The goal of the partnership is “to work together to conserve and enhance water quality and quantity in the Mill Creek and Castle Creek watersheds and their tributaries,” according to a news release from the organization. Through their joint efforts the partnership, which formed in 2011, is developing a “holistic watershed management plan,” said Arne Hultquist, the watershed coordinator and facilitator for the group.
One of the major goals of the partnership is to create a Watershed Management Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for developing projects to improve water quality and monitor changes. The plan is well under way, but the partnership is now seeking input on project ideas and key areas to focus its efforts and seek grant funding, Hultquist said.
Several water quality issues have been identified and the partnership must now decide which ones to tackle first and what sorts of projects would be most beneficial.
Some ideas under consideration include public education, fencing, or other projects designed to reduce coliform contamination; upland treatments such as seeding, weed treatment, and riparian restoration to reduce soil erosion and sediment in the streams; or enhanced riparian vegetation to provide shade and reduce water temperatures.
To submit ideas for projects that could address some of those issues within the Mill Creek or Castle Creek watersheds, contact a partnership representative (a list of partners is available on the website at www.moabwatersheds.org, or contact Hultquist at info@moabwatersheds.org or P.O. Box 46 Moab, UT 84532.
The public is also invited to attend the group’s meetings held the third Wednesday of each month from 8:30 to 10:30 at the Grand Center, 182 North 500 West.