What is Watershed Management?

What is watershed management?

How do you define watershed management? Managing your watersheds! It begins with understanding the basic concepts of watershed functions and values and learning how to protect or maintain a desired condition of that water resource.

Each watershed is unique and includes particular elements that require individual attention, whether it is mining, industry or feedlots, all must be managed in some way to protect the water and the land within the watershed. The main purpose of watershed management is to protect, maintain, and restore water quality in our watersheds. In order to do this, we must use proper planning and management of water resources and their uses; reduce the impacts of nonpoint sources of pollution on water resources; regulate activities for soil conservation and waterway and wetlands protection; form partnerships and build local capacity to restore and protect water resources.

And, the most important part is educating citizens about watersheds and watershed management.

Landsat image of the Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Watershed Program

Our new emphasis in Watershed Management is underway. Dr. Jennifer Demchak is teaching several new courses and students can declare it as an emphasis. Contact Dr. Demchak if you want to learn more.