Conservation Clinic
Adaptive Watershed Policy and Planning
Adaptive Management takes a systems approach to managing natural resources. In the adaptive management of watersheds all aspects, including the biophysical, social, and political systems are considered when planning for the future. It is therefore imperative to understand the natural biophysical processes of watersheds, and the human stressors that affect them – which vary from one watershed to another. The Adaptive Management approach is also designed to guide management interventions in the face of uncertainty; so that we are not just managing but also, explicitly learning through experimentation, including policy experimentation. A key component of effective Adaptive Management is strong stakeholder involvement. Management choices can then be centered on the uses and the future goals of those people living, working and recreating within the watershed.
The Conservation Clinic, along with students from the NSF funded Adaptive Management: Water, Wetlands, and Watersheds Program, have been working with stakeholder groups to help develop Adaptive Management strategies for selected watersheds. PhD students investigate the biophysical characteristics of the watershed, including water quality, water quantity, local geology and geography, and biological ecosystems to assess the health of the system. Law students in the Conservation Clinic review governance structures and the legal framework related to the management of the watershed. Working with client stakeholder organizations the student-faculty team identifies issues of concern, identifies gaps and deficiencies in policy-relevant data and in the regulatory and policy framework that has led or may lead to watershed degradation. Planning and policy initiatives that can be adopted and implemented by the local stakeholder groups are then proposed. The Clinic can continue to work with watershed organizations to implement specific policy proposals.
Footnote
The information contained on this website was compiled for information purposes by law and graduate students in the Conservation Clinic at the University of Florida Levin College Of Law under the supervision of its faculty. As the law may change quickly, the Conservation Clinic does not warranty the accuracy of any of the information on this website. Information on this website is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a lawyer. This website does not create an attorney/client relationship. Any use of materials on this website is solely at the risk of the user.