1. Watershed Management in MA The Deerfield River Watershed Action Plan Kate Crawford, River Corridor Management, October 10, 2005 http://www.mass.gov/envir/water/publications/WAPs/Deerfield_WAP_2004.pdf

2. MA River Management Watershed-scale management approach Emphasis on: –Water quality –Water quantity –Open space –Stakeholder involvement

3. MA River Management (cont.) Development of Management Plans: –Federal – Wild & Scenic Rivers (Connecticut) –State = Watershed Action Plan (WAP) State DEP (Blackstone River) Local Resource Planning Commissions (Millers River) Private Consultant (Deerfield River) –Community

4. The Deerfield River Watershed 665 mi 2 318 mi 2 = VT 347 mi 2 = MA ~70 mi long elevation change: ~ 3,880 ft. 12 major sub-watersheds http://www.deerfieldriver.org/

5. Watershed Landuse Characteristics Population: 47,000 people 81% Forested – Mohawk Trail & Debuque State Forest Land, large pieces of private, undeveloped land –PS pollution prevalent 13% Agriculture/Open Land – hay, corn, dairy production –Significant source of NPS pollution 4% Urban/Residential – southern portion of watershed (Greenfield = 18,000 people) –Significant source of PS pollution 2% Water

6. Landuse http://www.viewsfromabove.com/vfaPublishing/CFeilwebsite/pixs/%20MAB%20photos/MAB.075.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts http://www.viewsfromabove.com/vfaPublishing/CFeilwebsite/pixs/ %20MAB%20photos/MAB.075.jpg

7. Social & Political Characteristics High social diversity –Class stratification –Value differences Small governments run by better educated community members Few economic resources

8. Why Manage the Deerfield River? Conflicting river use –Hydroelectricity production vs. recreation Water quality Aquatic and riparian habitat Land use management Federal and State mandates http://www.msp.umb.edu/Gelpke/Finished/shelburne_falls.htm http://www.maplehousebb.com/images/zoar.jpg

9. Management Documents Deerfield River Water Quality Assessment Report (2000) –Guide for DEP work Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG 2004) –Guide for local governments, Deerfield River Watershed Association Deerfield River Watershed Action Plan (2004) –Guide for stakeholders, non-profits

10. The Planning Process Strong collaboration between the DRWT, FRCOG and the State Collection of appropriate data –Obtaining from various databases –Monitoring Stakeholder involvement –Series of meetings, public forums Development of 6 goals Action plan for achieving goals Formulation of document by private consultant Review of document by stakeholders Identification of potential funding sources

11. WAP Goals Coordinate Flow Management to Benefit Multiple Uses Protect and Improve Water Quality in the Watershed Restore and Improve Stream Continuity and Aquatic Habitat Protect Wetlands and Promote Terrestrial Habitat Diversity Provide Safe Recreation and Public Access/Use Protect Open Space and Maintain Rural Landscape

12. Recommendations Education – landuse BMP’s, ecological effects of dumping, septic system maintenance, importance of community involvement, safe recreation Regulations/Incentives – septic system maintenance, illegal dumping, riparian buffers, open space Ecological Conservation – continued and improved monitoring, river continuity (i.e. dam removal, fish passage structures), cold water fishery habitat (increased protection), invasive species, open space Collaboration – state agencies, town governments, interest groups, Funding – identify and secure sources of funding for various recommended projects

13. What’s next? Development of Water Quality Action Plan Collaboration with Vermont Identification of funding Continued Monitoring Adaptive Management (ecological conservation, stakeholders, collaborative efforts)

14. References Deerfield River Watershed Action Plan Deerfield River Water Quality Assessment ReportDeerfield River Water Quality Assessment Report River Management Society