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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eagle River Watershed Plan Summar,! PLAN PURPOSE AND CONTENT The Eagle River Watershed Plan outlines a collaborative, local philosophy for protect- ing and improving water quantity, water quality, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, and promoting compatible land use practices. The decision to initiate the Plan was based on a common belief among local jurisdictions that the Eagle River and its tributaries are essential to our quality of life. This plan defines actions that can be taken to ensure that the attributes of the watershed are protected and enhanced through the years to come. Development of the Plan involved many peo- ple representing a broad range of interests and expertise. Through that process, issues of concern were identified that became the foundation of the Plan goals. The recom- mended actions for achieving those goals are a combination of educational, voluntary and regulatory suggestions. Each jurisdiction has the option for choosing which actions to implement but there are many oppor- tunities for partnerships and cooperative efforts. The public participation phase of the planning process indicated there is sincere interest among local citizens about the watershed, particularly the Eagle River. Many believe that the watershed is in an acceptable condition now but has the potential to degrade as the local and regional population grows and sub- sequent demands for water quantity, devel- oped land and recreation use increase. There is a strong desire to know more about the individual issues of water supply and demand, water quality status, wildlife habitat status, development of recreational opportu- nities, and compatible land use practices that also consider the rights of private property owners. In response to the desire for increased knowledge and improved understanding, background information is presented in the Plan on each of the different watershed components-water quantity, water quality, wildlife, recreation and land use. This Plan strives to be a single source of basic information on the watershed for use by local citizens and decisions makers. PLAN GOALS - SUMMARIZED 1. Improve the community's understand- ing, interest, and leadership in water- shed issues. 2. Develop cooperative land use plan- ning philosophies and tools. 3. Determine and provide optimum water quantity and quality. 4. Protect or restore open space and sen- sitive areas. 5. Protect and improve recreational opportunities. i