This document provides an introduction to eight tools for watershed protection, summarizing each tool. The first tool discussed is land use planning, outlining how to develop a land use plan to meet water resource goals. Land use planning techniques like zoning are described. The second tool is land conservation, identifying five types of areas to conserve like critical habitats. Land conservation techniques are listed. The third tool discussed is establishing buffers along aquatic corridors, outlining their benefits and management considerations. The fourth tool is better site design to reduce impervious surfaces in developments. Key choices for applying each tool in a watershed are identified.

1. Introduction to the Eight Tools of Watershed Protection Presented by:

2. 1. Land Use

3. LAND USE

5. Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection This graph illustrates the relationship between impervious cover and stream quality, information that can be used to categorize streams as sensitive , impacted , or non-supporting .

6. This is an example of a Montgomery County, MD land use planning map that classifies subwatersheds based on an impervious cover model.

8. This is another example of a watershed-based zoning map that uses impervious cover to categorize subwatersheds in Montgomery County, MD. Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

9. Watershed-based Zoning 1. Stream Inventory 2. Measure impervious cover 3. Verify impervious cover/ stream quality relationships 4. Project future levels of impervious cover 5. Classify subwatersheds 6. Modify master plans/zoning to correspond 7. Incorporate management priorities from larger watershed units 8. Adopt specific watershed protection strategies 9. Long term monitoring

10. This is a map of a barrier island which would benefit from zoning measures to protect its resources.

11. By using overlay zoning, the same barrier island and its resources can be protected.

18. Tidal wetland s are considered critical habitat and provide essential spaces for plant and animal communities. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

19. Freshwater areas like this are also considered critical habitat since they provide spawning areas for trout. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

21. The aquatic corridor is comprised of the stream and its rights-of-way. Healthy stream channels diverge, converge, and meander along the natural stream path. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

23. This aerial photo shows several types of land uses, including crops, forests, and pastures, that can function as hydrologic reserves. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

24. Forests are important conservation areas because they can help maintain the pre-development hydrologic response of a subwatershed. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

26. Hazardous wastes left in areas not designated for proper collection can create “stormwater hotspots.” Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

27. Facilities that may be potential pollutant sources are often kept a designated distance away from streams, rivers, and other water bodies. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

29. Historic sites such as the one shown here in historic Ellicott City, MD are not only aesthetic and educational but provide a sense of community as well. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

30. Pullovers are provided off the George Washington Parkway so that the public can enjoy the scenic overlook. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

31. This trail which runs alongside the Choptank River in Maryland provides the public with a form of recreation and access to the water. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

32. The numerous docks in Annapolis provide recreational access to the water, which can promote public appreciation for water resources. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

36. This buffer was reestablished with great success in Anacostia near Washington, DC. After only two growing seasons, the vegetation showed dramatic recovery growth. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

39. This development in Howard County, MD illustrates a buffer. The outer zones consist of backyards where usage is unrestricted and the vegetative target can be turf grass. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

40. This tree preservation area is clearly marked throughout the construction stage to prevent clearing. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

43. A typical conventional site contains huge areas of impervious cover that can potentially be reduced. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

44. Typical streets are often excessively wide, increasing traffic speeds and making streets unfriendly to pedestrians. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

45. Typical cul-de-sacs are often large enough to double as spaceship landing pads. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

46. This conceptual plan utilizes several better site design techniques, including a vegetated island that allows stormwater filtration, shorter driveways, narrow streets, and alternate pavement for overflow parking.

48. Parking lots are often underutilized and can be minimized through better site design techniques. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

49. This example of an open space design utilizes the existing character of the area by minimizing clearing and grading and preserving large tracts of natural open space.

52. Clearing and grading of the entire site, and all at once, is a common construction practice. Some state regulations require exposed soils to be stabilized within 7 - 10 days. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

53. Ten Elements of an Effective ESC Plan 1. Minimize Needless Clearing and Grading 2. Protect Waterways and Stabilize Drainage Ways 3. Phase Construction to Limit Soil Exposure 4. Stabilize Exposed Soils Immediately 5. Protect Steep Slopes and Cuts 6. Install Perimeter Controls to Filter Sediments 7. Employ Advanced Sediment Settling Controls 8. Certify Contractors on ESC Plan Implementation 9. Adjust ESC Plan at Construction Site 10. Assess ESC Practices After Storms

54. The use of straw is one technique for stabilizing soils. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

55. This sedimentation basin was constructed to treat the erosion from the construction right in the background. However, the basin is not being maintained properly and the heavy sedimentation is a sign of failure. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

56. Silt fences are another ESC measure, but are worthless without proper installation and maintenance. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

61. Stormwater wet ponds are characterized by a permanent pool of water. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

62. Stormwater wetlands treat the stormwater for both quality and quantity. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

63. Infiltration trenches allow stormwater to percolate slowly into the soil. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

64. Bioretention areas are a type of filtering system often used in parking lots. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

65. Open channels are often used along roadways to convey and infiltrate stormwater. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

69. This schematic of a septic system shows how a faulty septic tank could potentially pollute groundwater.

70. Septic systems that fail or are improperly located have the potential to pollute our lakes and streams. Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

71. Illicit connections to the storm drain also pollute our waters. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

72. Runoff from animal lots can contaminate our streams without proper treatment. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

77. The Adopt-A-Stream program provides an excellent opportunity for active public participation and education. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

78. These citizen volunteers are planting trees to help reforest a buffer. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

79. Assessing the quality and quantity of aquatic biota is one way to monitor the health of a watershed. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

80. Hydrologic gauging stations compute stream velocity and measure pollutant levels. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

81. This stream restoration project included building log drops to provide spawning habitat for salmon. Photo Copyright 1999, Center for Watershed Protection

83. Summary This presentation provides a simple introduction to the eight basic watershed protection tools essential to the protection, preservation, and restoration of our lakes, streams, and estuaries. For more information on the watershed protection tools, please consult the Rapid Watershed Planning Handbook , 1998.

86. At what scale is watershed planning most effective? Largest scale possible Subwatershed scale Stream level

87. What is the disadvantage of using large lot zoning as a land use planning tool? Large lots spread out development, resulting in sprawl Large lots are often economically unfeasible Large lots mean longer driveways

88. What is an aquatic buffer? An area of trees that blocks noise pollution Tool designed to polish rough, polluted areas Area adjacent to a shoreline, wetland or stream where development is restricted or prohibited

89. What is cluster development? Development that groups economically similar groups together Development that reduces individual lot size and creates more open space Development designed to concentrate pollutants in one small area

90. What is the most destructive stage of the development cycle? Clearing & grading Installation of underground pipes & lines Structure erection

91. What is the most effective technique for providing erosion and sediment control? Wetting down building sites Increasing cleared areas Minimizing clearing

92. What is NOT a structural stormwater practice? Ponds Wetlands Infiltration Filtering Systems Buffer clearing Open channels

93. What non-stormwater discharge is not regulated by the NPDES? Factory discharge Septic systems Farm discharge

94. What is the primary goal of watershed stewardship programs? Increase public awareness & participation Save money Preserve non-profit status

95. What is a conservation easement? A practice used to apply and enforce restrictions to preserve natural resources An amendment relaxing conservation restrictions A special dispensation to deputize conservation officers

96. What are stormwater hotspots? Urban areas that contribute 5-10 times higher pollutant levels in stormwater runoff Areas of increased water temperature that destroy habitat Areas that are 5-10 times more likely to experience flooding

97. Congratulations! You’re familiar with the eight tools of watershed protection! Contact the Center for Watershed Protection if you’re interested in learning more.

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99. Eight Tools of Watershed Protection Vocabulary