Freshwater Resources Management

Table of contents

INTRODUCTION
DEFINITIONS
POLICY AND PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
AUTHORITIES
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER GUIDANCE
PROGRAM GUIDANCE
        Water Resources Management
        Aquatic Biological Resources Management
        Aquatic Habitat Protection and Management
        Environmental Review and Compliance
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
REFERENCES

Introduction

Fresh water is a particularly important and sensitive ecosystem component. Its physical availability and quality are critical determinants not only of aquatic resources, but of a park's overall natural resource conditions. Surface water and groundwater are important in determining site suitability and uses, while also serving as important transport mechanisms. Depending upon watershed characteristics and the hydrologic cycle, water often connects park resources to resources outside park boundaries. Water may thus deliver pollutants generated by activities outside park boundaries to park waters, or transport pollutants generated within the park to waters outside its boundaries. Similarly, impacts on aquatic ecosystems due to alterations of natural populations or environments may cross park boundaries via the aquatic environment.

This section provides resource management guidance in three categories related to freshwater resources.

Water Resources Management discusses water quality management, water quantity management, and water resources planning.

Aquatic Biological Resources Management discusses management considerations that relate to aquatic organisms.

Aquatic Habitat Protection and Management provides principles and guidance relating to habitat protection, including wetland and floodplain management.