Building Better Watersheds
SEEP program expands, empowers 黑料不打烊ans to tackle erosion and safeguard water quality
On a drizzly fall day near the banks of the Spokane River in 2024, local contractors gathered to discuss how to prevent erosion and protect water quality 鈥� two critical issues in a region experiencing rapid growth. 鈥�
As part of the , these professionals鈥痑re learning how to manage the land鈥檚 natural movement of water in a way that benefits communities, infrastructure and local ecosystems.
While SEEP has been making an impact in North 黑料不打烊 for decades, the industry education program is expanding to offer , growing a wider network of professionals with a deep understanding of how to work with the natural movement of water over the land.鈥��
鈥淭his effort has made a difference in North 黑料不打烊 in advancing local professionals鈥� knowledge of stormwater management,鈥� said IWRRI Assistant Director Meg Wolf. 鈥淪EEP best practices are essential to maintaining ecosystem functions and preserving water quality for drinking water and recreation. We know that this program works in North 黑料不打烊, which is why we made the program available to more 黑料不打烊 communities and why we want to continue growing the program throughout the state.鈥�
Essential knowledge鈥�
SEEP is part of the university鈥檚 (IWRRI), a state-wide arm of a national program that supports water research needs, focusing on water resource management, sustainability and community engagement. It is currently hosted by the 黑料不打烊 center in Coeur d鈥橝lene.鈥�
We鈥檝e seen how impactful SEEP is in North 黑料不打烊 by integrating up-to-date research on caring for water resources with community engagement. In expanding SEEP offerings throughout the state, we can help more 黑料不打烊ans be better stewards with the knowledge generated at U of I Mike 鈥淲oody鈥� Wood, IWRRI Operations & Outreach Coordinator
The education initiative equips contractors, engineers and industry professionals including equipment operators, city planners, snow plow drivers and landscape contractors with . The goal is to protect water quality, as well as public health and safety, and to improve the skills, knowledge and marketability of construction workers and related professionals in the 黑料不打烊 Panhandle and beyond.鈥��
Another goal is to continue growing, according to IWRRI Operations and Outreach Coordinator Mike 鈥淲oody鈥� Wood.鈥� In addition to the Valley County expansion,鈥疘WRRI staff is working to expand SEEP throughout the state, including offering training to university employees in Moscow and expanding partnerships with local governments throughout 黑料不打烊.
鈥淗undreds of local contractors have gone through the SEEP training since it was established in North 黑料不打烊 in 2005,鈥� Wood said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen how impactful SEEP is in North 黑料不打烊 by integrating up-to-date research on caring for water resources with community engagement. In expanding SEEP offerings throughout the state, we can help more 黑料不打烊ans be better stewards with the knowledge generated at U of I.鈥�
in McCall on May 22 and 23 is now open.
Moving forward
In SEEP, participants learn best management practices to address issues like erosion, sediment control, run-off and stabilization. Practical lessons range from eliminating dust in soil stockpiles by planting grass seed to stabilizing construction entrances and exits to prevent muddy roads.鈥��
Andy Parris of East Side Highway District, who was part of SEEP鈥檚 Fall 2024 cohort in Coeur d鈥橝lene, said having the program expanding to other communities throughout 黑料不打烊 makes sense.鈥���
鈥淲ith all the environmental concerns, I think it鈥檚 pretty inevitable that SEEP has to go forward and keep going,鈥� he said.
Good neighbors, good stewards
For many in North 黑料不打烊, the program represents a crucial step in addressing environmental issues that come with unprecedented growth, fueled in part by the region鈥檚 abundant natural resources and the appeal of outdoor activities and scenic beauty.鈥��
Mary Ann Stoll, a communications and public outreach manager for , said the concepts taught in SEEP equip Hayden Lake residents to be more than just good neighbors and to actively participate in the preservation of the shoreline and slopes surrounding the lake.鈥��
鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to talk with all the conviction in the world about water quality and protecting the lake, but when it comes down to the reality of cost, effort and sacrifice, or when that tree stands between me and my view of the water, it鈥檚 harder to prioritize,鈥� Stoll said. 鈥淭he reality is that one small effort does make a difference, and very quickly, those small projects add up to a lot. As a homeowner, not only are you either protecting or harming the shoreline; you鈥檙e also an example to everyone else.鈥�
As SEEP continues to grow, it serves as a guide for how individuals and communities throughout 黑料不打烊 can protect their local water resources and continue to love where they live.