Watershed Conservation Plan - Destination Erie

Table of Contents
Page
Introduction 1-3
Methodology 4-5
Executive Summary 6-11
Summary of Key Groups
A. Age 12
B. Gender and Income 13
C. Urban v. Rural and Education 14
Detailed Findings
A. Watershed Awareness and Interest in Water Issues 15-19
B. Relative Importance of Protecting Water Resources 20-21
C. Government Performance and Responsibility for Water Resources 22-23
D. Satisfaction with Opportunities for Recreation 24-25
E. Favorite Locations for Recreation in Erie County 26-40
F. Knowledge of Historic and Prehistoric Sites 41-43
G. Support for Stream Protection Measures 44
Introduction
Watershed: “that area of land, a bounded hydrologic system, within which all
living things are inextricably linked by their common water course and where, as
humans settled, simple logic demanded that they become part of a community.”
John Wesley Powell, Scientist and Explorer
Watersheds have become the geographic unit of choice for groups engaged in environmental
protection efforts. The reason for this is simple: Water resources, whether ground or surface, are
excellent indicators of an area’s overall environmental health. Historically, efforts to address
environmental problems have started and stopped at political boarders. Watersheds, in contrast,
offer citizens and governments the opportunity to transcend traditional political divisions and engage
in comprehensive environmental management. A watershed approach not only provides a
foundation for collaboration between different social, economic and political entities, but reflects an
ecological perspective that is more compatible with environmental protection.
With this in mind, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
established the Rivers Conservation Program, and has since administered 27 grants to community
groups and local governments. Thirteen of these grants were given to community groups for
planning river conservation efforts, and “identifying significant natural, recreational, and cultural
resources” where “issues, concerns and threats to river resources and values are determined locally
as part of planning.” The ultimate goal of community groups involved in this program is to
recommend “methods to conserve, enhance and restore Pennsylvania’s many streams and rivers.”
Rivers Conservation Planning Grant--Public Opinion Page 1
2