• It's one tiny planet <br /> • Because it has a direct impact on water quality, wildlife habitat, recreatiorial and aesthetic value <br /> • In think we've modified the environment too much and we need to restore it that it serves its ecological <br /> services better (as well as for its own sake) <br /> • I recreate in/near them, my children play in/near them, and the wildlife I enjoy depend on the health of he <br /> waterways <br /> • Because we don't have adequate setback regulations or tree cutting regulations or enforcement programs to <br /> ensure that our waterways are protected from development and urban uses <br /> • I am concerned that the ecosystems of the waterways are at high risk <br /> • The quality of the waterways is a metric of our health well being and a reflection of the foot prints of our <br /> society <br /> • It concerns me because of the ongoing degradation that I observe and the continued discharge of pollutants <br /> including sediment to Amazon Creek <br /> • duality of waterways and natural areas are a good indicator of the quality of life in our community <br /> • Water is the basis of life; Life cannot be sustained without sustaining our waterways <br /> • Plant and wildlife health, clean water, lack of pollution and litter <br /> • The aquatic environment is more than just water and trees, it can represent a DIRECT HUMAN HEALTH <br /> PROBLEM <br /> • Waterways are to the Earth what the circulatory system is to the human. body. If they are polluted, dammed, <br /> drained, channelized, or rip-rapped, the health of all life on Earth will be damaged <br /> • Amazon Creek offers a safe, clean, accessible area for kids and adults to explore and learn <br /> • Quality of life fro people as well as animals and plants <br /> • Both humans and wildlife depend on our local waterways <br /> • For the health of the ecosystem rivers and watersheds support <br /> • High quality=good habitat=natural amenity=quality of life. <br /> • They Flow into major rivers/lakes and thus affect a wide habitat area. I also believe that we are stewards of <br /> these natural resources forfuture generations. <br /> • A healthy environment is pleasing and allows me to have a more active lifestyle without going out of town <br /> 6. What kinds of things indicate to you environmental quality in a body of water? <br /> • Particular species of plants and wildlife, diversity of species, developed canopy cover, course woody debris, <br /> boulders, cool water temps in summer, absence of litter. <br /> • Clarity, Wildlife (fish), drinkability. <br /> • Clarity, lack of harmful bacteria. Lack of yucky green slimy stuff. Fish in streams, herons nesting nearby, <br /> <br /> . presence of badgers, beavers, etc. <br /> • Lack of exotic species <br /> • High water quality <br /> • Clarity, complexity of vegetation structure, presence of fish, birds, wetlands presence <br /> • Appropriate vegetation and wildlife, including invertebrates and vertebrates <br /> • Open space <br /> • Too much trash, shopping carts, etc. <br /> • Clearness, smell, animal & plant life <br /> • Clear water, intact riparian area, supporting a diverse population of aquatic species including sensitive <br /> species; <br /> • Too little Obstacles to Restoration: I will address what I see as the roadblocks to environmental restoration <br /> efforts in the City only because that is where I reside; I live near upperAmazon Creek and walk the path <br /> every day <br /> • Indicators of Water Quality: Clear water, intact riparian area, supporting a diverse population of aquatic <br /> species including sensitive species. Efforts to Improve EQ: Too little Obstacles to Restoration: I will address <br /> what I see as the roadblocks to environmental restoration efforts in the City only because that is where I <br /> reside; I live near upper Amazon Creek and walk the path every day <br /> • High quality regarding physical and chemical characteristics, good abundance of native plants and animals <br /> • Water temperature, levels of ph and dissolved oxygen, turbidity, odor, vegetation, stream flow, bed and bank <br /> content <br /> • Presence of fish and wildlife, smell, cleanliness <br /> • Intact native riparian vegetation and banks, low volume of invasive plants, good water quality (sediments, <br /> contaminants), presence of native wildlife in the water and riparian zone <br /> Metro Waterways Study -Citizen Involvement Summary Report -March 2005 17 <br /> <br />