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Online Training in Watershed Management
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This is the Watershed Academy's Distance Learning Program—Watershed Academy Web. The Web site offers a variety of self-paced training modules that represent a basic and broad introduction to the watershed management field. The modules are organized by the six themes listed above. Modules vary in the time they take to complete, from ½ hour to 2 hours. Fifteen of them (marked with asterisks * below) are the core modules for the Watershed Academy Certificate Program.
Module Themes
Introductory/Overview Modules
Watershed Ecology Modules
Watershed Change Modules
Analysis and Planning Modules
Management Practices Modules
Community and Social Modules
Water Law Modules
Introductory/Overview Modules
These modules introduce the principles of the watershed approach and the value of working at a watershed level.
Watershed Ecology Modules
These modules show that watersheds are natural systems that provide benefits to people and the environment when they are kept in good condition.
*
Protecting Instream Flows: How Much Water Does a River Need? | Printable Version (PDF) (22 pp, 1.2MB)
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Maintaining Natural Life Support Processes | Printable Version (PDF) (14 pp, 968K)
The Role of Nearshore Ecosystems as Fish and Shellfish Nurseries | Printable Version (PDF) (14 pp, 186KB)
Watershed Change Modules
These modules describe both natural and human-induced changes in watersheds, and compare normal changes with changes of concern.
*
The Effect of Climate Change on Water Resources and Programs – Updated module Coming Soon!
Visit EPA’s Climate Change Website for more information
Visit EPA’s Climate Change Website for more information
Biotic Invasions: Causes, Epidemiology, Global Consequences and Control | Printable Version (PDF) (22 pp, 350K)
Analysis and Planning Modules
These modules address how watershed planning, monitoring and assessment are important first steps toward solving problems.
Management Practices Modules
These modules show how watershed management challenges such as urban runoff, cropland management, forestry and other issues are addressed by techniques that reduce environmental impacts.
*
Agricultural Management Practices for Water Quality Protection | Printable Version (PDF) (54 pp, 2.7MB)
Introduction to EPA's Drinking Water Source Protection Programs | Printable Version (PDF) (119 pp, 4.5MB)
Source Water Protection: Best Management Practices and Other Measures for Protecting Drinking Water Supplies | Printable Version (PDF) (125 pp, 3.6MB)
Applying Ecological Principles to Management of the U.S. National Forests | Printable Version (PDF) (22 pp, 1.1MB)
Community and Social Modules
These modules cover social issues and communications. They concentrate on the human element of watershed management.
*
Getting in Step: a Guide to Effective Outreach in Your Watershed | Printable Version (PDF) (49 pp, 2.4MB)
Water Law Modules
These modules cover relevant laws and regulations associated with watershed management.
*
Introduction to the Clean Water Act | Printable Version (PDF) (90 pp, 4.99MB), Spanish Version (101 pp, 4.8MB)