Science-based protection of source water quality and ecosystem integrity in the Delaware River Basin

Elaine Langone, Forum

Protecting high quality headwater watersheds and restoring first and second order streams has been shown to be the most cost effective and environmentally effective approach to water resources management. Following this principle, the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI) unites more than 50 nonprofits in a collaborative program of coordinated, large-scale land protection and restoration projects with the aim of protecting and restoring stream water quality and ecological integrity in the Basin. DRWI focuses on small tributary watersheds within eight “clusters” of ecological significance covering roughly one-quarter of the Delaware Basin. These clusters encompass the continuum of catchment landscapes, from pristine headwaters to urban centers, and impacts from a range of key stressors including loss of forested headwaters and agricultural run-off. In order to accelerate science-driven conservation and improve the effectiveness of the DRWI activities we are conducting monitoring to establish baselines for local water quality and ecosystem integrity and evaluate change resulting from conservation projects. We are also developing tools to assess the potential for measurable change, refine the strategic selection of "focus" sub-watersheds for protection and/or restoration, and guide prioritization of sites for capital investment. This presentation will focus on the scientific lessons learned in the first 4 years of the DRWI and on the new tools and approaches developed to support adaptive planning of the next 3 years of DRWI activities.