Big Dry Creek Watershed Association

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN Final Watershed Management Plan July 02 , report text, 2.2 MB/111 pgs) Figure 1 (Watershed Location Map, 4.5 MB) Figure 2 (Land Areas, 4.5 MB) Figure 3 (Stream Segments/Monitoring Locations, 4.5 MB) Figure 4 (Floodplain/Floodway Map, 4.5 MB) Figures 5-11(Water Quality/Flow Graphs, 220 KB) Executive Summary In July 2002, the Big Dry Creek Watershed Association released its Watershed Management Plan (Plan). The purpose of the Plan is to provide a comprehensive framework for the activities of the Big Dry Creek Watershed Association. This Plan condenses the findings of over five years worth of work by the Watershed Association and has been developed to conform to the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Watershed Restoration Action Strategy (WRAS) guidelines. A broad range of topics is covered including targeting (characterizing) current watershed conditions, identifying measures to protect and restore the watershed, and identifying the methods used to evaluate the watershed and activities of the Watershed Association. Key findings and recommendations of this Plan include:

1.	As a result of the diligent efforts of the Watershed Association, many aspects of Big Dry Creek are relatively well characterized. The on-going water quality, flow and biological monitoring program continues to provide up-to-date information on watershed conditions that can be used to target and prioritize future actions in the watershed.
2.	Based on water quality data collected to date, wastewater discharges to the creek appear to be adequately controlled by the Colorado Discharge Permit System.
3.	Hydrologic modification of the creek from increased stormwater flows related to urbanization will require continued attention by local governments and the Watershed Association. In both the urban and agricultural portions of the watershed, specific areas have been identified that would benefit from stream restoration activities.
4.	Local government enforcement of existing stormwater ordinances relating to detention of stormwater flows and erosion and sediment controls at construction sites is critical to protecting Big Dry Creek water quality and habitat. In general, the local governments are believed to have appropriate ordinances in place for new development and redevelopment of existing areas.
5.	Stormwater flows and pollutant contributions have not been well characterized, relative to the strong base of information associated with ambient stream conditions. This is an area of additional study that the Watershed Association may want to consider.
6.	Based on analysis of the last five years of data, Big Dry Creek meets existing stream standards for all constituents. Although the stream meets Recreation Class 2 fecal coliform and E. coli standards, it would have considerable difficulty meeting Recreation Class 1 standards in the event that the stream is reclassified.
7.	Considerable data have been collected on erosion and sedimentation issues in the agricultural portion of the watershed. Sufficient information is believed to have been developed to support local landowners in obtaining funding to help stabilize portions of the streambank. Based on information provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it is critical that the landowner initiates the cost-share program application process. The Watershed Association can provide the landowners with good information to help facilitate this process.
8.	The Phase II stormwater regulation emphasizes the watershed approach and collaborative efforts to reduce pollution associated with stormwater discharges. The Watershed Association should meet with local government staff and managers responsible for implementation of the Phase II permits in the near future to determine what role the Watershed Association will play in helping the cities to meet the requirements of the regulation.
9.	The Watershed Association should continue its public education efforts such as development of a watershed educational video, newsletters and other products. It is important that the Watershed Association work with local governments to take advantage of existing communication pathways to broaden its audience. For example, the Watershed Association should consider providing short articles for distribution to local governments for inclusion in local newsletters and utility bills.
10.	The current monitoring and evaluation process used to evaluate the mission and goals, monitoring program, and water quality and biological data should be continued.