The NC Watershed Stewardship Network and You Christy Perrin Co-coordinator, NC Watershed Stewardship Network Sustainable Waters & Communities Coordinator, WRRI Cy Stober, Steering Committee, NC WSN & Senior Regional Planner, Piedmont Triad Regional Council

Our mission is to empower more effective watershed stewardship because water is critical to economic, environmental, and community health.

The watershed approach to managing water resources  Is hydrologically defined  geographically focused  includes all stressors (air and water)  Involves all stakeholders  includes public (federal, state, local) and private sector  is community based  includes a coordinating framework  Strategically addresses priority water resource goals (e.g. water quality, habitat)  integrates multiple programs (regulatory and voluntary)  based on sound science  aided by strategic watershed plans  uses adaptive management Courtesy of US EPA

NC’s officially impaired waters (on EPA Clean Water Act section 303(d) list)

Our water and economic health  One-fifth of the US economy would grind to a halt without a reliable and clean source of water.  46% of water consumed in America is used to produce the manufacturing products we buy.  1 to 3.68—the water jobs multiplier. Every job we create in the water sector helps add another 3.68 jobs in the national economy.  1 to 6—every $1 spent on infrastructure improvements in the US generates $6 in returns. of water.org

Watershed planning- why bother?

How can we support local watershed efforts?

Documenting the needs in NC 1. Online, statewide survey paid watershed professionals (n=161) 2. 7 regional focus groups watershed volunteers (n=50) 3. Online, statewide survey watershed volunteers (n= 79, (137 surveys started)

We heard from professionals:

Geographic spread of respondents from survey 1

Importance of statewide networking tools Data from Survey 2: volunteers

NC Watershed Volunteers 2013 survey: What motivated you to take action on watershed issues? I felt a connection to the land and waterways (70%)

Some helpful conclusions from our research…  Many opportunities exist for partnering and cross training among watershed professionals  Watershed volunteers are likely to get engaged because they feel connected to their water resources  Respondents would likely participate in one day workshops  Statewide networking is welcomed by most  Online interactive networking tools are welcomed  Volunteers need help reaching out to some audiences

Steering Committee Kevin Boyer, City of Raleigh Shari Bryant, NC Wildlife Resources Commission Caitlin Burke, Conservation Trust for North Carolina Paul Clark, Use Restoration Watershed Program, NCDWR Bill Crowell, Abermarle Pamlico National Estuary Partnership Nancy Daly, NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program Michele Drostin, UNC Institute for the Environment Joy Fields, Piedmont Triad Regional Council Greg Godard, Upper Coastal Plain COG Wendi Hartup, NC Cooperative Extension Joey Hester, NCDA&CS Division of Soil & Water Conservation Michele Drostin UNC Institute for the Environment Christy Perrin Water Resources Research Institute Betty Huskins, NC Regional Councils George Matthis, River Guardian Foundation Holly Miller, Town of Wake Forest Christy Perrin, Water Resources Research Institute Gloria Putnam, NC Sea Grant Eric Romaniszyn, Haywood Waterways Association Rebecca Sadosky, NC Drinking Water Protection Program, NCDWR Mike Schlegel, Triangle J Council of Governments Cy Stober, Piedmont Triad Regional Council Ron Townley, Upper Coastal Plain COG Jason Wager, Centralina COG Nicole Wilkinson, Water Resources Research Institute Melanie Williams, Basin Planning Branch, NCDWR Mitch Woodward, NC Cooperative Extension

 More people leading and working on watershed projects.  People begin and sustain local watershed efforts in all areas across NC, including areas without watershed management due to lack of resources.  Local watershed efforts are sustained by diverse and balanced sources of funds and resources.  Stewards collaborate broadly for greater success protecting waters.  People make decisions that protect water resources while improving community health and economic development. Our Goals

 Provide online tools to connect people & share resources  Foster partnerships: public, private and nonprofit watershed stakeholders  Maximize skills of watershed professionals and volunteers through training and networking How do we work?  Assist stakeholders to leverage limited resources to more efficiently improve watershed health  Communicate on the ground watershed efforts and program successes

Provide online tools to connect people and share resources

Online webtool: summer 2015 for beta

Success studies: Sparking connections between people and water resources

Watershed planning workshops  “How to” with focus on collaborative, science- based process  4 regional workshops  Hosting organizations sought  First one in Sept – Southeast Raleigh

How can the NCWSN help you support your communities?

Thank you Michele Drostin UNC Institute for the Environment Christy Perrin Water Resources Research Institute