(Loveland, Colorado, Jan 31, 2005) – Following up
on 4 years of water monitoring, the Big Thompson Watershed Forum is
developing a water quality management plan to protect the region’s lakes
and streams. This is a crucial step in protecting the region’s investment
in drinking water supplies, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of
water resources for agriculture, recreation and aquatic life.
Addressing a Need
The Big Thompson Watershed Forum was formed in 1997 when a group of
concerned citizens and officials observed clear signs of declining local
water quality. They believed that water quality could best be protected by
addressing the entire watershed and established a collaborative
organization to coordinate water quality assessment and protection. In
2003, members of the Forum identified nutrients and sediment as the two
highest priority concerns in the Big Thompson basin. Excessive nutrient
levels in lakes and streams feed algae blooms that can result in fish
kills, increase costs of drinking water treatment, and threaten
recreational and agricultural uses. Sediment has a negative impact on
water quality by transporting nutrients, simplifying aquatic habitat and
impairing fish reproduction and predation. The Colorado Department of
Health and Environment is developing criteria for aquatic nutrients and
related sediment impacts, but regulations will not be established until
2010. Consequently, in 2003 the Forum began focusing its efforts on
reducing nutrient and sediment pollution. As a result, the Forum has
raised over $100,000 through state and federal grants to develop effective
nutrient and sediment management strategies.
Creating a Unique Water Quality Management
Plan
The overall goal of this project is to complete the first two phases of a
comprehensive water quality management plan for the Big Thompson
Watershed, which comprises over 700 square miles of Larimer County. Phase
one will focus on prioritizing nutrient and sediment issues and
establishing water quality goals. Phase two will identify and evaluate
strategies for managing and protecting water quality. This collaborative
process involves regulatory agencies, water users, and citizens. Over 450
potentially affected interests have been contacted to take part in this
process, and more than 100 individuals have asked to be involved at some
level. The final plan will be available as a written report, paired with
web-based information and tools unique to the Big Thompson Watershed’s
needs.
Compared to other projects of this kind, the
Forum’s approach is unique in relying on local knowledge and resources to
develop a water quality management plan. By using outside consultants
strictly for guidance, direction and training, the result will be a
self-sufficient network that is capable of responding to future water
quality challenges.
Vision
Forum members and participants in this planning process recognize that
this is not the easiest approach, but it is likely the only way to ensure
the highest possible water quality over the long term. Managing for clean
water ultimately ensures the health of the watershed and the quality of
life for those who come to live, work, and play in the Big Thompson
Watershed. If you are interested in participating, or would like to
provide comments, visit the Forum’s website at www.btwatershed.org.
