Watershed management approach gains with states

Almost half of US states have resorted to watershed approaches in order to cope with unwieldy water quality problems. In 1986, local stakeholders in New Jersey formed a partnership aimed at reducing point source pollution in the Navesink River using geographic information systems (GIS) and best management practices ranging from manure compost facilities to free boat pump-out stations to prevent contamination of the river by animal and human wastes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shown its support by offering free training on setting up a watershed framework, assistance with program implementation, and technical analysis of scientific and economic issues. Nonpoint source pollution and habitat degradation are also being addressed.