Arapahoe County SPLASH

The Partners have solidified their role of providing a forum for stewardship opportunities by hosting an annual conference where participants have the opportunity to consider ways to coordinate and integrate projects and activities that affect water resources in the watershed. The focus for the conference in 2006 was the progress made to date in the watershed, along the drainageways, and in the lake on: 1) Outcome based efforts: water quality enhancement projects increasing the “sponge” affect; lake management with real results for users; increased passive recreation (trails) means better access to the stream and learning about WQ; and enhancement of wildlife habitat means better ecosystems; 2) Studies, Models and Analysis: update on the next level of effort needed for each area of interest, including surface water & groundwater transport model and studies– better Phosphorous reduction estimates for trading projects; lake models– nitrogen limited and what this means for future load reduction efforts; and watershed pilot projects – better ways to prepare the drainageways for urban runoff impacts; and 3) Education: outreach activities that build memories for the kids (outdoor activities along the creek), that restore a sense of curiosity (invertebrate sampling, Bio Blitz), that provide hands-on opportunities (sampling and monitoring ), and that provide a sense of community (weed removal, volunteer efforts). All of this information AND the wonderful atmosphere of the Wildlife Experience!