The Watershed Management program partners with a multitude of groups and agencies in order to accomplish the goal of improving water quality in urban Orange County.

Watershed Management professional staff work closely with local, regional, and state agencies and stakeholders to manage watersheds in Orange County. Utilizing the expertise of University of California scientists allows staff to develop and implement innovative and cost-effective solutions to protect water quality.

Efforts have focused on the San Diego Creek and Newport Bay watersheds where staff has assisted agricultural producers and nursery growers with the implementation of nutrient management plans and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that protect local waterways from discharges containing pesticides and fertilizers.

UC Cooperative Extension has a cooperative agreement with the County's Public Facilities and Resources Department (PFRD) to provide technical assistance on water quality issues relating to the use of pesticides and fertilizers by public agencies and the general public. Since FY 2000-01, the County has provided $375,000 for this effort.

Projects include:

• Helping to revise the County's 1993 pesticide and fertilizer guidelines included in the Drainage Area Management Plan (DAMP). An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) section was included to give basic requirements for the implementation of an IPM program to improve water quality. Plans are in process to provide public agencies with extensive training on IPM and the proper use of pesticides and fertilizers through workshops and printed materials developed specifically for Orange County.
• Surveying public agencies yearly on IPM practices to determine implementation levels and the need for training materials.
• Providing a yearly analysis and summary of pesticide and fertilizer use by public agencies within Orange County. Specific practices are tracked to understand and anticipate the need for education, monitoring, and implementation programs.
• Developing an outreach program by UCCE Master Gardeners targeting homeowner use of pesticides and fertilizers. Educational materials are being developed to focus on the importance of using fertilizers and pesticides properly around the home.