What Are the Mission and Goals of the Big Dry Creek Watershed Association?
Mission
To develop a sound scientific understanding of water quality,
flow, aquatic life and habitat conditions in the Big Dry Creek watershed for the purposes of 1) environmentally responsible
decision-making with regard to land and stream uses and 2) identifying measures to improve and protect stream conditions.
Goals
Public Education and Involvement
Provide a forum for entities interested in Big Dry Creek to cooperatively and constructively discuss water quality,
flow and habitat-related issues.
Develop a web page and other communication means that can be readily accessed by interested parties for information
pertinent to Big Dry Creek.
Develop a broad base of support for the Watershed Association, including, but not limited to, wastewater dischargers,
water suppliers, farmers, developers, planners, students, teachers, public agencies, business/industry, community groups,
parks and open space users, and other interested citizens.
Promote responsible land development practices in the rapidly urbanizing watershed, consistent with local, state and
federal regulations.
Inform and educate watershed residents on stream-related environmental issues and measures that they can take to
improve and protect water quality, aquatic life and habitat.
Monitoring and Study
Reinforce the use of sound science in evaluating watershed conditions and decision-making.
Develop and maintain a user-friendly, comprehensive water quality database on Big Dry Creek to be used for
scientifically-sound water quality related decisions and public education.
Integrate future watershed studies with existing programs and the many historical studies conducted in the watershed.
Maintain awareness and involvement in water quality monitoring and habitat preservation programs such as those
currently in place at Rocky Flats and Standley Lake.
Maintain and improve the Big Dry Creek Monitoring Program conducted by the Cities of Broomfield, Northglenn and
Westminster.
Develop an understanding of stormwater impacts to Big Dry Creek that is consistent with federal stormwater
regulations and requirements
Develop an understanding of groundwater quality and groundwater-surface water interactions along the main stem
of Big Dry Creek.
Protect, Preserve and Restore Water Quality, Aquatic Life and Habitat
Protect and preserve water quality, aquatic life and aquatic
habitat.
Prioritize watershed management goals and coordinate related watershed activities to maximize environmental benefits.
Support existing and future efforts to preserve riparian habitat and open space in the watershed.
Identify areas in need of and suitable for stream restoration and habitat improvement projects.
Develop an understanding of impacts of agricultural activities east of I-25 on water quality and work with the
Natural Resources Conservation Service through established communication channels to implement any needed measures/
practices to improve water quality.
Maintain involvement in and understanding of the South Platte Segment 15 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process.
