Know your watershed program

This article is the fourth of a seven week-series of articles that highlight the activities of the Coral Reef Initiative summer interns stationed at the Coral Reef Management Office and Division of Environmental Quality. This week, DEQ Non-Point Source Pollution summer intern, Lorraine Catienza describes her project and work experience thus far.

Many people in this community may not be familiar with the term watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains running water into coastal or ground waters. The Division of Environmental Quality’s Non-Point Source Pollution Branch has been working on many projects to increase awareness within the community about the importance of our watersheds in the CNMI. The Laulau Bay Community Know Your Watershed Program contributes to the protection of our coastal and groundwaters.

The community plays a big role within this program. Every single element within the environment affects our watersheds. The first goal of this project is to distribute surveys to residents that own homes or businesses within a particular watershed. The survey consists of questions that pertain to factors that affect a watershed such as non-point source pollution, septic tanks, animal waste, and the willingness of an individual to help protect their environment.

Environmental awareness within the community can potentially prevent devastating problems from happening to our islands. Even though there might not be anything wrong with our surrounding environment, we must take the initiative to prevent any problems that may inevitably become irreparable.

After conducting these surveys, an educational campaign will take place to strengthen the bond between local residents and the environment. Our island is like a precious pearl that cannot withstand being neglected. Without great care and protection it may become an eyesore, which will no longer attract tourists from all around the world. Environmental resource agencies alone are not enough to preserve this beautiful island. With the help of the community we can create an impact on the future of this delicate environment.

If you would like to contribute in anyway to the Laulau Bay Community Know Your Watershed Project, contact Lorraine Catienza at (670) 664-8500 or fax (670) 664-8540. (Lorraine Catienza)

(Lorraine Catienza is the DEQ Non-Point Source Pollution summer intern.)