DESCRIPTION
Work with specific riparian landowners within San Juan County watersheds to implement BMPs and develop landowner driven restoration efforts. Build upon the work that the CD has done with ongoing Farm/Forest plan development, current efforts to support local agriculture through the work of the SJC Agricultural Resources Committee, and past work with the CD's 'Watershed Stewards' program. Participate in ongoing local planning efforts that are identifying and prioritizing 'critical areas,' and continue to partner with other groups involved in protection and restoration efforts in order to maximize efforts and avoid duplication.
A version of this project is being completed via San Juan County's 'Managing Growth in Island Communities' (EPA funded grant)
Coordinate Local Watershed Groups
1.Background information - the CD will continue to collate existing natural resource information and tailor it for specific watersheds.
2.Identify specific riparian and wetland landowners.
3.Community workshops - Once enough interested landowners have been identified in specific targeted watersheds, the CD will invite them to a 'community watershed workshop' and provide them with info packets (written and maps) for their watershed. The CD will ask landowners to identify their concerns (water quality, erosion, etc.) and questions that need to be followed up on. Best management practices will explained, examples given, technical assistance provided, and options for management planning and cost share funding outlined.
4.Watershed tours - the CD will invite all stakeholders, including specific landowners, in a targeted watershed. The tour will focus on natural hydrological systems including wetlands, stream corridors and riparian areas; native plant communities and wildlife habitats; and the potential for increasing ecosystem services through implementing best management practices. Successful BMPs will be highlighted. Site visits to farms and forests within the watershed will be included.
5.Restoration workshops – landowners who are interested in restoration projects on their property will be coordinated and incorporated into future restoration funding requests.
6.Implementation - CD will work with landowners to implement BMPs and complete funded resotration projects.