Watershed management in the 21st century:: National perspectives

Watersheds will continue to be planning management units of choice during the 21(st) century. Historic precedent, contemporary beliefs, regulation, and broad institutional support have insured their future. Whether their use will result in more sustainable systems depends on keeping natural resource issues a high national priority, balancing competition for consumptive resource use, advancing technology, developing strong public policies, and continuing appropriate research and supportive governmental policies. Further, it appears that successful watershed management will advance because organizations promoting its use tend to be highly adaptive, constantly seek new sources of information, and strategically use processes that foster innovation.