Targeted Watersheds

The fundamental premise of the Targeted Watershed Grants program is that strong partnerships lead to measurable environmental results. Hence, the continuing goal of this program is to build on the successes of strong public/private partnerships who have been working hard to improve the state of their waterways. This program focuses on achieving incremental yet tangible on-the-ground results in a relatively short time period.

Nominees were required to set clearly articulated goals and objectives that include strong monitoring components. Watershed plans and project proposals were judged on criteria such as:

• Innovation
• Environmental Results
• Broad Support
• Outreach
• Financial Integrity

In addition, this year a programmatic emphasis is being placed on proposals that incorporate market-based incentives, or relate to nutrient loading of the Mississippi River basin which results in hypoxia (dead zone) in the Gulf of Mexico.

Targeted Watersheds for 2004

The list below includes the watersheds that have proved to best meet the goals and objectives of the Targeted Watershed Grants Program for this year. From the outset, the Targeted Watersheds Program has produced a lot of excitement and renewed enthusiasm for watershed partnerships across the country. While competition was high, the myriad of watershed associations, councils, consortia, etc. are to be commended for submitting quality nominations worthy of recognition.

The selected fourteen watersheds cover more than 20,000 square miles of the nation's lakes, rivers, and streams. The watershed organizations will use the funds toward a variety of restoration, protection and trading projects. Money will be used to stabilize stream banks, demonstrate innovative nutrient management schemes, establish pollutant credits, and work with local governments and private citizens to promote sustainable practices and strategies. Grants will range from $700,00 to $1,300,000, with an additional 25% leveraged from other sources.