“Sustaining our past – securing our future” – a comprehensive watershed reconnaissance report for the Ohio River Basin

The Ohio River Basin Comprehensive (ORBC) Reconnaissance Report is a multi-faceted watershed approach to planning.  It covers approximately 204,000 square miles, portions of 15 states and four Corps Districts.  Formulated by a multi-district team, the study presented a challenging opportunity to effectively collaborate with Federal, state, regional and local agencies, NGOs, the public, and within our own organization.  Using a watershed approach, the report evaluated the needs, problems, and opportunities of water resources across the basin and working with partners to develop alternatives that addressed the issues and concerns of the basin. Scenarios of future climate change, national energy needs, transportation improvements, and -population growth were used to evaluate the long-term efficacy of certain strategies for rehabilitation and reinvestment in existing protection systems, water supply capacity, hydropower facilities, improved water quality as well as ecosystem restoration.  This strategic planning effort is a beginning to chart a new course of land stewardship, watershed management strategies, and multi-agency programs that will be geared towards sustainability of the basin land and water resources as well as protection of sensitive ecosystems. The process has relied heavily on GIS databases and mapping to analyze complex relationships of natural systems and human development.