| |
 |
 |
| |
Protecting
Water Quality in Wetlands
and Riparian Corridors
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
California has invested heavily in policies, programs, and projects to conserve, restore, regulate, and manage its wetland resources. The ecological diversity of the state and its complex community of wetland managers challenge efforts to coordinate and standardize assessment tools and approaches. California therefore adopted a “regional” approach to program implementation. Components of the three-tiered approach are initially developed and implemented by select regional teams of scientists and partner agencies with oversight by a statewide steering committee. These approaches allow the state to build concepts and tools based on regional experience and then transfer this expertise to other regions. The State and Federal Governments have adopted a “No Net Loss” policy for wetlands, but currently have few mechanisms to track the implementation or success of actions meant to achieve this policy.
This draft action plan is a compilation of goals and strategies developed in partnership with the CCWWG.
Goals:
- To recognize the relationship between water quality, wetlands and riparian corridors
- To inventory central California coastal wetlands and evaluate potential impacts
- To identify problems with the existing system of wetland / riparian protection and develop policy guidance that addresses these problems
- To integrate land-use planning objectives and resolve conflicts between flood control and wetlands / riparian conservation and restoration
- Work with local jurisdictions to enhance the repair and replacement of sewer infrastructure to reduce leaking pipes and clogs.
- To implement restoration and protection projects
- To compliment existing Water Quality Protection Program action plans and further program goals
Summary
of Strategies:
- Inventory existing wetlands and identify location, health, function and potential impacts
- Develop and implement permit streamlining for restoration activities and increase education and outreach for landowners.
- Resolve conflicts between flood control agencies and wetland protection and restoration.
- Develop
incentives for wetland protection.
- Develop guidance document for local planners for policy integration into local plans
|
