The upper Mitchell River has excellent water quality.  A planned high density development at its headwaters raised the concern of local citizens.  Sediment and fecal coliform were identified by the state as the main water quality problems in several of the major tributaries in the lower Mitchell River .  An assessment of the watershed showed that streambank erosion, livestock and the potential for uncontrolled development were the main water quality concerns in the watershed.  Stream restoration was a new science and there was only limited funding available to carry it out.  Livestock BMPs and the concept of fencing cows out of streams and rivers were not widely accepted.  There was no land use plan, no public land and no active effort to protect land with conservation easements.

The upper Mitchell River has excellent water quality.  A planned high density development at its headwaters raised the concern of local citizens.  Sediment and fecal coliform were identified by the state as the main water quality problems in several of the major tributaries in the lower Mitchell River .  An assessment of the watershed showed that streambank erosion, livestock and the potential for uncontrolled development were the main water quality concerns in the watershed.  Stream restoration was a new science and there was only limited funding available to carry it out.  Livestock BMPs and the concept of fencing cows out of streams and rivers were not widely accepted.  There was no land use plan, no public land and no active effort to protect land with conservation easements.