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7 <br /> Benefits of the Plans <br /> LWPs describe the conditions of local watersheds, Issues of importance to <br /> local communities, objectives set by local plan participants, and the <br /> necessary measures needed to achieve those objed'nes. <br /> • LWPs describe the tools to be utilized to address watershed issues. These <br /> Weis are identified by local plan participants and may include voluntary <br /> landowner assistance programs,education and outreach,drinking water <br /> supply protection measures, stonnweter beet management practices, model <br /> ordinances,water quality improvement projects,and habitat protection plans. <br /> • LWPs identify Me funding scuroes needed to implement each component of <br /> the plan. Funding ltlentlficatlon is made more effective by the cooperative <br /> nature of the process which bangs together public and private organizations <br /> and kcal community members to work as a watershed team. <br /> Steps to Ol vett ino a Local Watershed! Plan <br /> The development of LWPs involves many steps needed to achieve three main <br /> goals 1)the identification of the specific causes of water quality degradation In a <br /> watershed, 2)the development of a strategy for addressing water quality <br /> degradation that is supported by the local community, and 3)the implementation <br /> of restoration projects and other water quality initiatives identified in the plan. To <br /> ensure the success of LWPs and Me planning process, it is Important to gain the <br /> support, backing,and participation of local governments,community groups, and <br /> citizens. The steps outlined below am tlesgnetl fo provide the level of education <br /> and outreach.necessary to develop and implement a LWP. <br /> Phase I:Plan Development Steps <br /> 1. Obtain stakeholder participation and involve the public. <br /> 2. Build a wat ershed planning team and identify a local watershed planning <br /> team leader. <br /> 3. Select and implement a kickoff project to generate interest in local watershed <br /> planning and remoraton activities. <br /> 4. Identify watershed issues such as water quality, habitat, flooding, and <br /> recreational access. <br /> 5. Inventory and analyze existing natural resource Information in GIS and other <br /> formats and identify information gaps. <br /> 6. Perform a watershed assessment to fill information gaps and determine <br /> sources of water quality problems. <br /> 7. Provide technical assistance to the local government and watershed team on <br /> Interpreting assessment results and developing needed solutions. <br /> S. Ptlodtize watershed issues and set goals and objectives. <br /> 9. Maintain support and interest in the planning process through education and <br /> outreach. <br />