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Watershed Management Initiative
To protect and enhance the watershed, creating
a sustainable future for the community and the environment.
The Santa Clara Basin Watershed Management
Initiative (WMI) is a collaborative, stakeholder driven effort among
representatives from regional and local public agencies; civic, environmental,
resource conservation and agricultural groups; professional and trade
organizations; business and industrial sectors; and the general public.
Stakeholders
In addition to federal, state and local regulators, the
WMI also includes representatives from business and industrial sectors;
professional and trade organizations; environmental, resource conservation
and agricultural groups; and local public agencies. With a vested interest
in future basin management and health, these stake holders are committed
to improving basin conditions by maintaining an open dialogue. Stake
holders help manage the WMI through monthly Core Group meetings, where
they determine priorities and apply resources to meet agreed upon priorities
(see Goals, below).
WMI Assessment and Plan
Currently, WMI members are conducting a scientific watershed
assessment to document the basin's environmental conditions and regulatory
framework. WMI participation ensures a coordinated approach to data
collection and allows Core Group Stake holders to plan pollution reduction
and prevention activities using a scientific basis. When completed in
2000, the assessment will be the foundation for a regional watershed
management plan. Once the plan is approved by the Stake holders, it
will be implemented and continuously improved.
The goals of the WMI are to:
- Ensure that the WMI is a broad, consensus-based
process.
- Ensure that necessary resources are provided
for WMI implementation.
- Simplify compliance with regulatory requirements
without compromising environmental protection.
- Balance the objectives of water supply management,
habitat protection, flood management and
land use to protect and enhance water quality.
- Protect and/or restore streams, reservoirs,
wetlands and the Bay for the benefit of fish, wildlife and human uses.
- Develop an implementable Watershed Management
Plan that incorporates science and will be continuously improved.
Funding:
The WMI is funded primarily by stakeholder in-kind services
and contributions.
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