Watershed Management Issues

Some major watershed management issues identified so far include:

• keeping the watershed healthy while accommodating growth;
• developing a viable tourism industry while protecting the resources on which it is based;
• improving water quality using a cost-effective balance between cleaning-up urban wastewater and controlling rural sources of pollution;
• water supply and water allocation;
• reducing flood and erosion damages using a mix of structural and non-structural approaches;
• conserving the natural environment and biodiversity; and
• conserving heritage and a sense of place.

It is clear to many that a new, ecosystem based approach to managing water is essential. Such a system needs to be driven by local people who need, use and worry about the water available to them and the wildlife they share it with."

Don L. Woodcock. Comox Environmental Council

The Watershed Approach

To meet the challenge, an integrated and continuous watershed approach is being designed to:

• identify critical areas and actions where efforts will produce the best results.
• provide the mechanism for a joint work program among partners.
• investigate the means, on a watershed basis, of stretching the capacity of the resources to meet future demands
• find partners to carry out activities which will most effectively improve watershed health
• monitor the effectiveness of actions and report on the health of the watershed
• recognize and celebrate successes

   

  Participation Opportunities

  Ways are being designed for all stakeholders to participate. The present organizational structure includes Technical and Community Working Groups, in addition to a Sponsors Committee and a Coordinating Committee. This structure will be reviewed and refined periodically as needed.

   

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