One challenge that many agencies face is to look past short-term problems and see the big picture. It takes good planning and careful reflection to successfully carry out your role in serving the public.

For the last several years, we have been doing watershed studies for some of the creeks in our jurisdiction, the most recent being Cedar Creek. Our intention is to gather baseline data and see if there are any problems that need to be addressed now or may arise in the future. We can then work to resolve these situations in a timely manner.

This year's Floodway Integrity Study was a look at the past, but with the clear intent of planning for the future. The flood control measures must be kept in good working order as a guard against the unknown timing of disasters.

Fill regulations and our new role in fisheries protection also contribute to the long-term vision of people being able to enjoy their watersheds' resources while ensuring the conservation, restoration, development and management of our natural resources.

Rick Potter, LRCA Chairman, 1998