Create Healthy Watersheds Workshop Synthesis

     

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In November 2010, a Healthy Watersheds Integrated Assessments Workshop (Workshop) brought together technical experts and practitioners to advance the state-of-the-science on integrated healthy watersheds assessments and to consider the role of green infrastructure (i.e., networks of natural land cover) in maintaining watershed health and resilience.

In addition to exploring the interrelation between watershed components and processes, and ways to capture that integration in assessments, this workshop also sought to identify methods that could be used to assess the resilience of healthy watersheds and strategies for building on existing resources to implement integrated assessments in state, tribal, or regional programs. The utilization of  existing resources in the process of developing healthy watersheds lists was particularly emphasized. Data gaps and research needs that may hinder the development of accurate healthy watersheds lists and implementation of related programs were also considered.

The purpose of the Healthy Watersheds Integrated Assessments Workshop Synthesis document (Workshop Synthesis document) is to synthesize and build on the discussions from the workshop. The ideas and approaches presented here should be considered as a starting point for further exploration of concepts related to healthy watersheds integrated assessments and protection programs. The ideas and  views presented in this synthesis document are not necessarily those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but rather, those of the individual authors and contributors, as well as the individual expert views and opinions of the workshop attendees. This document is not EPA policy, nor is it EPA guidance; it reflects the further development of ideas by some of the workshop participants.

The target audiences for this synthesis document are scientists, program managers, and policy makers at the state, federal, and local levels who have a technical understanding of the topics and will be implementing management programs. However, this document should not be interpreted as program implementation guidance. This synthesis  document will also inform future research to support healthy watersheds integrated assessments, especially in EPA’s Office of Research and Development.

This document is a summary of the views of the individual workshop participants and approval for publication does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the Agency; no official endorsement should be inferred. This report provides information, resources, or assistance the users may then evaluate in terms of their own needs. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use or favoring by the United States Government.

Healthy Watersheds Integrated Assessments Workshop Synthesis (PDF) (78 pp, 1.2MB, About PDF)