This particular page is a work in progress, and links to additional content will be added over time.
We face a variety of challenges in our watershed. For some challenges, we have ideas about some solutions. Below is a list of some topics that are important in our watershed. Click on the links for more information on each topic.
WATER QUANTITY
- Water extraction – when too much groundwater is extracted, there isn’t enough left for a healthy river and ecosystem.
- Water conservation – how can we keep more water in the river?
WATER QUALITY
- Excess Nutrients – too much of a good thing?
- Nutrient Management Program – our pilot project working with farmers to reduce extra nutrients from entering the system.
- Buffer zones – what they are and how they help.
- Field Work – planting trees, enhancing the stream and much, much more.
- Fish – fish are the basis of hobbies and careers, and also provide information about ecosystem health.
- Farming – about 40% of our watershed is used for agriculture.
- Household hazardous wastes – proper use and disposal is key to protecting our water supply.
- Forest management – about 40% of our watershed is forested.
- Industrial areas – we have an ongoing restoration project at a former shale pit.
- Insects – did you know that insects can tell us about ecosystem health? We participate in a program called CABIN to do just that.
OTHER WAYS WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- Education – teaching children and the public more about water issues. One specific initiative we are undertaking is our door-to-door campaign.
- Recreation – the watershed is also a place to have fun!
- Media – news stories help educate the wider community.
- Sustainability – what sustainability means to us.
- Government Relations – government policies can have a huge impact on the watershed and environment in general.