The ecology, hydrology, and water quality of the greater Dog River Watershed have been degraded by cumulative impacts for over fifty years by employing hard surfaces and channelization to enhance runoff of rainfall and to minimize flooding. Management measures are potential opportunities and/or actions that can be implemented to target critical issues and mitigate their impact to the overall health of the Watershed. The Watershed Management Team developed the following recommended Management Measures to achieve the goals established for the Dog River Watershed.

• Develop a Greater Dog River Watershed Hydrologic Model and Program
• Implement Best Management Practices
• Litter Control Measures
• Implement Wastewater Improvements
• Invasive Species Management Program
• Implement Low Impact Development
• Preserve Ecologically Significant Habitats
  
• Restore and Protect Critical Habitats
• Stream Restoration
• Shoreline Protection and Restoration
• Improving Watershed Resilience
• Improve Access, Education, and Outreach

The issues and problems threatening the health of the greater Dog River Watershed occur throughout the entire Watershed and extend across political boundaries. All of the water bodies in the greater Dog River Watershed are connected, such that construction in the headwaters of a stream affects runoff, flows, and water quality throughout the Watershed. A majority of the greater Dog River Watershed is in the jurisdiction of the City of Mobile, so site inspections and enforcement of management ordinances are the City’s responsibility.

Stakeholders should consider forming a focus group within Dog River Clearwater Revival (DRCR) to develop a collaborative initiative with the City to routinely monitor activities within the Watershed. Collaboration with an appointed watershed coordinator may be the most effective way to promote, encourage, implement, facilitate, and monitor recommended management measures.