Planning Pilots with Measurable Results

Consider tips on measuring and tracking protection from the “Forming a New Collaborative” phase. Before launching a project, review your source water priorities and methods of measuring results in order to inform planning.

Considering your Action Plan

An Action Plan can help you track progress toward your long-term goals. Your pilot project can “test drive” a protection strategy to craft into your action plan, or serve as a first step toward accomplishing set goals.

Some collaboratives have success because they create action plans that ensure incremental progress. Here are a few tips from successful collaboratives:

• Don’t feel you must make major changes all at once.
• Set short-term interim goals that can lead to bigger advances.
• Short-term successes can keep members engaged and provide a sense of accomplishment.
• If the broader group can’t commit to an activity, encourage a sub-group to take action on their own.

Examples of Protection Activities & Additional Resources

Pilot projects will vary widely depending on issue and context. The following case studies present a brief sampling of projects undertaken by collaboratives or collaborative-like groups. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but aims to provide “food for thought” as you design your own protection activities.

• Example 1: Agriculture Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Example 2: Risk management and emergency spill response
• Example 3: Land use and conservation
• Example 4: Using GIS to plan for source water protection
• Example 5: Climate change adaptation