Watershed Movement: Great Idea! Now What?

In the past watershed bills have failed to be passed in the legislature. Why? Is this an indication that the State is not really interested in promoting watershed management on a state-wide basis? Or is the state’s financial crisis an indication that watershed management will have to rely on local interest and funding?
· How can we gain greater support from legislators, the public and agencies for sustaining a smarter and greener watershed approach that address multiple water resource issues? (Water quality, water supply, restoration, flood management, etc)
· What is the appropriate role of watershed management in mitigating and adapting to climate change? How might such actions be incentivized?
· What statewide watershed policies or programs need to be implemented to support current efforts and ensure integrated water resource management in the future?
· We need to reduce or streamline the bureaucracy and conflicting regulations or policies that deter watershed projects such as required permits, excruciating waiting periods for receiving grant funds, and quarreling agencies. What are we to do?
· With the federal government offering financing (e.g., stimulus funds, Clean Water Act funds), should the watershed community look to tailor projects to federal priorities such as storm water, threatened and endangered species, habitat restoration, etc.? Do you think a kind of Works Progress Administration program for watersheds will put people back to work? Can watershed rehabilitation be a spawning ground for green jobs?
· How would you bring together public and private interests to work together to address the environmental crisis we face in our watersheds? Some say public agencies have higher priorities such as road repair, and not the mandate for repairing our watersheds. What are your views?