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State of the York: A Holistic Synthesis of Place-based Data for Informed Decision-making and Outreach

State of the York: A Holistic Synthesis of Place-based Data for Informed Decision-making and Outreach

Gonzalez Project Photo

The York River and Small Coastal Basin Roundtable produced the State of the York Watershed System report (State of the York) to cultivate watershed literacy, translate and transmit information that is difficult to navigate, and to bolster the watershed system’s visibility and value.

The Project

The York River and Small Coastal Basin Roundtable (Roundtable) is a forum for information sharing and collaboration among water quality- and conservation-minded stakeholders within Virginia’s York River, Mobjack Bay and Piankatank River watershed system. Led by Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia from 2019-2024, the Roundtable now supports the Commonwealth’s efforts to protect water quality and conserve coastal resources for the betterment of its communities by promoting place-based coordination and collaboration on watershed issues of mutual concern and interest. In 2020, the Roundtable released a two-year strategic plan outlining a set of intended products, one of which was a report that provides quality, rigorous, objective science on the state of the York watershed system.

Development of the report began with a needs assessment, delivered in partnership with Roundtable collaborators. The team sought input from practitioners and residents in the region through both informational interviews and a survey. Project team members synthesized this feedback along with updated data, integrating case studies, resources, and quotes to showcase the status, trends, and opportunities related to four interdependent facets of the watershed environment: the changing landscape, water quality, resource stewardship, and human dimensions. In total, more than 160 people took part in the development of the report, driving connectivity that has contributed toward improved understanding, support, and communication of watershed research, initiatives, and resources. Moreover, report content development has helped identify data gaps and outline future trends where support and action are needed.

The Impact

  • The Roundtable’s co-development of deliverables and related assessments deepened the group’s shared understanding of the watershed’s status and trends while also identifying gaps in knowledge and the potential opportunities.
  • This project provided Roundtable members with an action to champion collectively and has supported both relationship-building among existing members as well as recruitment of new members.
  • The Roundtable’s co-development process fostered connections and strengthened relationships among practitioners and residents, bolstering regional social capital through new connections and efforts.