In order to understand how local and sub regional planning efforts have evolved; it is first necessary to understand the drivers that started the groundswell of concern over water resources.  This paper will provide a brief historic look at the century old issues at the national and state level, and culminate with a more intricate discussion of the regional, sub regional, and local ongoing planning efforts.  A discussion of the hydogeologic setting is provided to lay the groundwork for the discussion.  Detailed analyses of the local planning efforts are then tied to the concerns that generated the need for these planning efforts initially.

Case studies of the regional planning, which is a culmination of nearly five years of cooperative efforts from USGS, State, local, and consulting groups are important to understanding the resources of the area.  These regional planning efforts have served as the impetus for many of the local and sub regional efforts.  The local plans, groundwater models, geophysical studies and resultant recommendations will all be reviewed during the discussion.  In the end, a discussion of the lessons learned and the next steps will provide optional paths for similar efforts, whether in “water rich” areas or areas with other more diverse ecosystems.