What Are the
Mission and Goals of
the Big Dry Creek Watershed Association?
Mission
To develop a sound scientific understanding of water
quality, flow, aquatic life and habitat conditions in the Big Dry Creek
watershed for the purposes of 1) environmentally responsible
decision-making with regard to land and stream uses and 2) identifying
measures to improve and protect stream conditions.
Goals
Public Education and Involvement
Provide a forum for entities interested in Big Dry Creek to
cooperatively and constructively discuss water quality, flow and
habitat-related issues.
Develop a web page and other communication means that can be readily
accessed by interested parties for information pertinent to Big Dry
Creek.
Develop a broad base of support for the Watershed Association,
including, but not limited to, wastewater dischargers, water
suppliers, farmers, developers, planners, students, teachers, public
agencies, business/industry, community groups, parks and open space
users, and other interested citizens.
Promote responsible land development practices in the rapidly
urbanizing watershed, consistent with local, state and federal
regulations.
Inform and educate watershed residents on stream-related
environmental issues and measures that they can take to improve and
protect water quality, aquatic life and habitat.
Monitoring and
Study
Reinforce the use of sound science in evaluating watershed
conditions and decision-making.
Develop and maintain a user-friendly comprehensive water quality
database on Big Dry Creek to be used for scientifically-sound water
quality related decisions and public education.
Integrate future watershed studies with existing programs and the
many historical studies conducted in the watershed.
Maintain awareness and involvement in water quality monitoring and
habitat preservation programs such as those currently in place at
Rocky Flats and Standley Lake.
Maintain and improve the Big Dry Creek Monitoring Program conducted
by the Cities of Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster.
Develop an understanding of stormwater impacts to Big Dry Creek that
is consistent with federal stormwater regulations and requirements
Develop an understanding of groundwater quality and
groundwater-surface water interactions along the main stem of Big Dry
Creek.
Protect, Preserve and Restore Water Quality,
Aquatic
Life and Habitat
Protect and preserve water quality, aquatic life and aquatic
habitat.
Prioritize watershed management goals and coordinate related
watershed activities to maximize environmental benefits.
Support existing and future efforts to preserve riparian habitat and
open space in the watershed.
Identify areas in need of and suitable for stream restoration and
habitat improvement projects.
Develop an understanding of impacts of agricultural activities east
of I-25 on water quality and work with the Natural Resources
Conservation Service through established communication channels to
implement any needed measures/practices to improve water quality.
Maintain involvement in and understanding of the South Platte
Segment 15 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process.