Reports

Report Number: 138
Year: 2012
 

Piti-Asan Watershed Management Plan

The Piti-Asan watershed was identified by Guam resource agencies as one of four priority watersheds in need of restoration. It is centrally located on the western shore just southwest of the capital Hagåtña. The watershed with an area of almost three square miles encompasses the main villages of Piti and Asan and is adjacent to the Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve. The watershed is physically and socio-economically very diverse. Physical characteristics include volcanic and limestone bedrock and different land cover such as forest, savanna, and wetland. Socio-economic characteristics include private, local, and federal government property owners, as well as low and high-income residents, individual residences, and planned unit developments. Large areas are under conservation status in the watershed including three Wars in the Pacific National Historic Park Units and the Masso Conservation Area. The main pollutants impacting water quality in this watershed are sediments and bacteria (fecal coliform). The major threats posed to the overall health of the watershed and specifically to water quality are erosion and associated sedimentation, development, wildland fires, invasive species, and pollutants. The three overall goals identified in this management plan are to 1) improve water quality of receiving water body, 2) improve habitat, and 3) increase public support for watershed protection. Management strategies provide specific objectives and action steps along with a time line and funding sources to archive each goal.

Author(s):
Maria Kottermair