Oak Creek Canyon Task Force
Watershed Based Plan

2002 WATERSHED BASED PLAN
for
OAK CREEK CANYON
(Sub Watershed of the Verde Watershed)

Prepared by
OAK CREEK CANYON TASK FORCE
(OCCTF)

1. Goal

The Oak Creek Canyon Task Force is founded on the principle that a voluntary association of members of the watershed communities, working together to understand both the watershed and each other, best accomplishes wise and sustainable use of water resources. Such understanding will be the basis for resolving conflicts and promoting cooperative use of the water resources.

2. Goals and Objectives

A. Goals of the Plan:

1. Conserve natural resources and enhance the environment for all users.
2. Sustain, improve and diversify recreational opportunities.
3. Improve water quality and water quantity.
4. Sustain, enhance and improve the environment for wildlife.
5. Reduce damage from storms, floods, man-made activities and/or natural disasters.
6. Engage and maintain public and governmental involvement including Local, State, Federal, and Tribal governments, through public outreach and education. A few of the specific outreach goals include:

a. Development and enhancement of a Web site
b. Development of a multi- media, water quality/ water quantity campaign.
c. Development of a Speakers Bureau to address local groups on the existence of the Oak Creek Canyon Task Force and its programs.

B. Objectives of the Plan:

1. Gain and share a better understanding of the characteristics and dynamics of the watershed and how it impacts the quality of life of those who live within the watershed.
2. Prepare comprehensive lists of issues and concerns of the populace and of local, state. and federal governments relating to point and non-point source  pollution in the watershed.
3. Identify and quantify the origins of point and non-point source pollution in the watershed.
4. Establish or aid in the development of monitoring programs for point and non-point source pollution.
5. Encourage action agencies, individuals and other governmental and non-governmental entities to use locally appropriate management practices (LAMPs) to reduce or eliminate point and non-point source pollution.
6. Encourage fair and equitable actions through public involvement.
7. Coordinate environmental planning and implementation with agencies, governments, environmental advocacy groups, and other private sector interests.
8. Provide a forum to foster ongoing evaluation and improvement of environmental programs and regulations.
9. Promote and sponsor public educational and outreach seminars and workshops for participants interested in learning about the watershed, water quality and quantity issues, and develop possible solutions for improvement.
10. Assist local communities and groups in priority setting for environmental problems and provide a sound technical basis to support environmental decisions.
11. Organize, store, and distribute information to the public on the watershed in general, upland areas, reaches of the river, urban areas, and valley areas.
12. Obtain grants and contracts related to watershed resource issues and concerns.

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