Community-Based Watershed Community-Based Watershed Management in OhioManagement in Ohio

Watershed WorkshopWatershed WorkshopMorehead State UniversityMorehead State University

May 11, 2006May 11, 2006

Robert McCallRobert McCall Dana Oleskiewicz Dana Oleskiewicz Center at LimaCenter at Lima Center at Wooster Center at Wooster

Educators, Watershed Management Educators, Watershed Management Ohio State University ExtensionOhio State University Extension

Objectives:Objectives:

• Define Community-Based Watershed Management (CBWM)

• Explore Two Ohio Case Studies

• Tools of the Trade

Water resource protection

through watershed management efforts

for the goal of high water quality

requires planning

by communities (stakeholders)

within the watershed.

a.k.a.Community-Based Watershed Management!!

A Model for SuccessA Model for Success

Facilitating Agency

Community-Based Watershed Management

with Stakeholder Involvement

Community Organization

Steelman, Toddi. 1999.

Set priorities

Set timeframes

Assign tasks

Obtain funding

Implementing the W-shed Approach

Implement & EvaluateImplement & Evaluate

Create an Action PlanCreate an Action Plan

Build Public SupportBuild Public Support

Create an InventoryCreate an Inventory

Define the ProblemsDefine the Problems

Set Goals & Set Goals & Develop SolutionsDevelop Solutions

Establish the core watershed group

Create a mission statement

Promote activities in the watershed

Recruit new stakeholders

Define the watershed

Assess the quality of the water resource

Examine the human and ecological features that affect the quality of the water resource

Measure progress

Revisit the action plan and make adjustments where needed

Evaluate potential solutions for the identified problems

Set goals and measurable indicators

Select solutions that achieve goals

Identify the pollutants causing the problems

Identify the sources of the pollutants

Identify high quality areas to protect

Formulate a problem statement

Ohio EPA. “A Guide to Developing Local Watershed Action Plans in Ohio”. 1997.

The CBWM Approach

Implement & Evaluate

Create an Action Plan

Build Public Support

Create an Inventory

Define the Problems

Set Goals & Develop Solutions Ohio EPA. “A Guide to

Developing Local Watershed Action Plans in Ohio”. 1997.

Why Community-Based?Why Community-Based?

• Problems are complex

• Solutions exceed capabilities of one entity

• Collaborative decisions necessary– Communities have vested interest– Local people are crucial

• Define workable options• Enforce management choices• Monitor the effectiveness

Steelman, T.A. 1999.

Social GoalsSocial Goals

• Educate and inform the general public

• Incorporate public values into decisions

• Improve the quality of decisions

• Resolve conflict among competing interests

• Build trust in institutions

Beierle, T.C. & J. Cayford. 2002.

Environmental Behavior ModelEnvironmental Behavior Model

• Entry-level - (awareness)

• Ownership - (knowledge)

• Empowerment - (attitude / skills)

• Citizenship (Steward) Behavior - (motivation)

Hungerford & Volk. 1990.

EnvironmentalEnvironmental

SocietalSocietal EconomicEconomic

Quality of Quality of Life!Life!

CBWM and SustainabilityCBWM and Sustainability

Biophysical / Biophysical / EcologicalEcological

Socio-Socio-EconomicEconomic

Policy and InstitutionalPolicy and Institutional

Watershed Management Watershed Management Core ComponentsCore Components

• Science-Based – Decisions based on data

• Community-Led – Stakeholders decide

• Sustainable – Long-term coordination

http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/nps/NPSMP/index.html

Science-BasedScience-Based

CommunityCommunity-Led-Led

SustainablSustainable

Effective Effective Stakeholder Stakeholder ParticipationParticipation

CBWM Core ComponentsCBWM Core Components

Biophysical / Biophysical / Ecological Ecological ConsiderationsConsiderations

Socio-Socio-Economic Economic ConsiderationsConsiderations

Policy and Institutional ConsiderationsPolicy and Institutional Considerations

Implementation ContinuumImplementation Continuum

5. Sustained implementation of endorsed WAP5. Sustained implementation of endorsed WAP

4. WAP receives state endorsement4. WAP receives state endorsement

3. Group develops Watershed Action Plan3. Group develops Watershed Action Plan

2. Coordinated, issue-based local group forms2. Coordinated, issue-based local group forms

1. Local water resource advocate / steward1. Local water resource advocate / steward

http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/nps/NPSMP/index.html

Water Quality Attainment Water Quality Attainment Drinking Water ProtectionDrinking Water Protection

Developing CapacityDeveloping CapacityResources NeededResources Needed

• People - People - StaffStaff

• Technical - Technical - KnowledgeKnowledge

• Financial - Financial - MoneyMoney

• Networking - Networking - PartnershipsPartnerships

• Organizational - Organizational - EfficiencyEfficiency

• Legitimacy - Legitimacy - Good RepresentationGood Representation

StakeholderStakeholders!s!

Resources Resources DeliveredDelivered

Steelman, Toddi. 1999.

Management ChallengesManagement Challenges

• Low stakeholder involvement

• Lack of local ownership

• Planning at too great a scale

• One-time study, not long-term management

• Land use issues not addressed

• Document too long or complex

• Recommendations were too general

Center for Watershed Protection (www.cwp.org)

Successful Watershed Management

Strong Community-Based EffortStrong Community-Based Effort(Stakeholders)(Stakeholders)

++Good Partnership-BuildingGood Partnership-Building

(Buy-In)(Buy-In)++

Effective and CollaborativeEffective and CollaborativeEnvironmental Decision-MakingEnvironmental Decision-Making

(Best Management Practices)(Best Management Practices)

=

Case Study Watersheds

Case Study #1Case Study #1

Blanchard River Watershed Blanchard River Watershed PartnershipPartnership

CountyCountyCommissionersEngineeringExtensionFarm BureauRegional PlanningParks DistrictSWCDFarm Service AgencyDept. of Health & Human

ServicesTownship Trustees

Blanchard River Watershed PartnershipBlanchard River Watershed PartnershipStakeholders to dateStakeholders to date

CityCityReg. Plan. Comm.Utilities DirectorW W Treatment PlantCounty EngineeringCivic Groups

RegionalRegionalRC&DOSU ExtensionODNROhio EPANon-profit orgs.

IndustryIndustry

ConsultantsConsultants

General General PublicPublic

Ottawa, Ohio (04/20/04Ottawa, Ohio (04/20/04 Water velocity, erosion Water velocity, erosion and and sedimentationsedimentationFloodingFloodingDrinking water qualityDrinking water qualityRecreationRecreationSeptic dischargeSeptic dischargeFertilizer useFertilizer useMaintaining drainage forMaintaining drainage for

agr. productionagr. production

Blanchard River Watershed PartnershipBlanchard River Watershed PartnershipIssues of Public ConcernIssues of Public Concern

Bluffton, Ohio (04/28/04)Bluffton, Ohio (04/28/04)Get youth interested and Get youth interested and involved in the basininvolved in the basinWater quality and run-offWater quality and run-offLocal ditching projects, Local ditching projects, removal of Riparian arearemoval of Riparian areaErosion and sedimentationErosion and sedimentationFlooding and results of Flooding and results of floodingfloodingWater and smart growth and Water and smart growth and

its effectsits effectsNon-point source pollutionNon-point source pollution

Findlay, Ohio (03/29/04)Findlay, Ohio (03/29/04)HSTS PlansHSTS PlansSedimentation in waterwaysSedimentation in waterwaysSustainable developmentSustainable developmentFlooding and drainage Flooding and drainage Agricultural run-offAgricultural run-offRiver water quality impacts on River water quality impacts on

reservoirreservoirTreatment costs for drinking Treatment costs for drinking

waterwaterQuantity and quality of water Quantity and quality of water

resourcesresourcesFlow management and drainageFlow management and drainage

Blanchard River Watershed CouncilBlanchard River Watershed CouncilIssues of Public ConcernIssues of Public Concern

Stream bank erosionStream bank erosionTotal maximum daily load Total maximum daily load (TMDL = OEPA Assmnt.)(TMDL = OEPA Assmnt.)Flooding and water qualityFlooding and water qualityLoss of wetlandsLoss of wetlandsRiparian habitat, wetlands Riparian habitat, wetlands and water qualityand water qualityStakeholder driven solutions Stakeholder driven solutions and watershed planningand watershed planningRecreation (fishing, Recreation (fishing, canoeing, wildlife habitat)canoeing, wildlife habitat)

BRWP: Where are they now?BRWP: Where are they now?

• Working on watershed inventoryWorking on watershed inventory

• Reviewing 501c3 options Reviewing 501c3 options

• Soliciting sponsors for a Watershed Soliciting sponsors for a Watershed Coordinator GrantCoordinator Grant

Potential Organizational Potential Organizational Development ModelDevelopment Model

Watershed Action Plans to work on.

Sub W-S #1

Sub W-S #2

Sub W-S #5

Sub W-S #4

Sub W-S #3

Sub W-S #6

Standing Committees under the Steering Committee, including the Executive Committee

Staff:CoordinatorInterns?Supp. Staff?

Steering Committee

Executive Committee

Project Sponsor:Funding & administrative support.

Development & Fundraising

AgricultureEducation

Stream Flow & Habitat

Membership WastewaterWater

Marketing & Communication

CurrentCurrent Organizational Organizational Development ModelDevelopment Model

Currently gathering watershed assessment information for the entire watershed

Standing Committees under the Steering Committee, including the Executive Committee

Staff:CoordinatorInterns?Supp. Staff?

Steering Committee

Executive Committee

Project Sponsor:Funding & administrative support.

Development & Fundraising

AgricultureOutreach/Ed./Membership

Stream Flow & Habitat

Water/Wastewater

Marketing & Communication

Coordinator Sponsor Survey?Coordinator Sponsor Survey?

• Fiscal capabilities

• Adm. Support

• Technical Support

• Housing

• Equipment

• Overhead

• Experience with NP, PS, Pr S.

Sugar Creek Watershed Sugar Creek Watershed PartnershipPartnership

Case Study #2Case Study #2

METHOD USED IN UPPER SUGAR METHOD USED IN UPPER SUGAR CREEK SUBWATERSHEDCREEK SUBWATERSHED

DISTRUST OFEPA DATA

MORALDILEMMA ABOUTGOOD STEWARDSELF-CONCEPT

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYBASED WQ TESTING

1 TEST SITEPER SQ MILEEVERY 2 WEEKS

HOTSPOTS

INVITATIONTO HOT SPOTFARMERS TO JOIN TEAM

CORRELATION OF HOT SPOTS WITH PRIMARY HEADWATERS

PARTICIPATORY TEAMSPARTICIPATORY TEAMS

PARTICIPATORYTEAMS IN SUBWATERSHEDS

UPPER SCSelf selected group of neighbors

--Joint buffer by neighbors--Hot Spots

NORTH FORKTask Force of LeadingCitizens

--Amish/non Amish tributary joint action--Amish marketing coop--Kidron Drinking Water

SOUTH FORKFarmerstown South Church District / Maple Grove School

--temporary livestockexclusion--Amish marketing coop--Interest in septic systems

LITTLE SCNo group yet but likely

--Kingsway C.S.--DOT wetlands/30 BYPASS--Troyers

SUGAR CREEK FARMER TEAMSSUGAR CREEK FARMER TEAMS

• Summer 2000 - Low trust in EPA

• Fall 2000 - Desire to be good stewards

• Winter 2001 - Joint reconnaissance mission by farmer and researchers

• 2001-2002 - Collect own data and inquiry

• Summer 2001 - Approve EPA grant proposal

• Summer 2002 - Invite EPA on Stream Walk

BUILDING COMMUNITYBUILDING COMMUNITY

• Decision to be good land/water stewards– Regardless of EPA data

• Realize their inquiries have scientific merit

• Request samples for specific questions

• Neighbors chosen for purposeful action– “hot spot” approach

• Smithville Town Council involved

SOCIAL INDICATORSSOCIAL INDICATORSAccording to Farmer TeamAccording to Farmer Team

Decisions and Actions

• Letters to neighbors

• Going out to lunch together for first time

• Dreaming about a buffer hunting zone

• Talking about project at high school games

• First farm family to put in a riparian buffer

SOCIAL INDICATORSSOCIAL INDICATORSAccording to Farmer TeamAccording to Farmer Team

Unity, Significance, and Purpose

CASE STUDYCASE STUDY

Richard H. Moore, Associate ProfessorRichard H. Moore, Associate Professor

Human and Community Resource Development.Human and Community Resource Development.

Ohio State University.Ohio State University.

((moore.11@osu.edu)

Sugar Creek Method:– Focus on headwaters and benchmark water quality– Treat each stream as unique– Survey community values, concerns, and aspirations– Catalyze local level participatory learning – Collaborate with downstream teams– Build on “healthy environment, healthy people”– Seek to find suitable methods of protection

http://sugarcreekmethod.osu.edu/http://sugarcreekmethod.osu.edu/

Tools for Watershed Action PlanningTools for Watershed Action Planning

http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/nps/guide.html

• Conduct a thorough search for stakeholders• Build relationships and make it fun• Employ conflict resolution• Remain vigilant and get organized• Remember – calendars and “to do” lists!

Tools for Stakeholder InvolvementTools for Stakeholder Involvement

• Building & Development• Community Services• Economic Development• Health Department• Land Records & Property

Transfers• Libraries• Mapping & Geographic

Information

• Parks and Recreation• Planning & Zoning• School Boards• Social Services• Tourism Board• Water & Sewer Services

Tools for Stakeholder InvolvementTools for Stakeholder InvolvementCommunity Invitees

MacPherson & Tonning, Tetra Tech, Inc.

• Dept. of Transportation• Civic Organizations• Religious Groups• Rec. Organizations• Historical / Cultural

Associations• Business Organizations

• Financial Institutions• Home Associations• Realtors• Political Organizations• Parent-Teacher

Associations• Major Landowners

Community InviteesTools for Stakeholder InvolvementTools for Stakeholder Involvement

• Make the invitation - direct ask and early on• Distribute the materials - widely cast the net• Know the audience - carefully craft the message• Understand their needs - address their concerns• Continue to inform - don’t give up• Create the forum - make it easy!

Tools for Stakeholder InvolvementTools for Stakeholder Involvement

Tools for Stakeholder InputTools for Stakeholder Input

Goal – Inform the community, garner trust, and collect opinions

Challenge – To gather a crowd and be efficient

• Communicate clearly and often• Call meetings only when necessary• Use collaborative processes and good facilitation• Provide advanced notice and prior written information• Develop a strong agenda and employ time management

The Meeting

Tools for Stakeholder InputTools for Stakeholder Input

Goal – Better understand the community and build relations

Challenge – Is time-intensive

• Reach the un-reached audiences• Be strategic in selecting interviewees• Begin with good questions• Avoid responsive body language or comments• End with “Do you have anything else to say?”• Record and transcribe interviews with paraphrasing

The Interview

Tools for Stakeholder InputTools for Stakeholder Input

Goal – Gather the wants and needs of the community

Challenge – Make it effective and informative

• “Brainstorm” on problems and possible solutions• Use “Vision to Action” to move group agenda forward• Employ “Group Discussion” to record audience thoughts• Create and send a “Survey” for quantitative information• Present a “Dot Matrix” to prioritize issues• Appreciative Inquiry Process to avoid negative focus

The Exercises

• Make it exciting and worthwhile• Plan for results• Manage the process effectively• Involve stakeholders as soon as possible• Be honest and listen carefully• Recognize differences early on• Don’t leave out difficult stakeholders

Tools for SuccessTools for Success

MacPherson & Tonning, Tetra Tech, Inc.

• Set realistic goals• Focus on their issues• Establish mini-milestones to celebrate• Give feedback and praise• Commit the needed resources to succeed

Tools for SuccessTools for Success

• Effective organizational by-laws• Efficient working structure• Good accounting and tax reporting practices• Annual strategic planning• Regular Board trainings• Continually cultivate a new workforce• Celebrate successes and hold social activities!

Tools for the OrganizationTools for the Organization

Tools on the InternetTools on the Internet

• Ohio State University Extension– Ohio Watershed Network (http://ohiowatersheds.osu.edu/)

– Ohio Watershed Academy (http://ohiowatersheds.osu.edu/owa/)

• 16 On-Line Modules to choose from– Ohioline Factsheets (http://ohioline.osu.edu/)

• Ohio EPA– Ohio NPS Plan (

http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/nps/NPSMP/index.html)

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources– Coastal NPS (

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/soilandwater/Coastalnonpointprogram.htm)

Tools on the InternetTools on the Internet

• US EPA– National TMDL Program (

http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/overviewfs.html)

– National Watershed Program (http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/)

ReferencesReferences

Beierle, T.C. and J. Cayford, 2002. “ Democracy in Practice: Public Participation in Environmental Decisions.” Resources for the Future: Washington, D.C.

Hungerford, H.R. and Volk, T.L. 1990. “Changing learner behavior through environmental education.” The Journal of Environmental Education. 21(3), 8-22.

Kenney, D.S. and W.B. Lord. 1999. “Analysis of Institutional Innovation in the Natural Resources and Environmental Realm: The Emergence of Alternative Problem Solving Strategies in the American West.” Research Report (RR-21). Natural Resources Law Center, University of Colorado School of Law: Boulder, CO.

MacPherson, C. and B. Tonning. “Getting in Step: Engaging and Involving Stakeholders in Your Watershed.” Tetra Tech, Inc. http://www.ttwater.com/downloads/StakeholdrGuide-All.pdf.

Steelman, T.A.. 1999. “Community-Based Environmental Management: Agency- and Community-Driven Efforts.” Presented at the 21st Annual Research Conference of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management. Graduate School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado: Boulder, CO.

Dana Oleskiewicz

Watershed Management Educator

Ohio State University Extension

Center at Wooster

1680 Madison Avenue

OARDC Administration Building

Wooster, OH 44691

330-263-3799

oleskiewicz.1@osu.edu

Robert McCall

Watershed Management Educator

Ohio State University Extension

Center at Lima

1219 West Main Cross

Suite 202

Findlay, OH 45840

419-422-6106

Mccall.57@osu.edu