Opportunism, rather than a holistic view of the watershed, often influences which projects the councils pursue. Councils initiate projects when funding, landowner cooperation, and social networks come together at a particular site. Many sources of funds are available to watershed councils, and each funding source has different criteria for awarding grants. Meeting grant review requirements is more important than a holistic approach to watershed restoration in practice, if not in principle. Wetlands, macroinvertebrates, and biodiversity receive less attention.
Social networks are important for watershed councils in organizing and conducting projects.
Newly emerging watershed councils generally have narrow social networks, but their social networks can be significantly broadened through the efforts of a full-time coordinator. Watershed council coordinators perform a critical role in maintaining the organization of the councils and in competing for projects. The coordinators provide needed continuity that can get lost in the volunteer nature of council participation. Poster prepared for presentation in future watershed council meetings. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 1999.