Statewide Watershed Management Effects on Local

(ABSTRACT) While there are no federal mandates for states to establish watershed management frameworks, many states see the benefits of doing so and have established such approaches. The main advantage of statewide watershed management over traditional resource management is the cost effectiveness and the formation of integrated solutions to water quality problems. Statewide watershed frameworks provide a geographic focus and partnerships in order to develop comprehensive solutions to water quality problems. Watershed management depends on the participation of the local community and its organizations. Local watershed groups formed within in the community become integral members of these partnerships because of their vested interest in the watershed. Federal, state, and local governments recognize the functions that watershed groups serve, and how important they are in developing guiding principles for the watersheds. However, since watershed management at the state level is relatively new and constantly evolving, the exact roles of where watershed groups fit into this framework and the amount of technical, educational, and financial support given to them is not yet fully defined