Developing North Carolina Ecological Flow Policy Guidance

Keywords: ecological flows, stakeholder engagement, policy guidance
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Ecological flows are flow quantities necessary to protect ecological integrity. In coastal plain river systems, determining necessary flow quantities can be challenging due to low, flat terrain and significant tidal influences, thereby increasing the challenge of utilizing hydrologic models to determine ecological flows. Additionally, stakeholder engagement can help to ensure more effective policies are crafted. Coupled with evaluating previously under-assessed flow criteria from an ecological and hydrological perspective, this study undertakes an evaluation of the social dimensions of ecological flows to help guide potential future policies. This study conducted surveys of water users in eastern North Carolina to determine their perceptions regarding water use, change in flow conditions over time, and preferences of potential policy actions that would maintain ecological flows in eastern North Carolina. Additionally, this study reviewed ecological flow policies in other states to offer appropriate guidance to state agencies in crafting policies. Results indicate that stakeholders are in favor of bottom-up, voluntary regulatory frameworks.