Build Partnerships. The first step in building a comprehensive watershed management plan is to build an effective partnership. A diverse group of partners - representing local citizens, industry, environmental advocates as well as government - will help to ensure development of a thorough plan with achievable goals and realistic implementation strategies. Learn how to assess your community's needs and resource concerns, identify partners, find a common vision and build partnerships.  Another resource on partnerships.

Create a Plan.  First, you must have a basic understanding of water quality and watersheds.  The four-step process for developing a watershed-specific management plan is straightforward: Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation. Access planning tools that will help in understanding watershed processes, identifying problems and appropriate solutions, matching implementation strategies to resources an accurately measuring short-term and long-term achievements.

Involve Stakeholders. A successful watershed management plan must have active, involved stakeholders -- a group or individual who has the responsibility for implementing a decision, is affected by the decision or has the ability to impede or assist in implementing the decision. Learn about engaging and involving stakeholders as well as how to design an outreach campaign and create eye-catching materials. Also view a stakeholder business plan template and a watershed outreach campaign worksheet.

Resolve Conflicts. No effort that involves a diverse group of people and addresses multiple resource needs will succeed without being challenged by conflicts. Resources available here can help with managing conflicts (also try this worksheet) and dealing with difficult behaviors.

Encourage NGO Participation. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) strengthen the local support for planning and implementation of watershed plans. When NGOs, local government and Ministries share in the effort, it is expected that locally appropriate solutions to water quality issues and strong local support for planning and implementation of watershed plans will result. Learn how NGOs can get involved. As part of this project, Lithuania produced this report on public participation in watershed management, including recommendations for improvement.