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"For the long term, EPA envisions locally-driven,
watershed-based activities embedded in comprehensive
state and tribal watershed approaches all over
the United States." -- EPA
Watershed Framework 1996
"The Executive Watershed Council will
provide opportunities for public participation
in the process. They will also support public
information initiatives. In particular, the Executive
Watershed Council will promote education targeted
at resources users..."-- Rhode
Island Watershed Approach Framework 1999
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At its core, the watershed approach is an ideal for
grassroots participation and public involvement in multistakeholder
decision-making. From cleanups to monitoring to planning
to public meetings, the public plays a pivotal role
in the theory of a watershed approach.
By including all of the many interconnected issues
and problems-- water quality, economic development,
habitat, recreation, etc.-- the watershed approach welcomes
a wide audience and offers many points to access to
comment and participate. There are complications and
challenges (see Role
of Public Participation for discussion) but there
are also some promising success stories.
Some concrete examples of 15
Things You Can Do to Make a Difference in Your Watershed.
See Getting
Involved in the Woonasquatucket to see what is currently
going on in the study watershed.
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