Developing a strategic action plan for the Denys Basin Watershed, Nova Scotia

The purpose of this research was to develop a draft strategic action plan to address environmental issues affecting the Denys Basin Watershed, Nova Scotia. This draft action plan was developed by gathering and documenting information about this particular watershed through literature reviews, a mail-out questionnaire, interviews and an open house. Socio-economic conditions were documented to provide the context for the action plan. Ecological information, gathered from both scientific and community knowledge, was presented. Issues important to the community were collected and documented. Protocols for community-based monitoring of stream habitats and oyster populations were also developed, tested and evaluated. The draft action plan was then developed by integrating all of this information. Specific actions to address the issues most important to the community were recommended and prioritized. This action plan should be confirmed and refined by the watershed community before they implement it.