Watershed Approach to Stream Management

December 22, 2017

As promised, more information on the Watershed Approach to Stream Management
In order to advance our mission and vision within the complex natural systems we manage, we must continue to expand our knowledge of watersheds and stream systems. As an adaptive organization, we must then apply this knowledge to improve processes and products. UDFCD has made large strides in operating in this environment by embracing the value of diverse project teams, pioneering new technologies through research and innovation, and growing relationships with local government partners. The advances made to date are significant, but we recognize that broader system-wide process improvements are still needed in order to better serve as stewards of watersheds and streams.
UDFCD identified several system-wide improvements during a staff retreat in 2015 and also through a resulting and ongoing strategic planning effort. Additionally, as we have worked to remove the barriers between our programs and staff have expanded their involvement in other UDFCD service areas, a greater awareness of the potential for improving our services has developed. As a result, UDFCD is transitioning to managing many of our services utilizing a Watershed Approach to Stream Management. This approach takes into account many previously identified gaps, as well as capitalizing on new opportunities to be more effective and efficient at delivering the mission and vision of UDFCD.
Under the Watershed Approach to Stream Management, the traditional management services provided by UDFCD – master planning, capital projects, maintenance projects, and the Maintenance Eligibility Program – will all be completed by the same project manager for a watershed service area. We have divided the UDFCD service area into eight watershed regions based on similarities of the stream systems within the region. One project manager has been assigned to each watershed service area. For a map of the eight watersheds and project manager assignments, click here.
Funding will still be managed by county and each local government will continue to have a single point of contact for budget and work matters. Capital construction and maintenance tax dollars collected from each county will continue to be spent in that county only.