CA's Watershed Management Committee
 As time has progressed, the environment has progressively become a prime concern, which has led to speculation over the past couple of decades about what humanity should be doing to maintain, preserve and even improve the environmental conditions on planet Earth. Columbia Association’s (CA) Watershed Advisory Committee (WAC) provides important input on CA’s environmental initiative of maintaining and preserving the waters within Columbia, Maryland. And by having a dedicated position – Watershed Manager – a part of the CA team, it is seen with excitement and optimism.
Main responsibilities of this soon-to-be new position thus far, will include the implementing and providing of approved protocols, relating to the Columbia Watershed Management Plan (CWMP). After being established in 2008, WAC worked with CA Staff, and CA’s watershed consultant, Versar, on the watershed management plan to ensure that Columbia waters will indeed be protected and restored, by handling and addressing watershed concerns in the future.
In improving the conditions of the watersheds, this position has being initiated by CA, in which the best candidate will be announced within the upcoming weeks – so stay tuned if you want to stay updated on this endearing news. WAC staff liaison, Sean Harbaugh, explains that the WAC manager must be “dedicated solely to address [watershed] issues that might arise” and with an “educational component.”
This position has been initiated by CA to assist in the improvement of watershed conditions. The best candidate will be announced within the upcoming weeks – so stay tuned if you want to stay updated on this exciting news. WAC currently has 11 members, representing each Columbia village and one at-large member. Having a manager able to take charge on relevant watershed issues, it will undoubtedly propel CA forward in restoring the local watersheds.
 Residents can also take part and contribute towards this initiative even by doing simple things. Harbaugh suggests, “Reduce the use of lawn fertilizers and plant a tree!” Since many fertilizers contain phosphorous, a nutrient that can facilitate in forming algae in nearby lakes, the water itself can sporadically turn green. By planting each tree, carbon dioxide levels can decrease and by taking initiatives to go green, it can certainly make a difference.
 Other simple things that can be done at home to contribute to the environment include conserving the energy at home – use energy-efficient light bulbs and unplug cell phone chargers and electronics when not in use; and carpool with a friend when going to the same locations. Remember to reduce, reuse and recycle as well. Taking care of the environment will in turn improve the air we breathe, the land which we walk on and the quality of water.
As Harbaugh explains, it starts with, “making the conscious choice of making a difference.” Get kids and their participating classes involved and informed about the environment and watersheds through approved activities, which can be found on CA’s ColumbiaWatershed.org web site. There are also WAC meetings that are held every first Tuesday (7:00 P.M.) of each month in CA Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD, which are open for the public to come to. In addition, if you would like to become a volunteer, please sign up! For more information on this, visit ColumbiaWatershed.org.
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