VIEW FROM THE WATERSHED By J. Glenn Eugster, National Park Service, National Capital Region

VIEW FROM THE WATERSHED

By J. Glenn Eugster, National Park Service, National Capital Region

Ian McHarg, renowned educator and environmental leader died on March 5.  He worked for more than 50 years in ecological planning and is remembered for his book "Design with Nature" and the first ecological planning method in the U.S.  The "McHarg Method" was developed in the Potomac watershed in 1964 and it advocates an understanding of places, people and the work performed by both in order to ascertain human and ecological values, constraints and opportunities.  

Mr. McHarg's passing made me think about the state of the Potomac conservation movement today.  The Potomac's tradition of outstanding leadership and innovation is alive as an array of local initiatives have grown and matured.  

Today's Potomac River leaders speak for the river, its watershed, its residents and their vision of the future.  They seek a future for the valley that strives for a harmony between man and nature.  Like McHarg they "strive to abandon the simplicity of separation and give unity its due". 

Potomac leadership organizations have adopted discrete natural and cultural watershed values and are actively working with local officials, farmers, foresters, business leaders and residents to conserve resource values and solve problems.

For example, the Potomac Conservancy is working with local land trusts to conserve private property.  The Friends of the Potomac is working to increase local leadership. The Alice Ferguson Foundation works to increase education and clean up the river. The Potomac Interstate Commission is helping to sustain water quality and quantity.  The Potomac Trails Council is providing opportunities for recreation and interpretation.  Ducks Unlimited is assisting landowners manage forests and the Potomac Heritage Partnership is supporting heritage tourism activities. 

These groups are the keystones of leadership and innovation in the watershed.  Their goals, interests and constituencies reflect the principal values of the Potomac and their vision melds the past, present and future.

J. Glenn Eugster is the Assistant Regional Director for Partnerships with the NPS-National Capital Region.  He provides conservation and partnership assistance to community leaders and NPS park superintendents.   He recently opened the Potomac River Watershed Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Office.