BEST PRACTICES

Watersheds are critical ecological units that collect and channel rainwater through streams and rivers. This section emphasizes the importance of understanding watersheds, how they function, and the various human and environmental interactions that can affect them. It highlights the need for balanced management practices that consider both human needs and the health of the ecosystem.

Understanding Watersheds

A watershed is an area of land where all the water under it or draining off of it goes into the same place. Watersheds play a crucial role in collecting and purifying our water supply, supporting diverse wildlife, and sustaining human life. The balance of a watershed's ecosystem can be affected by natural processes like rainfall and human activities such as agriculture and urban development. Understanding these interactions is vital for effective watershed management."

Watershed management is a collaborative and multidimensional endeavor, it isn't just confined to experts. Public involvement in simple actions like vegetation planting or waterway creation plays a crucial role in maintaining watershed health. Amidst global challenges like climate change and ecosystem degradation, integrated watershed management becomes essential. Such practices not only protect water quality but also support biodiversity and ecosystem services. By adopting best practices and utilizing available tools and data, we can ensure the sustainability and resilience of our watersheds for future generations.

Assessing Our Waters

To effectively manage watersheds, it is essential to have reliable methods for assessing their health and monitoring changes over time. This involves measuring various physical, chemical, and biological indicators that reflect the condition of the water and surrounding landscapes. Techniques include using stream gauges to monitor water flow and volume, analyzing water samples for pollutants and sediment levels, and assessing the diversity and abundance of aquatic life as indicators of water quality. Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) are also valuable tools for mapping and analyzing land use, vegetation cover, and other factors that affect watersheds. By combining data from multiple sources, such as the USGS and NOAA, managers can develop a comprehensive understanding of watershed dynamics, identify potential issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of management interventions.

Stream Gauges

Stream gauges are tools used to measure the flow and volume of water in rivers and streams within a watershed. These measurements help us understand patterns of water movement and availability, which are crucial for managing water resources effectively and predicting floods."

Water Sampling

Water sampling involves collecting and analyzing water from various points in a watershed to test for pollutants, sediment levels, and other water quality indicators. This helps identify sources of pollution and areas that may require conservation efforts.

Remote Sensing/GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies allow us to map and analyze land use, vegetation, and water bodies across entire watersheds. This bird's-eye view aids in planning, monitoring changes over time, and making informed management decisions.

Management Practices and Their Impact

Effective watershed management involves a range of practices designed to protect and enhance watershed health. Fencing to control wildlife, particularly in areas where grazing or trampling by ungulates (like deer or feral pigs) can cause erosion or harm sensitive habitats, is one such practice. Invasive species management, including the removal of non-native plants that can outcompete native vegetation and alter water flow, is another critical action. Reforestation and the planting of native species can help stabilize soil, improve water infiltration, and enhance habitat quality. These actions, among others, contribute to the overall resilience of watersheds, helping to maintain water quality, reduce the risk of floods and droughts, and support biodiversity. Strategic management requires careful planning and ongoing monitoring to ensure that actions are effective and to adapt to changing conditions.

Wildlife Control

Practices like fencing can help control wildlife populations that might otherwise cause erosion or damage to sensitive habitats. For example, controlling the population of feral pigs in a watershed can reduce soil erosion and protect water quality

Invasive Species Management

Removing non-native plants that outcompete native vegetation can restore natural water flows and support biodiversity. This management action ensures that native plants thrive, maintaining the watershed's ecological balance

Reforestation

Planting native trees and vegetation can stabilize soil, improve water infiltration, and enhance habitat quality. Reforestation projects not only combat erosion but also contribute to the overall resilience and health of watersheds

Communinty Envolvement and Practical Steps

Watershed management is not solely the domain of governments and environmental organizations; it requires active participation from local communities and individuals. Community involvement can take many forms, from participating in local watershed councils and volunteer monitoring programs to implementing best practices for water conservation and land use on individual properties. Education and outreach are vital, as they empower community members with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to watershed stewardship. Practical steps for individuals might include using rain barrels to collect rainwater, planting native vegetation to reduce runoff, and minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. By engaging a broad base of stakeholders, watershed management efforts can leverage local knowledge, foster stewardship, and build resilient communities that are invested in the long-term health of their water resources.

Volunteer at Monitoring Programs

Participate in volunteer monitoring programs to help track water quality, flora, and fauna within your watershed. Your contributions can provide valuable data for managing and protecting water resources

Implement Best Practices at Home

Simple actions like using rain barrels, planting native vegetation, and reducing the use of chemicals can significantly impact your watershed's health. Every small step contributes to larger conservation efforts."

Join Watershed Alliance or Council

Local watershed councils offer a platform for community members to discuss and contribute to watershed management efforts. Joining a council allows you to share your voice and collaborate on projects that improve watershed health

Resource Links

Literature

"About KMWP"
Provides an overview of the Ko'olau Mountain Watershed Partnership, dedicated to the protection of the Ko'olau Mountains in Hawai'i.

Allan, J. D. (2004). "Landscapes and riverscapes: the influence of land use on stream ecosystems." Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 35, 257-284. Explores how different land use practices impact the ecological integrity and biodiversity of stream ecosystems.

El-Swaify, S. A., Dangler, E. W., & Armstrong, C. L. (1982). "Soil Erosion by Water in the Tropics." Discusses the challenges and mechanisms of soil erosion in tropical regions and its implications on water quality and agriculture.

Feio, Alves, T., Boavida, M., Medeiros, A., & Graca, M. A. S. (2010). "Functional indicators of stream health: a river-basin approach." Freshwater Biology, 55(5), 1050–1065. Introduces a method for assessing stream health across river basins using functional biodiversity indicators.

Palmer, Hondula, K. L., & Koch, B. J. (2014). "Ecological Restoration of Streams and Rivers: Shifting Strategies and Shifting Goals." Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 45(1), 247–269. Reviews the evolving strategies and objectives in the ecological restoration of stream and river ecosystems to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
R Core Team (2021). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. An introduction to R, a comprehensive statistical computing and graphics software used for data analysis and visualization.

Stein, Sengupta, A., Mazor, R. D., McCune, K., Bledsoe, B. P., & Adams, S. (2017). "Application of regional flow‐ecology relationships to inform watershed management decisions: Application of the ELOHA framework in the San Diego River watershed, California, USA." Ecohydrology, 10(7), e1869–n/a. Demonstrates how flow-ecology relationships can guide watershed management decisions, illustrated by a case study in the San Diego River watershed.

Van Horn, White, C. S., Martinez, E. A., Hernandez, C., Merrill, J. P., Parmenter, R. R., & Dahm, C. N. (2012). "Linkages Between Riparian Characteristics, Ungulate Grazing, and Geomorphology and Nutrient Cycling in Montane Grassland Streams." Rangeland Ecology & Management, 65(5), 475–485. Investigates the interplay between riparian zones, ungulate grazing, and their combined effects on stream geomorphology and nutrient cycling.

Wang, Mang, S., Cai, H., Liu, S., Zhang, Z., Wang, L., & Innes, J. L. (2016). "Integrated watershed management： evolution, development and emerging trends." Journal of Forestry Research, 27(5), 967–994. Reviews the evolution and current trends in integrated watershed management, highlighting its importance for sustainable forest and water resources management.

Watershed Partnerships—Hawai‘i Association of Watershed Partnerships. Describes the collaborative efforts of watershed partnerships in Hawai'i, aimed at protecting and managing the islands' critical watershed areas.

Zhang, C., Wang, Y., Hamilton,K., & Lauer, A. (2016). "Dynamical downscaling of the climate for the Hawaiian Islands. Part II: Projection for the late twenty-first century." Journal of Climate, 29(23), 8333-8354. Discusses the projections for climate change impacts on the Hawaiian Islands using dynamical downscaling models to better understand future climatic conditions and their potential effects on the region's environment and ecosystems.

Websites

USGS Water Data for the Nation:

This site offers a wide range of data on streamflow, water quality, and groundwater levels for watersheds. Visit USGS Water Data

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI):

NCEI provides access to a vast array of atmospheric, coastal, oceanic, and geophysical data. Explore NCEI

ArcGIS Online:

A platform for creating and sharing interactive maps and applications. The free version can be a great visualization tool for your data. Check out ArcGIS Online

Google Sheets:

An accessible, free tool for data analysis and sharing, which can be particularly useful for collaborative projects. Go to Google Sheets