Local stakeholders must take the lead role in specifying local watershed management activities and implementation schedules, especially in sensitive areas such as land-use zoning and growth management planning. The difference in scale between basin management units and local watersheds is typically large, sometimes exceeding two orders of magnitude. The proposed framework involves the use of entities such as basin coordinators, basin management teams, and basin stakeholder advisory committees to achieve integration. The flexible nature of the framework elements makes it possible to apply the principles at any geographic scale. A state agency may be in the best position to lead basin management efforts, whereas local or regional agencies will often be better suited to lead watershed management efforts.
Federal agencies have a natural coordination role when basins cross state or national boundaries.
Technical Credibility of the Process Local stakeholders are more likely to participate in activities if they believe that the process will result in more objective management plans than are currently produced. The environmental information that drives the watershed planning process must be comprehensive, of the best possible technical quality, and understandable to stakeholders. Legislation can help clarify performance standards, but solutions should not be prescribed in the law. The framework should allow partners to establish the most cost-effective solutions for meeting performance standards. Momentum is substantial at all levels of government for more coordinated action and stronger partnerships with a broader range of stakeholders.