Summary of States Implementing or
Developing a Statewide Approach

Reasons for Developing Statewide Frameworks

Presented to the left are states known to be implementing or developing statewide watershed management frameworks. There is no federal mandate requiring states to take this approach. These states, on their own, are switching to watershed-based frameworks as a better means to:

• Build on Sound Science.  Management decisions can have costly impacts; decisions based on poor information can result in destruction of ecosystem components and functions, or overprotection of resources at extreme expense to certain parties. Frameworks emphasize strong monitoring and assessment efforts to produce sufficient, accurate information that increases understanding of watershed ecosystems and their responses to human activities, supports informed decision-making, and gauges progress toward restoring or protecting watershed resources.
  
  
• Strengthen Communications and Partnerships.  Communication among people and organizations involved in or affected by management decisions (stakeholders) is essential to an effective watershed approach. Stakeholders are more likely to support solutions where they've had a voice in how they spend their time and funds. Watershed management frameworks provide forums to enhance communication and build working relationships that can bloom into long-term partnerships.
  
  
• Produce Cost-Effective Management Solutions.  In a time of shrinking budgets, there is an ever-increasing need to assess problems comprehensively, set priorities, and target funds and efforts toward where they will best achieve goals and objectives. Frameworks provide the means to meet these needs, with emphasis on making the most of limited funds and available time.

This tutorial briefly summarizes the components these state frameworks have in common.