Watersheds are vital.

The quality of life as we know it depends on water. Whether viewed as resource or commodity, water is the basis of our agricultural, municipal, industrial, environmental and aesthetic well being and has been alternately taken for granted, abused, exploited, worshipped, and prayed for. Yet it is only recently that a conscious effort has been made to coordinate agencies and individuals to effectively manage and regulate land use as it applies to watershed management.

Watershed lands vary greatly in terms of water yield, natural sensibilities, and the activities that they support both on-site and downstream. The relationship between proper management and long-term results, including erosion, flooding, water quality and production, and wildlife habitat is crucial. The importance of watershed management that conserves fundamental resources while providing for the needs of people and ecosystems cannot be overemphasized.

The Watershed Management Council

The Watershed Management Council is a non-profit organization whose members represent a broad range of watershed management interests and disciplines. Membership includes professionals, students, teachers, and individuals whose interest is in promoting proper watershed management.

Our activities include:

• Providing a forum for the integration of knowledge from a wide array of technical disciplines;
• Periodically summarizing the state of knowledge and technologies of watershed management;
• Identifying research needs and priorities;
• Membership training;
• Encouraging appropriate policies and legislation relating to watershed management;
• Assisting in implementing of existing knowledge;
• Stimulating the transfer, interchange, and dissemination of current data and technology;
• Providing a forum for discussion of social and economic ramifications of watershed management;
• Networking with other organizations related to watershed management;
• Recognition of significant contributions to knowledge or management of watersheds; and
• Promotion of public awareness of the importance of appropriate watershed management.

The Watershed Management Council was formed in 1986 and for several years its sphere of influence focused on the state of California. Since that time, the Council has expanded to include members from 28 states and 3 countries...and it continues to grow!

Membership privileges include a quarterly newsletter, discounts on WMC events, invitation to the Council's biennial Watershed Management Conference, and notification of all special events. Participation in field trips and special membership training is available for a modest fee.

Membership Application Form