INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION TO SUPPORT LOCALLY LED WATERSHED PROTECTION AND RESTORATION

摘要

From 1990-2000, nine federal agencies joined together in an interagency watershed restoration and protection initiative called the Clean Water Action Plan (CWAP). The agencies collaborated with citizens, communities, states and tribes across the Nation to address public concerns for clean water and healthy watersheds by focusing on local watershed with the most need and opportunity. A major focus of this initiative was Coastal Protection and Polluted Runoff. Issues included controlling polluted runoff to coastal areas, protecting essential fish habitats, responding to Harmful Algal Blooms, and assisting coastal decision-makers. The agencies also established 12 Regional Watershed Coordination Teams (RWCTs) around the country to foster communication and coordination among state agencies, tribal organizations and federal agencies in the same geographic area. In 1999 and 2000, the RWCTs organized 23 Regional Watershed Roundtables around the country, culminating in a National Watershed Forum in June, 2001, where community, stakeholder, state and tribal representatives advised the federal government on how best to support local watershed protection and restoration. Momentum is building for a new National Watershed Initiative. This new initiative needs to continue to nurture the Regional Watershed Roundtables and to sustain unfinished work that focuses on coastal water resources.