Watersheds and Watershed Organizations
What is a watershed?
A watershed is the land that water flows across or under on its way to a stream, lake, river, or ocean. We all live in a watershed.
The land drains into tributaries that flow into rivers. As the water flows downhill, it moves over the land or drains through the soil. Along the way, water picks up woody debris, leaves, and needles that provide the foundation of food and shelter for aquatic life in streams. Water can also carry motor oil, pesticides, fertilizer, and eroded soil. Small actions like driving a car, fertilizing pasture, or even walking the dog can inadvertently pollute the watershed.
- What is a watershed organization?
A watershed organization is a voluntary local organization that works toward sustaining natural resource and watershed protection and enhancement.
- What does a watershed organization do?
Watershed organizations help landowners and interested citizens to:
- Evaluate present conditions of our natural resources
- Set goals to enhance these resources (fish, water quality, etc.)
- Develop and implement projects to reach these goals
- Obtain technical assistance and funding for projects
- Monitor watershed conditions over time
- Educate the community about watershed management
- Who is involved in a watershed organization?
Every watershed is unique, and every local organization is unique. Organization membership is designed to reflect the many interests of the watershed. Members may be:
- Local citizens/landowners
- Tribes
- Businesses, industry
- Scientists, professionals
- Local, state, and federal agencies
- Fishing and conservation organizations
(Sources: "Coos-Curry Watersheds" published 1995 by Oregon State University Extension Service, Coos and Curry County offices; Oregon Governor's Watershed Enhancement Board; Oregon Small Acreages Conservation Toolbox published by the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District)