A watershed is the geographic area that drains into a common body of water. Because watersheds are defined by natural hydrology, they represent the most logical basis for managing water resources. Watershed plans generally address issues such as flood management, erosion and sedimentation, water quality and restoration projects. Armed with a comprehensive plan, communities are in a good position to secure the support and funding necessary to make it a reality.
The Contra Costa RCD is engaged in several watershed planning efforts
across the County. The Alhambra Watershed Planning
Group completed its plan in April 2001, and the Alhambra Watershed Council has been working on implementing projects since then.
The Kirker Creek Watershed Planning Group published
their plan in February 2004, and the Partners for the Watershed has begun implementation. The Mount Diablo Creek Watershed Planning Group published their watershed plan in April 2007, and the Friends of Mount Diablo Creek, the RCD and other community groups are working to implement recommendations. The RCD and the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed will soon be participating in a Watershed Council of cities and agencies in East Contra Costa's Marsh Creek Watershed. The RCD is coordinating a Rodeo Creek Watershed Vision Planning program with the community and several partners including the Contra Costa Redevelopment Agency, the Contra Costa County Flood Control District, Muir Heritage Land Trust and the Restoration Design Group.
Other watershed groups are active across the County. Find out if there is a group near you!
All of Contra Costa RCD's watershed planning efforts are following the Coordinated Resource Management and Planning (CRMP) model. CRMP is based on three principles:
- Local control: Those who live, work and recreate within the watershed are most capable of making management decisions.
- Consensus decision-making: To ensure full community support, all decisions are made through consensus.
- Voluntary implementation: The community works together to implement the plan. There is no government mandate.