In 2017, the Board of Supervisors directed County staff to develop strategies for improving stream health in the county. The project, referred to as the Stream Health Initiative, was borne out of the first objective of the county’s Natural Resources Program: to conduct a thorough public review of the stream buffer requirements of the County’s Water Protection Ordinance (WPO); as a result, the project has a strong focus on stream buffers and the WPO.

The Stream Health Initiative was divided into two Phases. Phase I focused on development-related issues and strategies for improving stream health in the county. Thirteen specific proposals were developed, some of which have been implemented; work on others is ongoing.

Phase II of the Stream Health Initiative focused on the Rural Area. The goal of Phase II was to develop strategies for improving stream health that were supported by the communities, landowners, and organizations that live and work in the Rural Area, using a collaborative and inclusive process. Throughout 2021, staff received input from the public and worked with community stakeholders to develop 14 final proposals that included regulatory, incentive-based, and educational opportunities. The fourteen options were discussed with the Board of Supervisors in a work session on December 1, 2021. Moving forward, the focus of the Stream Health Initiative will be on implementation of selected projects.

Explore Board of Supervisors meeting materials to learn more about the history of the Initiative and what has been accomplished to date:

• December 6, 2017 – Work Session – Review of County Stream Buffer Regulations
• January 9, 2019 – Work Session – Stream Health in Development Areas 
• July 9, 2019 – Work Session - Improving Stream Health in Development Areas
• November 6, 2019 – Work Session – Improving Stream Health in Development Areas
• July 15, 2020 – Work Session – Improving Stream Health in Development Areas
• November 18, 2020 – Consent Agenda – Stream Health Initiative Project Update
• March 3, 2021 – Consent Agenda – Proposed Ordinance
• April 7, 2021 – Consent Agenda – Stream Health Initiative Project Update
• April 21, 2021 – Public Hearing – WPTA 2021-00002 Water Protection Ordinance Regarding Stream Buffer Regulations
• July 21, 2021 – Work Session – Stream Health Initiative, Phase II
• December 1, 2021 – Work Session – Stream Health Initiative Phase II
• March 16, 2022 – Consent Agenda – Resolution of Intent to Amend the Zoning Ordinance to Revise Stream Buffer Regulations

Phase I public engagement efforts in 2017-2019 involved numerous stakeholder groups, public meetings, and surveys – these generated meaningful ideas and thoughtful discussion. During Phase II, focused on the Rural Area, all members of our community were invited to choose a participant role to engage in the project throughout 2021.

Throughout the four stages of Phase II, County staff and technical experts shared information and in turn, listened to what was important to our community. Working together in this collaborative process, strategies for improving stream health in the Rural Area were developed.

Phase I outcomes included updates to the Water Protection Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance to strengthen erosion and sediment control measures, clarify language, and update fees. Phase II outcomes included development of:

• A Vision & Goals for Stream Health in our Community;
• The Stream Health Initiative Community Learning Series, a seven part webinar series led by technical experts on a variety of related topics; and
• The 14 final proposals for improving stream health in the Rural Area.