Each of the plans was voluntary, locally developed, offered incentives, and satisfied all State and Federal environmental requirements. In Idaho, farmers and ranchers are permitted to develop one plan that meets all environmental laws and regulations. In Oregon, the State environmental agency develops water quality standards, and the Oregon Department of Agriculture develops regulations to meet the standards. Farmers manage their own business as long as they are following the local plan to help meet watershed goals and objectives. The computer game is aimed at students in grades 6-9.
Players can see what effect rain has on farms, neighborhoods, and cities.
Different water quality conditions have associated sets of measures that can be applied. Players can degrade or upgrade water quality, depending on their choices. On June 28, the Chief was interviewed on a live weekly outdoor show on Metro News out of Morgantown, WV, on water quality in the Potomac River and its effect on sport fishing. Written comments are required. Nomination forms will be available in mid-September.