Watershed
is the term describing the land area that drains water to a particular
stream, river, or lake. It is a land feature that can be identified
by tracing a line along the highest elevations between two areas on
a map, often a ridge. Large watersheds, like the Mississippi River
basin contain thousands of smaller watersheds.
A
healthy watershed is an area of land having the structure
and density of forest stands necessary to support a diverse wildlife
population. The
current condition of a watershed is the culmination of all cumulative
past events and the ecosystem's response to those events, whether
natural or management induced.
Development
of streams and other resources of the Sierra Nevada over
the past 150 years has affected the quality and availability of water
for both ecological and social needs in many parts of the region.
As human
activities have altered characteristics of streams, aquatic and riparian
ecosystems have been forced to change. Other changes
(such as introduction of exotic species, conversion of streams to
lakes, and conversion of riparian zones to roads and structures) have
greatly simplified and impaired aquatic ecosystems.
To
insure these ecosystems are healthy and sustainable, both
public agency and private land owners must be able to exchange information.
This will provide resource managers, both public and private, the
information they need for economically and environmentally sound decision
making.
Watershed
groups are involved in sharing information, collaborating
on resource management strategies and techniques, and in providing
a public forum for watershed stewardship.
college essay The
Placer County Resource Conservation District is seeking to employ
a watershed coordinator to work in the North and Middle Forks of
the American River Watershed. This position is funded for a three
year period through a State Department of Conservation Grant. Excellent
communication skills, computer and organization skills, grant writing
and technical and scientific background in water quality/environmental
sciences required. Must be willing to travel locally and organize
evening, weekend, and weekday meetings.
A
position description and contract tasks to be accomplished are available
by contacting the Placer County Resource Conservation District.
Send resume and cover letter with qualifications by May 12,
2004 to:
Rich
Gresham, Manager
Placer County Resource Conservation District
251 Auburn Ravine Rd., #107
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: ext. 118
Fax:
