Survey Looks at Atlantic and Gulf Coast Watershed Management

February 16, 2009

DURHAM, N.H. -- Results from a survey of watershed management practices in Atlantic and Gulf coastal communities, are now online at http://www.cwp.org/#survey. The survey was designed to identify which watershed techniques are most commonly applied, the major gaps in watershed management, and examples of innovative practices. For example, the survey found that while the majority of communities use watershed plans, only a few specific actions to support these plans—such as the establishment of regulations to reduce the impact of development on natural resources—have been broadly adopted.

Conducted by the Center for Watershed Protection and sponsored by the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET), the survey is the first step in adapting existing technology to develop an improved and simplified land use planning toolkit, customized to work effectively in coastal plain watersheds. The research revolves around the Center’s eight-tools framework (8TF), which supports watershed planning, land conservation, aquatic health, better site design, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, non-stormwater discharges, and watershed stewardship. This framework addresses each stage of land development in the watershed from initial land zoning, development plan review, construction and occupancy.

Survey results are informing the selection of pilot coastal communities to apply, test, and refine the adapted 8TF. The goal is to train planners and watershed managers in these regions and then make appropriate resources available to those who need them. The project is part of CICEET’s Living Coasts Program, which seeks to provide coastal communities with more effective tools to grow in a way that preserves water quality, protects natural areas, and improves quality of life.
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