Integrated Watershed Restoration Program

Integrated Watershed Restoration Program Mission

The Integrated Watershed Restoration Program (IWRP) grew out of a series of watershed assessments and plans in the late 1990s and early 2000s and has evolved to meet the recognized need for a coordinated, regional process for identifying, funding, and developing key projects to improve fish and wildlife habitat. It brings together federal, state, and local resource and funding agencies to select and oversee the design and implementation of high priority projects to restore watersheds.

Goal and Objectives

The goal of IWRP is to facilitate and coordinate projects to improve fish and wildlife habitat and water quality in Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Monterey County watersheds using a voluntary, non-regulatory approach. These actions reduce the burden on staff and are being accomplished through the following objectives:

  1. Coordinate agencies on the identification, funding, and implementation of watershed restoration projects.
  2. Target proposals for critical projects supported by the resource agencies.
  3. Facilitate higher quality designs at lower cost.
  4. Simplify the permit process for watershed restoration projects.
  5. Effect institutional change to improve watershed restoration efforts.
  6. Develop a regional outreach and education program.
  7. Develop a regional watershed restoration monitoring program geared toward future project identification needs.
  8. Develop additional assessments and plans as needed.
  9. Serve as a watershed restoration information hub for Santa Cruz County.

Results and Outcomes

Key outcomes of IWRP include the following:

  1. Listed species recovery
  2. Leveraged over $17 million in grant funding
  3. Rural roads sediment reduction
  4. Resolution of long-standing resource conflicts
  5. Helping landowners navigate the permit process
  6. Development of new, local funding sources for conservation
  7. Watershed education and community involvement
  8. New collaborative conservation partnerships

See Outcomes page for more details on the projects and successes of the IWRP program.