Watershed Action Plans
What is a Watershed Action Plan?
A Watershed Action Plan is for planning, tracking and measuring implementation of watershed improvement projects. Watershed action Plans are dynamic and focused on identifying project areas, prioritizing project areas, developing implementation plans, and tracking water resource improvements.
Click here for an example of an existing Watershed Action Plan.
Who's involved in developing a Watershed Action Plan?
All members of the community are invited to include their observations using the Community Tools below. Explore the links below and share your ideas for potential watershed improvement projects, outreach programs, and even general stream observations and images. You can view your submissions here.
Watershed Action PlanCommunity ToolsUse the tools below to help tell the story of your watershed
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| SCITS Tool | Source Conveyance Identification Tool Use this tool to share how water is conveyed in to a stream. |
| Community WIPS Tool | Watershed Improvement Projects Tool See a good spot for a rain garden? Document your proposed and completed backyard projects. |
| Trash Surveyor | Trash Surveyor This survey is used to identify potential stream or land based clean-up areas. |
| Trash Tracker | Trash Tracker Litter clean-ups improve our waterways. Share your bags and clean-up efforts using this tool. |
| NC Stream Watch | NC Stream Watch This tool is helpful for providing education and outreach. Encourage children of all ages to share observations of their stream to this educational tool. View your submissions here. |
Watershed Action PlanProfessional ToolsOnce trained, community members can use the tools below to identify more technical features throughout a watershed. | |
| SCITS and WIPS Statewide Map | This map displays all the active SCITS and WIPS tool data. |
| Source Conveyance Identification Tracker (SCITS Pro) | Identify pipes and other conveyances that are bringing water into your stream. |
| Watershed Improvement Projects | Document large-scale Watershed Improvement Projects |
Watershed Action Plans: Starting with Community Watershed Improvement Projects
(Community WIPs)
The Community WIPs tool is designed to inventory backyard/smaller scale projects. Setting up a Watershed Action Plan in your community is easier than you think. Click here to explore Community Watershed Improvement Projects across North Carolina. Did you organize a stream-side trash clean up? Did you help your neighbor install a rain barrel? We want to hear about it!
The following projects are considered Watershed Improvement Projects:
- Downspout Disconnection
- Rain Barrel Installation
- Rain Garden Installation
- Conservation Planting
- Pollution Removal
- Stream Trash Clean-Up
Share your community watershed improvement projects with the Community Watershed Improvement Projects Tool.
(Note: This tool uses Survey123 and works best on Firefox/Chrome/iOS. If you have trouble inputting your data, please email us.)
More Ways to Get Involved:
These Watershed Action Plans are intended to bring together stakeholders and community partners to take action in their watersheds. Watershed groups, community partners, and other residents are encouraged to contribute to the Watershed Action Plan development in the following ways:
- Not sure if you're already in a watershed action planning area? Click here.
- Curious to see what water quality issues are impacting your stream? Click here.
More WAPs coming soon!
Have specific questions about engaging your community in a Watershed Action Plan? Or Community Watershed Improvement Projects?
Email Lauren.Daniel@deq.nc.gov
Educational Resources
Use these resources to help inform your community.
NC DWR's Water Education Programs
Video: Walnut Creek Watershed: Community Engagement
Presentation: How do you tell your story? Learn about Dana Drive Focus Area
Presentation: Stream Restoration Projects Using Bioengineered or Natural Channel Design Approach.
Presentation: Green Stormwater Infrastructure Primer for Elected Officials and Interested Residents
The Value of Green Infrastructure
Additional Information abut Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Learn About Your Watershed
Use the tools below to learn about your own watershed.
Map Your Drinking Water (UNC-TV)
NC Watershed Stewardship Network
Tool Support
Interested in how to use the Watershed Action Plan tools?
Related Funding Resources