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Core Principle 4: A flexible approach is always needed

The true meaning of this final core principle is that one should never look for a rigid, step-by-step "cookbook recipe" for watershed management. One size does not fit all; different regions of the country have watersheds that function in very different ways. Even neighboring watersheds can have major differences in geology, land use, or vegetation that imply the need for very different management strategies. Different communities vary in the benefits they want from their watersheds. Moreover, watersheds change through time. Eastern watersheds cleared of their forests in the first half of the 20th century had specific management needs during regrowth in the second half of the century, but management needs will likely change again in the 21st century. Changes can even occur on more immediate time scales, due for example to the appearance of a serious forest pest or disease, a change in water use patterns, or the arrival of a new community industry or enterprise. Watershed management is a dynamic and continually readjusting process that is built to accommodate these kinds of changes.

Let's review the four core principles:

1. Watersheds are natural systems that we can work with.
2. Watershed management is continuous and needs a multi disciplinary approach.
3. A watershed management framework supports partnering, using sound science, taking well-planned actions and achieving results.
4. A flexible approach is always needed.

Benefits of a Watershed Approach

Now take a few minutes to think about how operating with these principles could benefit your watershed management efforts and make your responsibilities easier.

Here are some benefits others have found who have used the watershed approach:

It provides a context for integration

• using practical, tangible management units that people understand
• focusing and coordinating efforts
• finding common ground and meeting multiple needs

It provides a better understanding and appreciation of nature

• understanding nature's interrelated processes
• helping answer the question, "What are we trying to protect?"
• linking human activities to nature's response
• appreciating how nature's processes can benefit people
• identifying ways we can work with watershed processes

It yields better management

• generating ecologically-based, innovative, cost-effective solutions
• forging stronger working relationships
• supporting consistent, continuous management

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