The role of municipal government agencies concerning ambient monitoring and overall management of aquatic resources

The need for quality scientific information to help managers make wise natural resource decisions is well accepted. However, the means to secure that information has historically been elusive as resources for “routine” monitoring programs are often lacking. Going forward these efforts may be more successful by identification of a consortium of area stakeholders to work together to design, implement and fund a comprehensive ambient monitoring program. This program will provide the regulatory authorities with scientifically defensible information that ensures that appropriate and realistic decisions can be made. Such programs offer many benefits (making a positive contribution to sound management of local aquatic resources, improved credibility with government agencies, demonstrating community leadership) but also come with associated costs. Balance must be achieved. An example of the NEW Water (the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District) Aquatic Monitoring Program is presented. Demonstrated success for this 30+ year program might be used as a model for others. Discussion includes identification of the planning steps which are necessary to evaluate the efficacy related to development of an in-house ambient monitoring program, and a potential list of stakeholders who may be appropriate to participate in the consortium.