Clean Water Through Conservation in the Jordan Lake Watershed

Abstract

Watershed management is becoming increasingly holistic. Novel approaches are needed to satisfy the interests of diverse stakeholders – including municipal water users, environmental groups, and agricultural communities. In the rapidly developing Jordan Lake Watershed, stakeholders are eagerly seeking comprehensive approaches to prevent further water quality degradation and the loss and fragmentation of ecological resources. We present an approach for identifying these opportunities. First, we identify high quality natural areas that should be protected to maintain water quality. Second, we highlight riparian restoration areas that maximize pollutant retention and bridge the watershed’s biodiversity hotspots. Finally, we evaluate the financial costs and benefits farmers face when adopting conservation agricultural practices to determine where they will be most successful. In combination, these practices can protect, connect and restore a high-functioning watershed.