Scaling Up Payment for Watershed Services Programs in the Upper Neuse River Basin: A Feasibility Analysis and Guidance Framework
Abstract
The Falls Reservoir in the Upper Neuse River Basin (UNRB) of North Carolina is currently
classified as “impaired,” meaning that it fails to meet state water quality standards
for its classified use. To retain its designated use, come into compliance with the
Clean Water Act, and enhance local watershed protection, the Falls Rules stipulate
specific goals for nitrogen and phosphorus load reductions in the watershed. Payments
for Watershed Services (PWS) could provide a cost- and environmentally-effective approach
to meeting the Falls Rules goals. We examine successful PWS case studies across the
United States to assess the feasibility of scaling up current PWS programs in the
UNRB. We compile the relevant attributes, experiences, and lessons learned from these
case studies to determine 1) the UNRB’s general state of “readiness” for scaling up
PWS programs in the basin, 2) which case studies can serve as model programs for the
UNRB, 3) what a basin-wide PWS program might look like and steps UNRB stakeholders
can take to better ready themselves for such a program, and 4) potential challenges,
limitations, and benefits of basin-wide PWS program implementation. Results from this
study suggest that the UNRB is well-positioned for scaling up a payment for watershed
services program, as the basin already satisfies many of the designated preconditions
for success. We provide five actionable recommendations for UNRB stakeholders and
offer a guidance framework for program design and implementation moving forward.
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/5362Citation
Martin, Andrea; Reyes, June; & Swanson, Kaola (2012). Scaling Up Payment for Watershed Services Programs in the Upper Neuse River Basin:
A Feasibility Analysis and Guidance Framework. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/5362.Collections
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