Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed

People, Land and Water at the
Headwaters of the
Rappahannock River Basin

13 Questions for Further Inquiry

Throughout this project, citizens and leaders have raised questions that are worthy of further study. Future studies might address these questions.

13.1 Water Quality Questions

What improvements in water quality result from implementation of Best Management Practices? What data are available to address this, and what new data need to be collected?

13.2 Precipitation and Stream Flow Questions

For water supply planning, it will be necessary to gather precipitation and stream flow data in a systematic manner.

What are the predicted effects of global climate change on our local climate in terms of precipitation patterns?

13.3 Groundwater Questions

Are groundwater levels changing?

Are wells and springs being affected by changes in groundwater levels?

How can we monitor groundwater?

Does groundwater constrain water supply for future development?

13.4 Biological Indicator Questions

What biological indicators can be used to evaluate the health of our watersheds?

How can we obtain information on fish species in particular streams?

Are there available sources of data for biological indicators?

In what ways might data from the Shenandoah National Park be of assistance in answering these questions?

13.5 Environmental Services Questions

In future, might landowners in Rappahannock County be compensated by downstream users for the protection they provide to water quality sent downstream? What market or regulatory mechanisms might make that possible?

If necessary changes were made to the nutrient trading system, might Rappahannock County landowners obtain compensation for protecting against nutrients entering the streams? What changes would be required?

Might forest landowners receive compensation for keeping forested lands performing environmental services through sustainable forestry?

13.6 Incentives for Agricultural Landowners to Protect the Streams

In addition to existing cost-sharing programs from state and federal governments, are there other programs that could make it possible for agricultural landowners to employ best management practices on their land? What further incentives could the County offer? What kinds of assistance might be provided through privately funded programs?

13.7 Sustainable Forestry Questions

In face of increasing subdivision and fragmentation of forest landholdings, what incentives are possible for forest landowners to apply practices to sustain healthy forests?

What are the threats from invasive species in our forestlands, and what can landowners do to combat these threats?

Next: Goals and Tools for Protecting Vulnerable Watersheds
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Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed

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