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Boulder Creek and its tributaries, the improper disposal of brush, grass clippings and other <br />vegetation is clogging the waterways and agricultural ditches. Homeowner use of water to wash <br />vehicles along with the over watering and over fertilizing of lawns was also seen as a problem <br />for both water quantity and quality. Homeowner disposal of horticultural plants in riparian areas <br />that ultimately are introduced into the creek was also mentioned as an issue. <br />3e. Eastern Boulder Creek <br />The overall health of Boulder Creek in the eastern part of Boulder County was also highlighted. <br />A lack of fishing opport~inities and an insufficient amount of healthy riparian areas were <br />mentioned as issues of concern along with the high nutrient content of Boulder Creek water and <br />the effect it has on irrigation waters used for agriculture. <br />3f. Awareness Issues <br />According to stakeholders, people who live in the Boulder Creek watershed are generally aware <br />of the importance of protecting the natural environment. The problem is that many of these <br />environmentally conscious individuals and their "less aware" neighbors don't necessarily <br />practice watershed protection in their everyday lives. Here are some examples: <br />• Homeowners may not be aware of the cumulative effects to water quality when multiple <br />residents wash their vehicles at home in their neighborhood or the fact that the over <br />watering of lawns may increase the amount of pesticides or fertilizers entering the creek <br />due to runoff; <br />• They also might not be aware of how disposal of debris in the creek can affect the water <br />and riparian areas downstream and how clogged ditches affect farmers' agricultural <br />practices; <br />• Fisherman and boaters may not be fully aware that their boats and fishing gear could <br />accidentally transfer an invasive species from one water body to another, and; <br />• Construction compaiues may not be aware that runoff containing sediment from <br />construction sites, along with their cumulative impacts, may enter Boulder Creek and its <br />tributaries thus affecting the aquatic habitat. <br />The following is an example of awareness comments solicited from stakeholders: <br />• There is a complete disconnect between river related activities and the water that flows <br />from the tap; <br />• What does a healthy river mean and why is it important to the general public?; <br />• An overall awareness of where and how we are situated regionally is needed; <br />• There is not a clear perception of how individual activities add up when hundreds of <br />people are doing the same thing; <br />• Big picture issue needs to be understood from source water to plains, and; <br />• People need to become aware of the "trading off of values" when it comes to watershed <br />protection. <br />The underlying message gained from soliciting these and other comments from the stakeholders <br />contacted is that there is an opportunity to educate the community, beyond what has been already <br />accomplished with progressive and innovative messages. This will help the residents of the <br />Boulder Creek watershed move towards practicing watershed protection in their daily lives. A <br />listing of Awareness Comments can be found in Table 3. <br />6 <br />