Warmwater Streams Committee

of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society

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Strategic Plan

Warmwater streams are among the most productive and complex aquatic ecosystems in North America. However, nationwide, warmwater streams and their fisheries have not received the attention and work needed to conserve and adequately manage these resources. The Warmwater Streams Committee was established in 1976 as a technical committee within the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society to address issues related to warmwater streams in the southeast. Initially the membership felt that the name Streams Committee would be appropriate, encompassing all efforts. However, the name Warmwater Streams was adopted to minimize conflict with an existing committee, the Trout Committee, that dealt with coldwater streams in the southeast. The Warmwater Streams Committee has a tradition of conducting projects that promote the exchange of information among fisheries and aquatic scientists. These include publishing books, technical manuals, and symposium proceedings; sponsoring workshops and symposia; and developing position statements and resolutions. In 1997, the membership felt that though the name Warmwater Streams should remain, issues related to warmwater streams and fisheries should be examined within a watershed context, as evidenced by their mission statement. Issues related to warmwater streams and fisheries will continue to be the primary focus of the Committee's activities. However, the Warmwater Streams Committee is committed to working with federal, state and local agencies and organizations; the American Fisheries Society and its subunits; the general public; and others to examine warmwater streams issues within a watershed context.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Warmwater Streams Committee promotes the conservation and management of
watersheds and streams in the southeastern United States by providing a forum
for the exchange of ideas, information, and concerns.

 

The American Fisheries Society planning process and its relationship to the Warmwater Streams committee strategic plan

Any organization must periodically re-evaluate its position and re-shape its future. In 1994, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) adopted a revised Strategic Plan that provided five-year guidance for positioning AFS to be effective and efficient at addressing issues of importance to the membership (Coutant, 1997). Also, the Southern Division of the AFS has developed a Strategic Plan. In addition, in 1987, the Ad Hoc Committee on Southern Division Technical Committees (Ad Hoc Committee) identified four functions of technical committees within the Southern Division and recommended that the strategic plans of the technical committees be structured to address these functions:

In February 1997, at its mid-meeting in San Antonio, Texas, the Warmwater Streams Committee (Committee) approved development of a Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan has been developed to integrate with the strategic plans of the AFS and the Southern Division, and to reflect the recommendations of the AD Hoc Committee. The plan sets out goals that define a vision of the Committee, and provides strategies to achieve each goal. Accomplishing the plan should position the Committee to be responsive to member needs and effective at meeting the challenges facing warmwater stream resources and the profession for the next three to five years. The plan provides opportunities for every member to help shape the Committee.

The Warmwater Streams Committee Strategic Plan

The ultimate goal of strategic planning is to position the Committee within the scientific, political, and social environment of the future -- to be an effective force for addressing issues important to members, aquatic resources, and the profession. The Strategic Plan provides guidance to help reach that goal by clearly defining a direction and path to the future. The plan is expected to need updating every five years.

However, as a living document, the plan can be revised by the Committee at any time if the Southern Division's environment or member needs change.

The following goals define the vision that the Committee seeks. All goals must be accomplished if the Committee is to fully achieve its vision. Strategies under each goal determine how the Committee should organize, focus, and expend its limited resources to maximize its effectiveness and efficiency in achieving that goal.

Goal A: The Warmwater Streams Committee will be a primary resource for information exchange regarding watershed and streams issues in the southeastern United States.

Strategies:

A.1. Proactively identify issues of concern regarding the conservation and management of watersheds and streams.

A.2. Establish a computerized information network to disseminate information on watershed and streams issues.

A.3. Improve and expand symposia, special technical sessions, issue-oriented panel discussions, and publications to provide a forum for the coordinated and cooperative resolution of issues.

A.4. Improve communication and collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies and organizations that share interests in watersheds and streams.

A.5. Improve communication and collaboration with subunits of the American Fisheries Society regarding watershed and streams issues.

A.6. Improve communication with the general public regarding watershed and streams issues.

Goal B: The Warmwater Streams Committee will support professional development.

Strategies:

B.1 Promote continuing education workshops regarding watershed and streams technical issues.

B.2. Promote continuing education workshops regarding communication and management skills.

B.3. Encourage student involvement through student travel assistance for meetings, colloquia, and mentoring.

Goal C: The Warmwater Streams Committee will be involved in the development of public policy affecting watersheds and streams.

Strategies:

C.1. Provide input on public policy issues regarding watersheds and streams at the National and Division levels of the American Fisheries Society.

C.2. Review the American Fisheries Society Southern Division's position or need for position on watershed and stream policy issues, conduct necessary review of resolutions, policy and briefing statements, and prepare appropriate briefing statements. Communicate these products to policy makers, as appropriate and needed.

Implementing the Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan is implemented through the Committee's Annual Work Plan. Each year, the Chair, in consultation with the members, develops an Annual Work Plan by choosing appropriate strategies from the Strategic Plan to begin work on, continuing work in progress, and addressing emerging issues, programs, and services. This process begins at the joint meeting with the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in consultation with the Southern Division's president-elect to ensure coordination with the Southern Division's Annual Work Planning process.

In February, the Committee's Chair consults with members to begin suggesting responsibility for elements of the work plan and develop action plans that describe the sequence of work, responsible parties, timetable, and budget necessary to achieve each element in the Annual Work Plan.

The Strategic Plan provides opportunities for every member to contribute to the future of the Committee. Each member is invited to identify those strategies where they feel they can contribute. Members are encouraged to contact the Committee chair, offer their services, and be ready to accept assignments when requested.

References

Coutant, C.C. 1997. 1996-1997 American Fisheries Society Annual Program of Work. Fisheries 22(3):6-14.

© 2005 SDAFS Warmwater Streams Committee

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