Additional Indicators

Identifying stakeholders in your watershed is an essential step in initiating a watershed

management strategy in your community. You will also want to evaluate the existing constraints
and incentives that may impact the development and implementation of a management plan in
your watershed. These constraints and incentives could be economic, political, or social in nature.
We suggest that you consider the general areas of (1) land use, (2) community capacity, (3)
economic vitality, (4) political structures, (5) landowner attitudes, and (6) education and
communication outreach. Understanding these issues will help you identify watershed problems
and form watershed goals.

Stakeholders in the Watershed

In this sense, stakeholders is broadly used to reflect potential leaders and collaborators,
information sources, and detractors to the process. To enhance your planning efforts, you will
want to identify and engage a variety of people with leadership and motivational skills and
reputations for getting things done. When it comes time to identify problems and desired
outcomes or goals in the watershed, it is necessary to seek the input and involvement of
everyone who would, in one way or another, be impacted by changes in the way your watershed
is managed. It is important to identify all potential stakeholders, regardless of their involvement,
as potential watershed partners. Information about perceptions toward watershed management
issues should be representative of all the people in the area and not limited to those of opinion
leaders.
It is also important to consider the positions not only of individuals, but also those held by
stakeholder groups. These groups often have definite opinions even if they are not formally
organized, and their opinions may be influential within a community. A consistent finding in social
impact assessment research is that community interest groups always emerge to support and
oppose a project1.

7. Types of Residents in the Watershed

7a.

Percentage of land in federal, state, and private ownership

Burdge, R.J. 1990. Utilizing social impact variables in the planning model. Impact Assessment Bulletin, 8(1/2):85-100.

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County Plat Book: At the present, percentages of land ownership may be

found only by consulting county plat books, adding the number of acres per
each ownership category, and comparing the sum acreage of each
category.
7b.

Average number of acres owned and percentage change in last 5-10 years
USCB - Census of Agriculture Illinois, Table 1. County Summary
Highlights

7c.

Number of farms by size and percentage change in last 5-10 years

USCB - Census of Agriculture Illinois, Table 1. County Summary
Highlights; See Land-Use Issue A

7d.

Average number of acres rented

USCB - Census of Agriculture Illinois, Table 11. Tenure and
Characteristics of Operator and Type of Organization

7e.

Number of female agricultural owner/operators

USCB - Census of Agriculture - Illinois, Table 11. Tenure and
Characteristics of Operator and Type of Organization

7f.

Number of minority agricultural owner/operators

USCB - Census of Agriculture - Illinois, Table 37. Operators by Selected
Racial Groups; and Table 38. Operators of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
Origin

7g.

Average age of landowners

USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics - Part
13 - Illinois, Table 140. Age, Sex, Ability to Speak English, and Disability

7h.

Average age of agricultural owner/operators

USCB - Census of Agriculture - Illinois, Table 11. Tenure and
Characteristics of Operator and Type of Organization

7i.

Education levels of landowners

USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics - Part
13 - Illinois, Table 152. Education, Ability to Speak English, and Disability by
Race and Hispanic Origin

8. Local Leaders, Organizations, and Interest Groups in the Watershed

8a.

Number of environmental groups in the watershed and their roles in local

politics/government

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Local Chamber of Commerce

Local phone book
8b.

Number of persons in each group

Surveys, Interviews

8c.

Main issues of each group that relate to watershed efforts

Surveys, Interviews

9. Political Leaders, Governmental Units, and Agencies in the Watershed

9a.

Counties in watershed
GIS Database, 7.5 Topographical Map Clearinghouse
ISWS - Watershed Subbasin Maps

9b.

Population of each county in watershed

USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics
Illinois Statistical Abstract

9c.

Percentage of watershed population in each county

IDNR - Watershed Management Section
INRGDC - County GIS Data

9d.

Number of towns and villages in each county

IDNR - Watershed Management Section
INRGDC - County GIS Data

9e.

Percentage of watershed towns in each county

IDNR - Watershed Management Section
INRGDC - County GIS Data

Land Use
In the area of land use, you should seek a clear understanding of the constraints that will be
imposed upon the plan by current land uses and also an understanding of the environmental and
social effects resulting from those uses. Understanding land-use trends that are occurring or are
likely to occur can help you identify both opportunities and constraints for future land
management decisions.

10. Land Uses in the Watershed

10a. Number of farms by size

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USCB - Census of Agriculture Illinois, Table 1. County Summary

Highlights
10b. Average size of farms
USCB - Census of Agriculture Illinois, Table 1. County Summary
Highlights
10c. Percentage of farms with livestock
USCB - Census of Agriculture Illinois, Table 1. County Summary
Highlights

11. Environmental Impacts of Land Uses

11a. Number of households in the 100-year flood plain
ISWS - Watershed Science Section
11b. Economic value of property loss due to flood events
FEMA - Regional office
11c. Feelings about potential harm to human health or the environment from local
manufacturing, agriculture,
business, or household practices
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-2, 5, 12
11d. Number or percentage of residents who use public sewer system
City Public Works Department

11e. Percentage of population or number who use the public water system; percentage with
private wells
Local Water Company
GISP - Census of Population and Housing
11f. Number of drinking water warnings in past year (boil orders, high nitrates, exceed EPA
limits) and percentage change in the last 5-10 years
Local Water Company
Regional IEPA
Regional IDPH
11g. Number of water shortage incidents in past year (restrictions on lawn watering, private
wells) and percentage change in last 5-10 years
Local Water Company

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Regional IEPA
Regional IDPH
11h. Number of times local industries were not in regulatory compliance with environmental
standards
WMRC
Regional IEPA

12. Land-Use Trends

12a. Plans for new roads, commercial or industrial sites, suburban areas, high-intensity
agricultural sites, and/or recreational areas
Regional Zoning/Planning Commission; County Highway Department
IDOT
12b. Number of beach closures, fishing advisories, or similar alerts for recreation areas
Site Records, IDNR, Forest Preserve District, Conservation District,
Regional IEPA
12c. Names and locations of scientific or research sites
IDNR Ecosystem Partnership Area Assessment Publications
IDNR, IEPA, IDOA, SWCD, FS, NRCS offices
12d. Names and locations of recreation sites
IDNR Parks, Conservation Areas, Nature preserves
IDNR Critical Trends Assessment Program publications for Assessment
Areas - Part I: Socio-Economic Profile - Outdoor Recreation City/County
offices
12e. Legal protection of sites (registered historical site, proposed historical site listing,
certified archeological site)
INHS Natural Areas Inventory
INRGDC - County GIS Data Archaeological Resource Potential
12f. Size of each area in square miles or acres
IDNR Land and Water Report
12g. Type of recreation available at each site
Site Records, IDNR, forest Preserve District, Conservation District
12h. Users of each recreation site (in-state, out-of-state, local)
IDNR Land and Water Report
Site Records

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12i. Number of visitor days/season for each recreation site

Site Records
12j. Average distance traveled to major recreation areas
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. C-4

Community Capacity
Exploring community capacity2 issues will give you knowledge about the ability of your community
to influence local decisions, work together to create and sustain beneficial change, and adapt to
change from outside influences. Community capacity is represented by the communitys ability to
coordinate its efforts and resources in a way that establishes cooperation among stakeholders
and government officials and can be reflected in its ability to access outside information and
financial resources.
Quality of life3 issues can also be included in the analysis of community capacity. Quality of life
issues describe the likelihood of a community to prosper and sustain its unique qualities. Quality
of life may include such attributes as the communitys cleanliness, safety, the friendliness of
neighbors, strength of the economy, and affordability of housing. Another measure of community
capacity is the degree to which community members feel that they belong and have a sense of
relationship which each other. This can be measured by their participation in civic organizations
and by their civic pride. How people feel about their community can be expressed in what they
say they are proud of, what they would like to change about their community, the reasons they live
there or plan to leave, and the characteristics that make their community unique.
Quality of life and community capacity both take human capital into consideration. Human capital
consists of the qualities of individuals, such as values, education, skills, health, and leadership,
that can be used to enhance environmental quality. Strong local leadership is usually the key to
effective community development and long-term vitality.

13. Community Decision-Making

13a. Number of formal municipal government meetings during the past year
City Clerk, County Clerk

Adapted from: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities, Office of Policy.
Community cultural profiling guide: Understanding a communitys sense of place.
Flora, C.B., and J.L. Flora. 1988. Guidelines for conducting social assessments.
3

Adapted from: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities, Office of Policy.
Community cultural profiling guide: Understanding a communitys sense of place.

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13b. Percentage of municipal government meetings during the past year that were open to
the public
City Clerk, County Clerk

13c. Number of citizens who attended open municipal government meetings during the past
year
City Clerk, County Clerk
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. D-1
13d. Percentage of citizens who have participated in a local group to address a specific
community problem
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. D-1

14. Community Empowerment and Cohesiveness

14a. Percentage of eligible voters who cast ballots in last local election
County Clerks Office
14b. Percentage of residents age 25 and over without a high school diploma
USCB - USA Counties
USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics Illinois Table 152. Education, Ability to Speak English, and Disability by
Race and Hispanic Origin
14c. Percentage of population under 18 years old
USCB - USA Counties
USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics - Part
13 Illinois, Table 140. Age, Sex, Ability to Speak English, and Disability
14d. Percentage of population 65 years and older (or total social security recipients)
USCB - USA Counties
USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics - Part
13 Illinois, Table 140. Age, Sex, Ability to Speak English, and Disability
14e. Average number of hours/week/person devoted to participation in civic and community
organizations
Surveys, Interviews, Local United Way
Section IV. D-1

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14f. Percentage of citizens who have cooperated with their neighbor to solve a common
problem
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. D-1
14g. The nature of the farmer/nonfarmer relationship
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-7; D-5
14h. Community preservation of historical, cultural, and/or physical objects (buildings)
Historical Preservation Commission
14i. Number of newspaper articles related to land use, natural resources, or watersheds
Local newspaper, library archives

14j. Community natural resource or agricultural events (farm shows, logging competition,
strawberry festival, fishing day)
Chamber of Commerce
Local SWCD, FS, NRCS offices
14k. Age distribution of community
USCB - USA Counties
Illinois Statistical Abstract Table 1-5. Population by Selected Age Groups
14l. Percentage of population who have lived in watershed less than 5 years, more than 5
years, and more than 20 years
GISP - Census of Population and Housing
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. A-1
14m. Projected population growth or decline and changes in recent years
USCB - USA Counties
Regional Planning Commission
14n. Size of seasonal population (college students, wintering retirees, summering
vacationers, migrant workers)
Local University/College
Local employment/unemployment agencies
14o. Ratio of homes/apartment developments with neat appearance vs. those that are
clearly not cared for
Public Works Department
Surveys, Interviews

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14p. Residents image of their community or watershed

Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-8; D-6
14q. Outside image of community or watershed
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-8
14r. Percentage of population who would recommend the community as a good place to
live
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-8; D-6
14s. Percentage of population who would rate the community as friendly
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-8
14t. Percentage of population who would rate the community as visually attractive
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-8
14u. Citizens description of their community (like-minded, church-going, outdoor
enthusiasts, young professionals, retirees)
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-8; D-6

Economic Vitality
Indicators of economic vitality4 describe your communitys economic history, current economic
well-being, and sometimes its potential for future economic development. This information can
provide an additional context for understanding how and why people in your community might
make decisions related to land use. This information takes into account such factors as
employment levels, types of jobs, per capita income, poverty and unemployment rates, the range
of incomes in the community, trends in employment opportunities, presence of natural resources
(fertile soil, clean water and air), and infrastructure (transportation routes).
In addition, you will need to explore issues of economic growth and prosperity 5 to determine if
economic conditions might pose constraints on your watershed effort. For example, an
economically stable community might be more interested and better equipped to address land
use and natural resource issues. One important factor that allows a community or region to
maintain an adequate level of economic health is the diversity of economic opportunities that
exist. A resilient community has people with a wide range of skills and access to diverse
4

Adapted from: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities, Office of Policy.
Community cultural profiling guide: Understanding a communitys sense of place.
5

Adapted from: Flora, C.B., and J.L. Flora. 1988. Guidelines for conducting social assessments

www.watershedplanning.uiuc.edu

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employment opportunities. A diversified job market is less susceptible to changing market

demands. Many small communities are relatively limited in the diversity of economic opportunities
that are available. In these types of communities, economic growth is often within one or two
existing industries. It is important to understand how the activities of these industries are affecting
the watershed and, in turn, how changes in watershed management could impact these industries
and the economic vitality of the community.

15. Economic Vitality and Trends

15a. Average nonfarm income in watershed and percentage change in last 5-10 years
GISP - Regional Economic Information
Illinois Statistical Abstract, Table 9-3. Nonfarm Personal Income
15b. Average gross farm sales and percentage change in last 5-10 years
USCB - Census of Agriculture - Part 13 - Illinois, Table 4. Net Cash Return
From Agricultural Sales, Government Payments, Other Farm-Related
Income, Direct Sales, and Commodity Credit Corporation Loans
15c. Average farm debt and percentage change in last 5-10 years
USCB - Census of Agriculture - Part 13 Illinois, Table 4. Net Cash Return
From Agricultural Sales, Government Payments, Other Farm-Related
Income, Direct Sales, and Commodity Credit Corporation Loans
15d. Percentage of watershed income earned from agricultural-based employment and
percentage change in the last 5-10 years
GISP - Regional Economic Information
Illinois Statistical Abstract, Table 9-4. Farm Income, Table 9-2. Total
Personal Income
15e. Percentage of farmers with off-farm income and annual percentage change in the last
5-10 years
USCB - Census of Agriculture - Part 13 Illinois, Table 11. Tenure and
Characteristics of Operator and Type of Organization
15f. Percentage of watershed residents employed in locally owned and operated
businesses and annual percentage change in the last 5-10 years
Chamber of Commerce
Local employment/unemployment offices
15g. Average annual income (household or per capita) and percentage change in last 10
years and compared to state average
GISP - Regional Economic Information
Illinois Statistical Abstract, Table 9-5. Per Capita Personal Income

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15h. Average annual cost of living

Illinois Statistical Abstract, Table 13-1. Consumer Price Index: All Urban
Consumers, All Items
15i. Average number of hours worked per week
USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics,
Section 8. Employment, Weekly Earnings, and Weekly Hours (Weekly
hours statistics are only available for the state and select statistical areas.)
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. E-2
15j. Number of people/families on public assistance
GISP - Census of Population and Housing
USCB - Census of Population - Social and Economic Characteristics Number 15 Illinois, Table 148. Income of Households, Families, and
Persons
Illinois Statistical Abstract - Table 11-18. Aid to Families with Dependent
Children (AFDC), Assistance, Cases, and Recipients
15k. Average real estate values and annual percentage change
GISP - Regional Economic Information - Census of Population and Housing
15l. Average real estate taxes paid and annual percentage change
IDR - Illinois Property Tax Statistics
15m. Average market value of farmland per acre and percentage change in last 5 years
USCB - Census of Agriculture - Illinois - Part 13 - Illinois, Table 6. Farms,
Land in Farms, Value of Land and Buildings, and Land Use
15n. Number of farm acres sold in past year and annual percentage change
Local FS, SWCD, NRCS
15o. Number of homes sold in past year and annual percentage change
GISP - Regional Economic Information
Local Realtors Association
15p. Number of new homes built in past year and annual percentage change
GISP - Census of Population and Housing
Illinois Statistical Abstract - Table 15-1. New Privately-Owned Housing Units
Authorized (for select statistical areas)
15q. Number of business establishments opened during the past year
GISP - Regional Economic Information
Chamber of Commerce

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15r. Percentage of businesses that are locally owned

Chamber of Commerce
15s. Number of business establishments closed during the past year
GISP - Regional Economic Information
Chamber of Commerce
15t. Patronization of local shops, restaurants, and other businesses by local residents
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. E-3

16. Economic Dependence on Natural Resources

16a. Revenue of each extraction company and percentage change in the last 5-10 years
USCB - Census of Agriculture - Illinois - Part 13 Illinois, Table 1. County
Summary Highlights
16b. Number employed in each extraction company
USCB - Census of Agriculture - Illinois - Part 13 Illinois, Table 1. County
Summary Highlights
16c. Entrance fee or activity fees at parks, beaches, and other recreation sites
Site Records
16d. Annual revenue from fees for use of parks, beaches, and other recreation sites and
percentage change in the last 5-10 years
Site Records
16e. Number of people employed by recreation sites and activities
Site Records
16f. Annual number of fishing and hunting licenses issued and percentage change in the
last 5-10 years
IDNR Ecosystem Partnership Area Assessment Reports - Part I. SocioEconomic Profile - Outdoor Recreation
IDNR - Fish and Wildlife Management

Political Structures

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Information about governmental and political trends in the watershed 6 will indicate how power
structures function within your community, how elected and appointed officials in government
interact and work with other important players in the community, and the role played by other
community members in the political process. This information will also identify political
opportunities and obstacles that might relate to the watershed planning effort, such as existing
regulations and zoning and government programs.

17. Political Structures

17a. Agencies administering relevant regulations
City/County Regulatory Board
Regional IEPA
17b. Number of times the environment has been an issue in any community election
Newspapers, newsletters
Surveys, Interviews
17c. Number of times the environment has been an issue at a public hearing
Newspapers
Public hearing minutes
17d. Percentage of local government expenditures that go to local environmental protection
and enhancement
City/County Clerks office - Finance Department
17e. Number of times local government has used regulatory authority to protect the local
environment
City/County Environmental Manager
17f. Existing agency programs that might affect the watershed effort
County or regional SWCD, FS, NRCS offices
City/County Environmental Manager
17g. Adequacy of the amount and quality of technical assistance to meet the needs of the
community
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-9, 10, 11
17h. Adequacy of federal and state conservation funding programs to meet the needs of the
community
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-9, 10, 11
6

Adapted from: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities, Office of Policy.
Community cultural profiling guide: Understanding a communitys sense of place.

www.watershedplanning.uiuc.edu

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Landowner Attitudes
An assessment of landowner values and attitudes describes what people know, think, and care
about in their community7. The watershed planning committee can use this information in
developing goals and objectives and in assessing impacts of the watershed management plan. A
thorough understanding of these issues will also help you identify potential obstacles that might
keep landowners from participating in the implementation of the watershed plan. A survey of
landowner values and attitudes should focus on issues such as identification of watershed
problems and preferred solutions, income and production concerns, and issues related to
government involvement and recreation.

18. Landowner Attitudes

18a. Attitudes about natural resource issues
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. E-4; F-1

18b. How citizens feel local natural resources should be managed

Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-2, 3, 4, 6; C-6, 7
18c. Attitudes toward involved government agencies (satisfaction, trust)
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-9, 10, 11

18d. Communitys impression of environmental regulations

Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-9; F-1
18e. Communitys impression of land-use regulations
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-9; F-1
18f. Community satisfaction with environmental protection results from government action
7

Adapted from:
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities, Office of Policy. Community cultural
profiling guide: Understanding a communitys sense of place.
Flora, C.B., and J.L. Flora. 1988. Guidelines for conducting social assessments.

www.watershedplanning.uiuc.edu

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Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-9, 10, 11
18g. Communitys impression of where responsibility lies (local, state, federal, private)
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-4, 12
18h. Types of recreation on private property
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. C-8
18i. Importance of recreational activities to overall satisfaction and happiness of citizens
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. C-1, 2, 3
18j. Satisfaction of residents with number and type of recreation areas available
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. C-5, 7
18k. Percentage of local citizens who rate each cultural and recreational site as attractive,
pleasant, and/or unique
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-13; C-6
18l. Residents perception of the importance of each cultural and recreational site
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-13; C-1, 2, 3
18m. Percentage of citizens who perceive each cultural and recreational site as important to
preserve
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-13; C-1, 2, 3
18n. Number of leisure hours per week for owner/operators, absentee, tenant, and non-farm
landowners
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. A-2; C-1
18o. Users perception of overall quality of each cultural and recreational site
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. B-13; C-6, 7
18p. Impediments to use of recreation sites (age, lack of interest, distance to recreation
sites, safety of recreation sites, lack of time, health, crowdedness, and condition of
site)
Surveys, Interviews

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Section IV. C-7

Education and Communication Outreach

Education and public outreach are essential components of the watershed planning process.
Groups that are able to reach, inform, and involve a broad cross-section of landowners ultmately
will be most successful in addressing watershed concerns and in keeping and bringing new
people into the planning process. Many watershed groups recruit volunteers to lead efforts in
outreach and public education. However without prior experience, it can be difficult for citizen
volunteers to design and deliver educational and motivational messages.
A more effective educational campaign can be launched when the committee understands the
communitys current perceptions and knowledge of watershed issues and conservation practices.
You may even look to recruit local professionals or volunteers with experience in developing an
environmental curriculum or other outreach materials. You will also want to determine the most
effective modes of spreading your message and the feasibility of using local media sources and
community events to promote watershed protection efforts and provide environmental awareness
information.

19. Current Level of Knowledge in Watershed

19a. Knowledge of watershed term, concept, boundary
Surveys and Interviews
19b. Awareness of watershed planning effort
Surveys and Interviews
19c. Perception of the quality of the watershed (water quality, water quantity, habitat, soil,
air)
Surveys and Interviews
Section B-2, 5, 6, 8; C-6; H-1
19d. Who citizens believe should be held accountable for these problems
Surveys and Interviews
Section IV. B-3, 4, 12
19e. Knowledge and misconceptions of specific conservation practices
Surveys and Interviews

20. Preferred Delivery Methods for Receiving Watershed Information

20a. Hours per week listen to local radio news or talk program

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Surveys, Interviews

20b. Hours per week watch local television news broadcast

Surveys, Interviews
20c. Receive and read special interest newsletters
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. I-1
20d. Opportunities available to learn about the environment (nature centers, park programs,
sponsored lectures, school programs)
Environmental Groups, Park Districts
20e. Annual community cultural events (arts and crafts, musical, county fair)
Chamber of Commerce
20f. Percentage of residents with internet access
Surveys, Interviews
20g. Number of residents who would like to receive watershed information via the internet
Surveys, Interviews
Section IV. I-1

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