Source Water Collaborative Launches Toolkit

October 5, 2012 Anthony DeRosa

The Source Water Collaborative (SWC) is pleased to announce the launch of the new Collaboration Toolkit that helps foster effective partnerships between state source water programs and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The toolkit, including a handout, is now available as a new tab on the SWC website – please visit the toolkit at: www.sourcewatercollaborative.org/swp-usda/.

Goals of Toolkit:

Promote source water protection through agriculture conservation practices.
Facilitate collaboration between source water and USDA state and local leaders, with a focus on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Programs.

5 Easy-to-Follow Steps: The toolkit includes simple steps for identifying common ground, current opportunities, and key contacts and ideas for working with USDA at the state level.

Step 1 gives a quick overview of key USDA conservation programs that help protect and improve sources of drinking water. Learn the vocabulary that NRCS staff use so you’re sure to speak their language.
Step 2 gives tips to help you define what your source water program can offer and includes an infographic that explains the State Conservationist’s role and what can be accomplished through collaboration.
Step 3 links to talking points, draft agenda for first meeting, and key USDA documents to help you take the first steps to action.
Step 4 lists useful conservation and source water protection resources.
Step 5 links to key partners who can bring data, technical capabilities, useful state and local perspectives, and links to other key stakeholders.

A toolkit supplement is planned for early 2013 release. The supplement will enhance current state level source water-USDA conservation program collaboration by adding tips for working with conservation districts. In addition, ASDWA and GWPC are planning to conduct a webinar for state source water programs in the near future – stay tuned!

For more information and questions, please contact Deirdre Mason of ASDWA at dmason@asdwa.org or 703-812-4775.