3.2: High-Value Water Resource Landscapes

Maintain and restore the integrity and function of high value water resource landscapes.

Other Information:

Certain elements of the landscape are integral to the maintenance of the quality and availability of water resources. These landscape elements play specialized roles in water cycling and renewal. Taking inventory of landscape elements within each watershed. Landscape elements that play a critical role in water cycling and renewal; high value water resource landscapes; should be identified at the watershed level. Steps to retain their hydrological function must be taken when land use, development, and preservation decisions are made. Incorporating the location and functional importance of high value water resource areas or landscapes into natural resource inventory elements of local and county plans. These elements are important in the local establishment of optimal land use and density, for local and regional landscape protection efforts — such as open space planning — and for setting performance standards and management practices required for development. Community Master Plans should be revised to include current natural resource inventories inclusive of water resource landscapes, and to reflect zoning that protects high value water resource landscapes. Including performance standards in local zoning and development ordinances. Local ordinances should incorporate plans and standards to conserve the water resource function of key landscape elements. Performance standards may differ from state to state and among regions of the Basin.

Objective(s):

3.2.A: Water Resource Landscape Mapping

3.2.B: Performance Standards

3.2.C: Water Resource Land Preservation

3.2.D: Drinking Water Contamination

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