The Middle Chattahoochee Watershed Steering Committee took a big step forward in late February. The group decided to continue to work together as a watershed-based organization once the initial year-long Blueprints workshop is complete. The coalition of diverse watershed stakeholders, convened through the Blueprints process, would be the first of its kind in the state.

Committee members hope to incorporate their efforts into the larger statewide water planning process. Choosing from several possible implementation strategies, the group decided to concentrate first on protecting water resources, protecting natural and cultural resources, and promoting environmentally sensitive economic development within the watershed.

The 35-member committee consists of a variety of stakeholders including local government representatives, environmental groups and large corporate interests within the Middle Chattahoochee Watershed between West Point Lake and Lake Walter F. George.

Using three sub-watersheds in Harris, Muscogee and Stewart counties, the committee looked at existing conditions and planning alternatives for urban, suburban and rural areas as well as commercial, industrial and agricultural areas. These three sub-watersheds provided prototypical implementation strategies for the committee to use in forming its action agenda.

The committee will continue to meet throughout 2002 with The Georgia Conservancy's assistance. It will release its final report in the fall.