etti
          Planning for the Future of Your Watershed
                                                                                      EPA 903-F-03-009
                                                                                      CBP/TRS 271/04
                                                                                      October 2003
    Understanding the
    link between
    watershed
    management
    planning and other
    planning efforts
    Chesapeake Bay Program
      A Watershed Partnership
Watershed management planning is a process!
Watershed management planning is a method for maintaining, protecting and
restoring the natural resources within a watershed while also enhancing the
quality of life in our communities.  It provides a means to support environmental
protection, quality of life issues and economic development using the
watershed as the planning framework. Watershed management planning is a
process for all the citizens and stakeholder groups in your community to join
together  in creating a vision for your watershed's future.

Watershed management planning establishes partnerships between local and
state governments, community organizations and any other groups with the
common goal of protecting your watershed. Additionally, watershed
management planning is a holistic approach to implementing many existing
programs. Coordinating community  efforts to create a watershed-focused plan
can help you more efficiently reach your goals.
You may be closer than you think!
Has your community watershed  group or local government:
  Gathered information on the current conditions and trends
  affecting issues within the community, including streams,
  forests, farms, historic or cultural areas, population,
  economic issues, etc.?

  Coordinated with other interested stakeholders or local and
  regional government officials and representatives on environ-
  mental, natural resource or water quality and supply issues?

  Formulated a vision or goals for improving and managing
  the resources that are important to the group or community?
                  Identified policies, strategies and action steps for
                  implementing and meeting these goals?

                  Incorporated water quality, vital habitat protection
                  or restoration goals into your city or county
                  comprehensive plan?

                  Planned or completed any restoration projects?

                  Worked or considered working on a watershed scale?
If you can answer yes to any or all of these questions, CONGRATULATIONS!
You are already on the road to watershed management planning!
                                              www.chesapeakebay.net/watershedplanning.htm

-------
    Watershed management planning in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

    If your group is interested in initiating or expanding community and natural resource planning
    or protection activities, there are many resources available to help you. The states of Maryland,
    Pennsylvania, and Virginia and the District of Columbia have developed guides and toolkits to
    promote local watershed management planning. Contact your local or state government to
    find out about the many technical, financial, and management resources offered through state
    watershed programs. Coordinating and partnering with state and local governments will allow
    you to take advantage of the invaluable assistance they can provide.
    Contact Your Jurisdiction!


    District of Columbia
    Department of Health
    Nonpoint Source Management Branch
    Watershed Protection Division
    www.dchealth.de. gov/about/index_environmental.shtm
    (202) 535-2240

    Pennsylvania
    Department of Environmental Protection
    Bureau of Watershed  Management
    www.dep.state.pa.us
    (717) 787-5267
Maryland
Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.state.md.us
(410) 260-8717
Virginia
Department of Conservation and Recreation
www.dcr.state.va.us
(804)371-7486
Chesapeake Bay Program
 A Watershed Partnership
                      For additional information about watersheds and
                      watershed management, please visit:
                      www.chesapeakebay.net/watershedplanning.htm

-------