Rainwater Management

BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK 2022 / EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: If we know how to do a much better job of protecting ecological features and stream systems in our communities and on our landscape, then why aren’t we doing a better job? Why are streams still degrading?

Note to Reader:

In June 2022, the Partnership for Water Sustainability released the 4^th in the Beyond the Guidebook Series. Titled Synthesis Report on the Ecological Accounting Process, a BC Strategy for Community Investment in Stream Systems, it showcases collaboration in action. EAP methodology and metrics allow local governments to make a convincing financial case for annual investment in stream systems to reduce the Riparian Deficit.

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF Financial Case for the Stream – Executive Summary. It provides a high-level overview for the extremely busy who just wants to understand “what I need to know” about EAP

Now What: Train the next generation of land use, GIS and drainage professionals

“An elephant in the room is the hollowing out of government capacity at all levels and the reliance on outside service providers. The ramifications of this dual concern provide the context for the Partnership’s observation that a lack of understanding of the science correlating changes in land use and the consequences for stream health is widespread,” stated Kim Stephens, Partnership Executive Director.

“Following publication of Beyond the Guidebook 2015, the Partnership launched the 4-step process (conceptualized on the image below) to develop and operationalize the EAP methodology and metrics. The Synthesis Report is Step Two. It is the springboard to Step Three, which we have framed as now what we can do.”

“The process is in motion to operationalize a transition strategy over a 3-year period and initially embed the EAP program in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI).

“The Partnership’s objectives in embedding the EAP program with MABRRI are two-fold. First, provide the next generation of land use practitioners with real-world experience. Secondly, elevate the state of practice so that all local governments would know what they need to do to progress along the Asset Management Continuum.”

To Learn More:

To read the complete Synthesis Report, download a copy of Ecological Accounting Process, A B.C. Strategy for Community Investment in Stream Systems (2022) .

The “story of EAP” is told in six parts. To download them individually, click on the links:

Financial Case for the Stream – Executive Summary

Part A – Synopsis for the Busy Reader

Part B – Story Behind the Story of Sustainable Drainage Service Delivery

Part C – Case Study Building Blocks Process

Part D – Hydrology is the Engine that Powers Ecological Services

Part E – A Stream is a Land Use