North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, Phase I, 2007
NCIRWM Plan document with maps (10 MB)
NCIRWM Plan without maps (4 MB)
NCIRWM Plan Highlight (2 MB)
Phase I of the NCIRWMP was adopted by resolution by the seven north coast counties comprising the North Coast Regional Water Management Group in July 2007. Phase II is underway with a planning grant awarded by DWR in 2006. There are many opportunities to provide input into Phase II of the NCIRWMP, including this website, workshops and conferences throughout 2007 and 2008.
NCIRWMP—Plan Elements
The North Coast IRWM Plan, Phase I includes the following sections:
The Regional Framework
This section describes the NCIRWMP themes of beneficial uses of water, salmonid recovery, and intra-regional cooperation and the synchronized, regional adaptive management approach that integrates local, state, and federal priorities.
Objectives
The six primary NCIRWMP objectives are described in detail:
1. Native salmonid habitat enhancement
2. Protection and enhancement of drinking water quality
3. Adequate water supply with minimal environmental impacts
4. Supporting implementation of statewide water initiatives
5. Address environmental justice issues
6. Provide inclusive framework for intra-regional cooperation
A Description of the North Coast Region
This section includes a depiction of the North Coast Region physical and biological features, sensitive habitats, internal boundaries, major water-related infrastructure, water quality, water quantity, water supply and demand projections, land use, demographic, social, and economic attributes.
Key Water Management Issues
Key water management issues are identified as salmonid population decline, water quantity, water quality, and protection of drinking water in disadvantaged communities. Water management issues are examined at both the watershed and jurisdictional boundary scale.
The Need for Integrated Planning
This section describes how the NCIRWMP meets the regional need for comprehensive, collaborative, multi-scale water management planning and project implementation.
The NCIRWMP Development Process
The North Coast Regional Management Group is described and the outreach and development process for the NCIRWMP is presented in detail. The development of the adaptive management framework for North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Planning is discussed.
The Prioritized Projects
The prioritized projects are presented in the proponents' words. These projects represent the specific actions, projects, and studies through which Phase I of the North Coast IRWMP will be implemented. Also provided are project summaries, expected benefits, monitoring plans, and other relevant information.
Project Integration and Implementation
This section of the NCIRWMP details how the prioritized projects serve to implement NCIRWMP and statewide objectives. Expected benefits and possible impacts to the region from NCIRWMP implementation are discussed, as are impacts to the North Coast Region if the NCIRWMP is not implemented.
Evaluation and Measurement Mechanisms
Existing monitoring efforts are summarized and methods are proposed for evaluating success of the prioritized projects at both the programmatic and project site level. The NCIRWMP use of adaptive management is presented as a means to allow for needed changes to projects and planning as new monitoring information warrants.
