A Monograph of Educational Activities and Intergovernmental Cooperation that Occurred during the Long Lake Watershed Planning and Management Project, Washburn County, Wisconsin

Abstract

The focus of this monograph is to address issues associated with small scale watershed planning and summarize the activities and events that took place during the Long Lake Watershed planning process. Watershed Planning The concept of watershed planning is gaining popularity globally as a tool for managing and integrating the physical, chemical, and biological processes of a watershed (Davenport, 2003). This type of process would not be possible without cooperation from scientists and other professionals that are willing to work with stakeholders on ·creating adaptive watershed management techniques that focus on balancing economic and social values of the water-quality goals for the watershed. Since watershed management is based on analyzing available watershed information, adequate participation and monitoring are needed during and after the entire planning process. Watershed planning uses watersheds and subwatersheds as a biophysical basis for planning and management (Davenport, 2003). Watershed planning is a process of working with people to solve both localized and large-scale problems. Addressing issues on a watershed scale has several ramifications not considered or addressed until a problem arises. A well-developed watershed plan addresses issues by taking a proactive approach. Proactive planning helps reduce costs to stakeholders (Davenport, 2003). However, actually writing a watershed plan and then implementing that plan is laden with potential drawbacks. Some drawbacks include educating the public, funding, participation, inexperience in watershed planning, and lack of intergovernmental involvement. This monograph will explore the two major challenges the stakeholders of the Long Lake Watershed project faced: public education and intergovernmental cooperation.