February - Vol 69, No 5 - International Technology and Engineering ...

planners often use. Here are some items for your list of
development options:
• Golf course
• Condominium housing
• Solar and wind systems to generate electricity
• Nature center with tour facilities
• Conference center
• Ornamental tree nursery
• Firewood sale center
Map of location of the Cosumnes River Watershed in California.
Stimulate discussion about the kinds of revenue-generating
investments that could be considered for location in the
watershed. From a list of these options, students can base
some “pros vs. cons” or “advantages vs. disadvantages” types
of discussions or evaluation matrices using a spreadsheet
form of display—a technique engineers and land-use
As students consider the pros and cons of these and other
potential uses they identify, it is important they not only
consider the possible land-area impacts, but the related
impacts these developments might present, such as:
• The need to build roads or provide parking
• Opening the watershed areas to human activities
• Potential chemical spills onto the ground
• Soil erosion
• Water drainage or runoff changes
• Disturbance to once pristine areas
• Impact on wildlife and habitat changes
• Controlling access to parts of the watershed
• Policing or patrols required
• Need to apply deicing compounds during winter
• Application of fertilizers or pesticides
• Illegal dumping of materials
• Poaching of animals
A golf course is one example of a revenue-generating investment that could be considered for location in the watershed.
11 • The Technology Teacher • February 2010