Title:
Public participation in the development and implementation of the Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan
Public participation in the development and implementation of the Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan
Author(s)
Ormes, Libby
Dreelin, Erin
Fowler, Laurie
Pate, Elizabeth
Dreelin, Erin
Fowler, Laurie
Pate, Elizabeth
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
The Etowah River is one of the most
diverse river systems in the United States with 91
native fish species and numerous species of mussels
known from the system. The Etowah River lies in the
northern edge of the Atlanta metropolitan area, and
therefore is in an area of intense development.
Currently there are 15 species listed as federally or
state threatened, endangered, or likely candidates (9
fishes, 5 mussels, and one aquatic insect). An
interdisciplinary team of scientists, lawyers, educators
and policy analysts has begun the process of
developing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the
Etowah watershed, by involving both local government
representatives and public stakeholders. Research on
many HCPs around the United States has shown that
public participation in the development of a Habitat
Conservation Plan is one of the most important aspects
in the outcome of the plan. The role of the Etowah
River as a resource to those who live in the watershed
makes public input particularly significant in the
development of an HCP. The goals of those initiating
the public participation component of the Etowah HCP
are twofold: 1) In the short-term we wish to educate
stakeholders and interested parties on background
information in order to solicit involvement in the
process and to effectively and appropriately
incorporate the input into the Etowah HCP; 2) In the
long term we wish to increase awareness and
stewardship across the Etowah watershed.
Sponsor
Date Issued
2003-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings