What is a Significant Hydrologic Resource (SHR) and why are there codes to protect streams and creeks?
A Significant Hydrologic Resource is a creek or stream shown on an adopted SHR map in the Washoe County Development Code. The Washoe County Stream Advisory Committee was established by the Board of County Commission (BCC) and began meeting in January 1998. The idea originated with the Mr. Rose/Geiger Grade Citizen Advisory Board. (A Citizen Advisory Board is a neighborhood board with members appointed by the BCC to provide advice and recommendations on issues and proposals in the county.) The Stream Advisory Committee included members with technical expertise who were citizen, developer, water quality, wildlife and public health interest stakeholders. By 1998, many of the streams in Washoe County were diverted and channeled to provide water for agriculture, without regard to stream structure and condition. Due to damage and deterioration of the stream environments, and the lack of consideration of the critical role streams play in preserving the quality of Washoe County`s natural envir
