A Model for Effective Stakeholder Education and Involvement in Support of Water Resources Management Goals

Abstract

Proceedings of the 2001 Georgia Water Resources Conference, April 26 and 27, 2001, Athens, Georgia.Involving the public in critical water resources decisions affecting environmental health of a community is becoming a key component of a water resource manager's role. New regulations such as National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II MS4 permit program require public participation and outreach. But, just as important is the stakeholder's effectiveness in assisting the manager in achieving the bottom-line — clean water. Numerous water resources management plans have been written and stored on shelves, remaining unimplemented for various reasons. Often the reasons are insufficient funds or insufficient political and community support. A comprehensive public outreach program can help overcome these barriers.Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of TechnologyThis book was published by the Institute of Ecology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-2202. The views and statements advanced in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not represent official views or policies of The University of Georgia, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Georgia Water Research Institute as authorized by the Water Resources Research Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-397) or the other conference sponsors