Stream-Friendly Designation Questionnaire

The Maurice River Watershed has remarkable water quality, abundant open space, and plentiful biodiversity: no small feat for a region in America’s most densely populated state. However, poor land-use practices can compromise the health of the watershed.

When the workings of a watershed are impaired, it causes serious problems:

flooding
water shortages
surface run-off
soil erosion
change in water flow
water contamination
invasion by exotic plants
loss of habitat
property damage from storm surges

The condition of streams and rivers is a reflection of the diverse land uses within the watershed. Land management decisions made on residential properties ultimately impact the health of the entire river basin and community. Poor land use leads to dirtier water, less water, and damaged habitats, while good land use has positive impacts on:

water quality
water regeneration
healthy habitat

This Stream-Friendly Designation Application provides active Maurice River Watershed stewards a way to have their best management practices recognized. Maybe you are already implementing eco-friendly management practices on your property and are looking to expand upon them, or maybe you are just getting started and need some ideas. Regardless of your current stewardship level, continue reading to learn how your property can earn Stream-Friendly designation.

Respond "yes" or "no" to whether you have included the actions from the following list into your management routine.

Each yes answer is the equivalent of one stewardship point, while no responses represent opportunities to expand on your best management practices.

Applicant Name(s)

Property Address

City

E-mail

Phone

Eligibility

Do you live within the perimeters of the Maurice River Watershed shown in the below map?

Yes No None

If you answered yes, your residence or property is eligible for stream-friendly designation. Answer the questions below to apply.

1. Water Conservation Indoors and Outdoors

I preserve local drinking water reserves and aquatic habitats by…

reducing grass cover and planting native plants

Yes No None

watering remaining grass on an as-needed basis

Yes No None

watering before 9am or after sunset

Yes No None

checking in-ground sprinkler direction periodically

Yes No None

mulching and leaving grass and leaf clippings

Yes No None

raising lawn mower to 3-4 inches high

Yes No None

sweeping instead of using water to clean pathways and driveways

Yes No None

harvesting water in a rain barrel and using it to water plants

Yes No None

taking my vehicle(s) to a car wash that recycles water

Yes No None

replacing older fixtures with low-flow models

Yes No None

running only full loads in dish and clothes washers

Yes No None

minimizing use of garbage disposal by composting

Yes No None

using leftover water from boiling to water outdoors

Yes No None

using tap water and/or a water filter instead of buying bottled water

Yes No None

refrigerating water instead of running until cool

Yes No None

being conscious of overall water waste

Yes No None

fixing faucet, pipe, and toilet leaks immediately

Yes No None

2. Reducing Water Pollution

I reduce the amount of contamination flowing off my property by…

replacing impermeable surfaces with porous ones

Yes No None

lining impermeable surfaces with depressions

Yes No None

using landscape contours to keep storm water on my property

Yes No None

extending downspouts into garden beds (and/or)

Yes No None

using rain barrels to catch water from downspouts

Yes No None

maintaining the health of mature trees and extending their longevity

Yes No None

reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides by planting native flora

Yes No None

reducing lawn cover

Yes No None

reducing use of chemical fertilizers by testing soil before deciding on a fertilizer, calibrating spreader before each use, following label instructions, switching to organic alternatives, and cleaning spills immediately (and/or) talking with my lawn service provider about their practices and products

Yes No None

using integrated pest management

Yes No None

weeding by hand or using natural herbicides to spot treat

Yes No None

composting organic waste and using it to enrich soils

Yes No None

implementing integrated pest management to combat mosquitoes

Yes No None

picking up pet waste and discarding it in a trash can

Yes No None

avoiding the use of road salts after snowfall

Yes No None

monitoring my septic tank annually and servicing it every 3-5 years

Yes No None

reforesting my property with native trees

Yes No None

installing a rain garden

Yes No None

3. Water Quality Protection Indoors

Indoors I preserve water quality and wildlife habitat by…

using biodegradable personal hygiene products

Yes No None

using non-toxic home cleaning and care agents

Yes No None

disposing of medicines at local drop-off points

Yes No None

disposing of electronics at county or municipal drop-offs

Yes No None

disposing of hazardous waste at county or municipal hazardous waste drop-offs

Yes No None

4. Creating a Culture of Watershed Stewardship

I make a difference for community health by…

volunteering or donating to local watershed and environmental organizations

Yes No None

being an advocate for water protection with my family and acquaintances

Yes No None

supporting policies promoting watershed health, preservation of natural areas, and combating climate change

Yes No None

Time's up