- Value [1] Systems Approach
- In order to solve water resources problems comprehensively, all major aspects of the natural and human systems need to be
accounted for. This includes the hydrology, geology, ecology, man-made systems, and how they interact with one another. It
also includes the sediments, pollutants, and water-borne species carried in the water. Systems models help predict how changes
in one or more parts of the system affect the other parts of the system given the interdependence among elements. A watershed
framework facilitates evaluation of a range of project options simultaneously to determine the best combination of projects
to achieve multiple goals over the entire watershed rather than examining each potential project in isolation from others.
- Value [2] Spatial or Geographic Integration
- It is important to define the geographic boundaries that are potentially affected by or that could affect a project and to
examine the project in the context of a larger geographic area. Projects typically impact water quantity or water quality.
The watershed is an appropriate geographic area to look at upstream and downstream impacts of a project. By enlarging the
spatial zone of consideration – for example, to a watershed, coastal zone, or a prairie region -- it becomes possible to examine
the potential for water resources synergies and tradeoffs among all resource elements in that zone.
- Value [3] Balance Across Multiple Uses or Functions
- Considering the many elements related to water in a watershed illuminates a full range of ways in which water and other natural
resources are used. Typically, there are many potential uses for water, some competing and some complementary. Each use generates
requirements for water quantity and water quality. Any project should be evaluated in the context of the broad range of needs
in the watershed or “problem-shed” so that conscious decisions are made about tradeoffs and opportunities for synergies are
availed when they make sense. The objective is to seek greater balance across objectives. Interdisciplinary views and collaboration
become germane to identifying how best to achieve multiple objectives.
- Value [4] Collaborative Approach
- Clearly, collaboration is essential to bring together the expertise on natural and human systems over the appropriate geographic
area, knowledge of problems that exist, and the range of current and potential uses for water resources. Collaboration can
involve several Federal agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U. S. Geological Survey, and land management agencies), State and local agencies,
the private sector, and interest groups and can take many forms. Each participating entity will bring its own legal authorities,
skills and knowledge, history, and contributions to funding. Corps involvement in various aspects of project planning, design,
implementation, and management will vary depending on the nature of potential solutions to the problems and whether or not
the Corps has relevant expertise.
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