Vol. 6 No. 4 Spring 1999
A Newsletter About New Jersey's Water Quality Programs

Public Education and Outreach Aid Watershed Management Process by Fran Varacalli Division of Watershed Management

This vitally important role is filled by DEP's Public Education and Outreach Coordinators, who work in each of the state's 20 watershed management areas. Under the Division of Watershed Management, outreach coordinators teach the public about the importance of watersheds and watershed management in their assigned regions.

The framework for implementing watershed management is contained within the Draft Statewide Watershed Management Framework Document for the State of New Jersey, which was published in January 1997. New Jersey's watershed management approach is based on three key components: 1) A Geographic Focus, 2) Continuous Improvement Based on Sound Science, and 3) Partnerships and Stakeholder Involvement. Under this framework, the state is divided into five water regions which are further subdivided into 20 watershed management areas.

To develop and maintain watershed partnerships, a Public Advisory Committee was formed. This committee, which helps develop watershed management plans for each watershed area, is made up of concerned citizens, various government officials, environmental groups, watershed associations, and businesses, to name a few. The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the DEP. Under the direction of the Public Advisory Committee are watershed-specific groups called Public Education and Outreach Subcommittees. These subcommittees meet monthly to discuss issues associated with their respective watershed areas.

With the goal of increasing partner involvement, DEP's outreach coordinators help explain to the public the work being done in watershed committees to the interested public. Their involvement usually begins with a tour of the watershed with a committee member familiar with the area. These tours are important for gaining an understanding of the issues and people associated with each watershed.

Through the coordinators, the DEP hopes to evaluate and address the complex watershed management issues facing the state in a more collaborative fashion.

If you are interested in finding out what is going on in your watershed, please contact Fran Varacalli of the Division of Watershed Management, at 609-633-3812, or e-mail: fvaracal@dep.state.nj.us.

The DEP's statewide watershed education activities and materials include the Watershed Focus newsletter, the Clean Water Raingers educational program for children, the annual New Jersey Photography Contest, Water Resource Protection Practices brochures, Beneath the Shell teacher's guides, and the travelling "Special Eyes on the Environment" watershed photography exhibit. Various courses and workshops are also available through the Cook College Office of Continuing Education which may be reached at (732) 932-9271.