Stormwater manager offers watershed 'game' to teach local leaders about land use and water quality

Ethan Barnett, the city’s stormwater manager, told the committee July 8 that the Anderson and Pickens County Stormwater Partners have access to a facilitated "watershed game" run by Clemson Extension designed to help local leaders understand how land use and development choices affect water quality and municipal budgets.

Barnett said the game has multiple versions (classroom for students and a local-leader version for adults). "It walks local leaders through managing a watershed from the ground up," he said, describing how participants choose development, industrial or conservation options and then weigh environmental and budget trade-offs.

Members asked about logistics and audience: Barnett said the local-leader version is recommended for this committee and that a facilitator (Susan Luntz of the Carolina Clear program) coordinates sessions. The committee discussed inviting planning and zoning officials, city council members and other local leaders, and suggested aiming for a fall event—potentially as part of the Earth Forum in October—rather than rushing to schedule a July session.

Why it matters: Committee members said the exercise could help policy-makers and decision-makers see the land-use implications of choices they make, encouraging stronger coordination among commissions and the council.

Next steps: Barnett offered to send materials and coordinate with staff; the committee asked staff to add the item to the next agenda to decide timing and outreach and to confirm facilitator availability.