Watershed Management
Overview
Watershed
level management requires a perspective that unites social, economic,
and environmental concerns in a landscape where upland forests and
rangeland, wetlands, agricultural and urban areas are integrated.
An understanding of watershed linkages allows us to design long-term
and sustainable solutions to a variety of natural resource problems.
Watershed management planning must also take into consideration
the diversity of land uses: forestery, crops and livestock, cities,
State and Federal lands. Watersheds in Alaska differ quite dramatically,
as well. Model efforts in watershed management include the capture,
storage, and safe release of water resources, the prevention and
management of accelerated soil erosion through the maintenance of
an appropriate vegetation cover, and prevention strategies for stormwater
degradation of surface and ground water resources. Watershed councils and planning groups act as decision support systems in local watershed management efforts. These groups bring stakeholders together to develop plans that consider all interests.
Desired Outcomes
- Fish and wildlife habitats are preserved
- Erosion is managed on uplands, riparian areas, and stream channels
- Water quality is protected and/or enhanced
- Stormwater pollution prevention strategies are included in all development plans
- Citizen involvement in watershed management is increased
- Citizen awareness and knowledge of watershed management is increased.
ALASKA Contact
Fred Sorensen, Water Quality Coordinator, Anchorage, (907) 786-6311, dffes@uaa.alaska.eduALASKA Publications
GWQ-00548 Protecting Alaska’s Water Resources
GWQ-00947 How Alaska’s Groundwater is Contaminated
PNW 552 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Homeowner’s Guide
PNW 558 Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western
Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Landowner’s Guide to Riparian
Areas
PNW 560 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Guide to Riparian Areas in Rangelands
PNW 561 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas
PNW 562 Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska: A Developer’s Guide to Riparian Areas