Our Goals For the River
In early March of 2005 the South River Federation Board and staff met for a day and a half retreat to begin developing a strategic plan for the organization. This plan will help us decide our priorities and where we should focus to get the greatest payoff. We know that our small staff and group of volunteers cannot do everything right away, and we need a framework for deciding what to do first.
With expert help from Cate Bower of Cate Bower Communication we completed the key goals for the next five years and developed specific objectives from the most important ones. We will continue to add detail to this plan until we have a full set of objectives and outcomes.
A special thanks to Cate Bower for helping us accelerate this very important process.
South River Federation Goals, Objectives & Outcomes
for Next 3 to 5 years (2005)
Measurable Improvement in the Ecology
As a result of SRF efforts, there will be a demonstrable improvement in water quality and the ecology of the South River.
- Reduce amount of pollutants entering the river and its tributaries Outcomes: (a) Ongoing county program to reduce bacteria and nutrients in river by measurable amounts; (b) Improved monitoring and enforcement of sediment and erosion controls. (Measures need to be developed.)
- Restore the natural habitats of the South River Watershed. Outcomes: (a) Federation has GIS capability to map and document natural resources baseline, changes, trends and status at any time; (b) Invasive species have been reduced (needs measures); (c) Natural habitat in the watershed, along streams and shoreline and in river itself has been increased. (needs measures)
- Increase our capacity to protect and preserve targeted areas. Outcomes: The Federation or other organization will be actively pursuing conservation strategies including easements, acquisition or other means for targeted land in South River watershed.
Organizational Effectiveness/Fiscal Stability
South River Federation will be effectively governed, fiscally sound and professionally managed to achieve our vision and fulfill our purpose.
- Diversify funding and grow major donor base Outcome: Be able to support $300,000 budget in three years with no single foundation providing more than 25% of the total budget.
- Expand membership of Federation Outcome: Achieve 1000 members in three years
- Create strong volunteer network to allow us to expand activities. Outcome: Enlist 150 regular active volunteers for work parties and 50 volunteers for other activities in three years.
- Strengthen Board capacity and governance. Outcome: Achieve full board participation (all seats filled) that includes representation of all of the required skills, experience, background and diversity to carry out the goals and objectives of this strategic plan, including an effective committee structure.
Education on South River Issues
Achieve a widespread public understanding of the interconnection of individual and collective actions that affect the health of the river.
Advocacy/Enforcement
The Federation has in place a non-partisan advocacy network that effectively influences legislation, regulation, and enforcement and undertakes litigation when necessary.
Image in the Community
South River Federation is broadly recognized as the leader in protecting and restoring the health of the South River.
2005
South River Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
