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Watershed Planning
Popo Agie Conservation District initiated a watershed planning process in 1998 to guide sound natural resource management that sustains the beauty and ecological health of the Popo Agie Watershed, enhance diverse and dependable economic opportunities, and promote the social and cultural heritage of the area. To accomplish this ambitious plan, the community selected Popo Agie Watershed Planning Steering Committee members to help guide that process by building agreement among citizens with diverse viewpoints. Technical advisors were also selected to provide information, inventory resources, analyze resource data, and provide recommendations to the Steering Committee.
The Popo Agie Conservation District (PACD) has assisted local stakeholders in developing appropriate and acceptable solutions to address water quality concerns and investigate conditions as they apply to compliance with known standards. The Popo Agie Watershed planning process has been funded primarily through Clean Water Act Section 319 grants, PACD Mill Levy Funding, with additional assistance from a variety of other local, state, and federal partnerships.
Definition of Watershed Planning
Watershed planning is a process for local constituents to identify and assess their natural resource concerns and opportunities, determine the condition that meets their needs, and formulate alternatives to achieve their goals based upon voluntary, incentive-driven opportunities. Together, local citizens are working to develop a locally-led, voluntary and incentive-based watershed management plan to improve water quality while preserving the economic sustainability of agriculture, recreation, wildlife, and municipalities in the Popo Agie Watershed. There are several legislative acts at the federal and state levels that guide watershed planning, with associated agencies to administer public planning requirements and provide guidance for local efforts.
Popo Agie Watershed Planning Mission Statement
The Pop Agie Conservation District will engage our community in a collaborative effort to create a watershed plan that reflects the values, interests, and goals as defined by the District’s constituents.
By acknowledging the diversity of the resources within the Popo Agie Watershed, our intent is to provide the leadership and assistance for maintaining and improving: 1) Natural Resources, 2) Economic Sustainability, 3) Water Quality, 4) Water Quantity, and 5) Customs and Cultures.
The Popo Agie Conservation District will provide the tools to implement a successful watershed plan through education, voluntary participation, and incentive driven opportunities.
The following accomplishments have succeeded in building upon the watershed plan: Water Quality Monitoring, Middle Fork of the Popo Agie Flood Mitigation, and Squaw Creek Bioengineering Demonstration Project.