Watershed Planning

Planning Process

1. Determine Initial Interest:
• Public Meeting (Informational);
• Inform public about the study.
• Determine interest for study.
• Gather information on problems, local issues and concerns.
• Get suggestions on things to be done.
• Receive offers to help with study.
• Organize Steering Committee (Advisory Council).
• Develop a Scope of Work;
• Goals.
• Objectives.
• Prepare a Time-Line.


2. Collect and Analyze Resource Data:
• Determine the physical, natural and cultural resources relating to surface water.
• Ascertain the status of resource information;
• Which is available.
• Which must be gathered by;
• Donated professional services.
• In-kind services.
• Volunteer.
• Contract.
• Analyze resources;
• As they relate to issues, concerns or problems.
• In light of present and future conditions.


3. Prepare Draft River Conservation Plan:
   • The Draft Plan shall contain;
   • Background information;
   • Brief history of planning activities.
   • The Steering Committee; and the roles played.
   • Processes used to gather and evaluate resource data.
   • A map of the planning area.
   • Zoning and land use patterns.
   • An inventory of resources gathered.
   • An analyses of the appropriate resources
   • Listing of issues, concerns, opportunities and threats to river values.
   • Management options (issues, opportunities and concerns solution);
   • Consider options that promote resource awareness and stewardship.
   • A catalogue of implementation, acquisition and development actions.
   • Proposed time frame for implementation/development.
   • Proposed lead agency or contact person to undertake activity.
   • Other appropriate information.
   • Public Meeting (Workshop);
   • 30 day period for review and comment.
   
   
4. Prepare Final River Conservation Plan:
• The Final Plan shall include;
• Record of Public Meeting on Draft Plan.
• Settlement of substantive comments received on Draft Plan.
• Resolutions of support for the Final Plan from municipalities.
• Public Hearing / Meeting;
• Present and explain the Plan features.

Plan Format

1. Project Area Characteristics
1. Location--Geographic location within the state including counties, townships, etc.
2. Size--Watershed area in acres or square miles and length of river.
3. Topography--Mountainous, upland, bottomland, wetland, type of cover, etc.
4. Major Tributaries--Names, lengths, etc.
5. Corridor--Drainage area, approximately one mile on either side of river.
1. Land Use--Farming, residential, commercial/industrial, etc.
2. Zoning--Public or private.
6. Social/Economic Profile
1. Population Centers--Proximity to river corridor, trends, etc.
2. Transportation Facilities--Roads, highways, trails, railroads, airports, terminals, etc.
3. Major Sources of Employment--Location, size, commercial, industrial, etc.
7. Outstanding or Unique Features--River related values, etc.
   
   
2. Issues, Concerns, Constraints, and Opportunities--This section is provided for the purpose of addressing problem areas on a unique and individual basis. Any noteworthy situation not accounted for by other sections of this outline should be included here.

3. Land Resources
   1. Soil Characteristics--Group, type, classification, geology, etc.
   1. Limitations / Suitability--Erosion, building, drainage, wet, etc.
   2. Ownership (%)
   1. Public
   2. Private
   3. Critical Areas
   4. Landfills
   5. Hazard Areas
   1. Waste Sites
   2. Abandoned Mines--Quarries.
   3. Sinkholes
   
   
4. Water Resources
   1. Major Tributaries--Name, length, protected use, confluence points, HQ/EV, etc.
   2. Wetlands--Map, characteristics, etc.
   3. Floodplain--Map, insurance, problems, etc.
   4. Lakes and Ponds
   5. Water Quality
   1. Point Sources
   2. Non-Point Sources
   3. Monitoring
   6. Water Supply (surface)--Use of surface and underground, locations, service area, yield, etc.
   1. Public / Private
   2. Well Head Protection Areas
   
   
5. Biological Resources
   1. Wildlife
   1. Terrestrial--Amphibian, reptile, bird, mammal, etc.
   2. Aquatic--Fish, invertebrates, etc.
   2. Vegetation--Native, exotic, etc.
   3. PNDI Species
   4. Important Habitats
   
   
6. Cultural Resources
   1. Recreation
   1. Use (demand)--Day, night, seasonal, special, etc.
      1. Type--Hiking, biking, picnicking, birdwatching, organized sports, scenic enjoyment, fishing, boating, camping etc.
   2. Facilities (supply)--Private, public, federal, state, local, etc.
   1. Kind--Hiking trails (mi), biking trails (mi), picnic tables (#), group shelters (#), sports fields (#), river access, boat access, scenic vistas, camper sites, tent sites, etc.
   2. Archaeological / Historical
      1. Sites / Structure / Districts--Type, location, age, size, etc.
      2. Importance (recognition)--National register, state significance, local significance, etc.
      3. Ownership (public / private)--Security, etc.
      4. Condition
   
   
7. Management Options (recommended action based upon resources)
   1. Restoration
   2. Maintenance
   3. Enhancement
   
   
8. Appendices and Figures (maps and other appropriate graphics)