following a prolonged drought, and entering legal proceedings over our future water use), these 2 examples offer hope that cooperation and foresight can lead to sustainable management of our water resources. These will hopefully safeguard the natural and cultural benefits our remarkable freshwater ecosystems provide. As community leaders and citizens, we must commit to protect Georgia’s water resources that have molded our culture, character and economy is the key. Our watersheds connect us with one another and can guide us to responsible management of our most precious resource. If you would like to know more about watershed management and what benefits your community could experience, please contact us. There are many more examples in the state that we would be happy to share with you. For more information visit: Etowah Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan http://www.etowahhcp.org/ http://athens.fws.gov/rivers/Etowah_River_HCP.html Eastern Crawfish ©Charles D. Derby Etowah Darter ©Noel Burkhead top \| back