Lower Columbia River Estuary Rio Puerco Upper Tennessee River Targeted Watershed Grant Awards 200 "This Targeted Watershed Grants Program provides shining examples ot the real results we can achieve when government, communities, private landowners, and busi- nesses all work together towards our shared goals ot a healthy environment and a strong economy." Benjamin H. Grumbles, Acting Assistant Administrator tor Water, United States Environmental Protection Agency The Bottom Line Major reductions in pollution of nutrients, sediment, and bacteria Protected drinking water supply Increased aquatic habitat and wildlife Return of native fish and endangered species Enhanced recreation opportunities Reduction in health advisories Innovative market solutions Stronger community partnerships Improved environmental stewardship Shared success stories and methods Public education and communication Catalyst for additional projects Greater awareness of relationship with environment The twenty significant EPA grant awards stretching across the country include both large and relatively small watersheds. While some are urban, most include rural and agricultural lands. Some are in the desert, several are in forests, and two reach into high alpine rocky mountains. One is in a bayou; sev- eral are coastal. Some are managed by Indian tribes. Although they differ in size and scope, all of the watershed partnerships reflect the unique customs and cultural values of the region. Meduxnekeag RjS CharlesiRiMfii; Narraganse per Susquehan H m -- i GreatervBlue EartnlRiv.er -.--- V reek Christina J * Alaska not shown. Map Source: USGS data sets for land characteristics, state boundaries, Hydrologic Unit Boundaries, and Digital Elevation Model (www.national.atlas.gov) Major Rivers (ESRI) Innovative Ideas: Demonstrations ot local ingenuity: Rock "Burritos": rocks wrapped in fabric placed to slow desert runoff. (Rio Puerco) Rain Gardens: specially constructed gardens to reduce runoff and promote infiltration (Greater Blue Earth) Farming demonstrations & workshops to reduce sediment in the drinking water supply (Rathbun) River Friendly awards: business certification for voluntary water quality improvements (Raritan) Creation of new recreational areas that preserve green space, filter water quality, and moderate water flow (Great Miami) Geographic Information System analysis to prioritize restoration lands (Rathbun) New ordinances in 36 municipalities (Raritan) Targeted educational programs aimed at homebuilders and other key watershed users (Cumberland) Flow trading: economic-environmental feasibility study of stormwater recharge incentives (Charles River) Environmental banking credits (Bayou Bartholomew) Partnership with prison workers for restoration and equipment operation training (Upper South Platte) Cost sharing for potato farmers to plant spring grain on fields to control erosion (Mednuxnekeag) SmartStorm rainwater collection systems that reduce roof runoff and increase infiltration (Charles River) Smartyard landscaping: reduced loadings of fertilizers and pesticides through native landscaping projects. (Christina) Greater Blue Earth River Upper South Platte Cumberland Basin ------- tfr^'Hi The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a duty to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity ot the Nation's water." National regulations have been effective, but only local efforts can tailor solutions to the specific physical and socio-cultural knowledge and challenges of the region. To further the important and ambitious goals of the Clean Water Act, the EPA is committed to a watershed approach. Watershed partnerships have been emerging across the country to reduce pollution and restore local rivers, lakes, and bogs. As a key component of the EPA's commitment to a watershed approach, the Agency supports partnerships at all levels - local, state, and regional. The Targeted Watershed Grant Program is designed to acknowledge local ingenuity in addressing environmental problems. 1 Selection Criteria Awardees were selected based on their ability to demonstrate a holistic approach to water quality improvements and the following factors: A focus on environmental results Plan feasibility and readiness to proceed Demonstrated ability to succeed Articulated and reasonable performance measures Broad partnerships Innovation Compatibility with other Federal and State programs (for detailed information, see 67 FR 53925-30) The Hanalei River Watershed Project is truly a community-based effort guided by the Hawaiian principals of malama 'aina (sustainability and stewardship), pono (integrity and balance), laulima (cooperation), and aloha, especially as it applies to cultural equity and respect. ". . . what's most exciting to me is that my daughter will be able to swim safely in the river." - Jan Surface, Hanalei River "I took up kayaking after I retired, and I got sick and tired of smelling sewage every single day that I was out on the river. Now I know who owns all those pipes, so when I smell the sewage, I know whom to call." - Roger Fymire, Charles River citizen activist and kayaker Photo Credits Front Cover James Mcintyre Interior Dennis Demcheck James Jacob! Back Cover Bill Smith Larry DeBord our ancestors; we borrow it from our- EPA840-F-04-002a ; May 2004 EPA's 2003 Targeted Watershed Grants I ------- |