 Watershed SWAPS
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Watershed SWAPS
Watershed Swaps are a gathering of all entities in a basin that are engaged in watershed management, collecting data or need data. These Watershed Swaps are networking events hosted by the CWQMC and local watershed leaders and become part of a collective statewide voice for monitoring and watershed issues.
Upcoming SWAPS
Host a SWAP in 2011!
Why attend a SWAP?
The purpose of watershed SWAPs is to engage entities involved in watershed work in a place-based discussion to exchange 1) what they are doing, where, when, why and how; and then 2) their monitoring priorities, needs and concerns. This exchange provides a communication outlet for entities across a watershed, from a local to regional to state level and back down.
The CWQMC conducted 11 place-based swaps during the first grant period from 2006-2008. SWAP evaluation sheets were collected from SWAP participants. These evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. Participants indicated that SWAPS were indeed very useful networking tools and should be an annual or bi-annual event within each basin.
Based on this feedback and feedback from CWQMC committee members, CWQMC plans on holding SWAPS twice a year, one in fall and spring. SWAP basins will rotate so that each basin is addressed every two years while still following the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) Triennial Basin Review Schedule in a timely manner to be relevant.
What is the format of a SWAP?
Participants will share their monitoring priorities, needs and concerns in an attempt to identify monitoring gaps in the watershed and possibilities for increasing monitoring efficiency throughout the watershed. Maps of water quality monitoring stations for the watershed will be available at the SWAP. Before attending a SWAP, particpants should come prepared to discuss the following questions:
1. What are your top priorities for water quality monitoring or associated work in your basin?
2. What are your top needs for water quality monitoring or associated work in your basin?
3. What are your top concerns for water quality monitoring or associated work in your basin?
The typical agenda looks like this:
Start - End * Topic
8:30 - 9:00 * Arrive, Register, get the best donut before the next guy
9:00 - 9:15 * Introductions
9:15 - 9:45 * Overview of the SWAP process, CWQMC/CDSN , and
day’s schedule
9:45 - 11:45 * SWAP of Monitoring (W’s), Priorities, Needs, Concerns,
and Where to access results
11:45 - 12:15 * Future Gathering Discussion (what, why, when, scale, who)
12:15 - 12:30 * SWAP Evaluation
Sponsors Needed!
SWAP Sponsors may provide meeting space, audio/video equipment, refreshments, maps, handouts, contact potential attendees, secure lodging, or other items through monetary donations or in-kind donations. Financial donations also help fund the overhead costs of maintaining the water quality database and the on-line interactive GIS map. SWAP Sponsors are given recognition at SWAP events and in post-SWAP Fact Sheets. For more information on sponsoring a SWAP or scheduling one in your basin, please contact us.
SWAP Schedule
Completed Data Swaps (and Trainings)
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SWAP Invitation
SWAP "Fact Sheets" (Summaries of Past SWAPS)
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