Prioritizing watershed conservation for sediment load reduction in the coastal plain of the southeastern USA

In a climate of limited resources, it is often necessary to geographically prioritize watershed conservation efforts. The synoptic approach, which was originally developed as an ecologically based tool for geographic prioritization of wetland protection and restoration efforts. Synoptic assessments use a benefit -cost framework to calculate indices for functional criteria in subunits (watersheds, counties, etc) of a region and then rank the subunits. The objective of this study is to use the synoptic approach to perform a geographic prioritization of watersheds in which conservation practices can be used to reduce sediment loads. To develop a prioritization tool, we first develop a conceptual model within which we prioritize criteria, formulate indices, and select indicators for sediment load reduction. The benefit of watershed conservation for sediment load reduction is a function of the following descriptors: conservation support and willingness, conservation cost and land availability, hydrological processes of headwater and floodplains, and pollutant sources. The conceptual model is being validated in the Little River Experimental Watershed of Georgia. This model will enable managers to identify best candidate areas where BMP implementation would optimize water quality improvement.