Water Quality

Rangelands include a significant portion of the Nation's watersheds. The water that ends up in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters downstream falls on these lands first. Clean water depends on the conservation and stewardship of rangelands. This involves a a collaborative effort by federal, state, tribal, and local governments; the public; and the private sector to restore and sustain watershed health. A "watershed approach" is taken to set priorities and to take action to clean up streams, rivers, and lakes on rangelands.

• Clean Water Action Plan
  A website describing actions to strengthen efforts to restore and protect the Nation's water resources.
• USDA Forest Service Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air, and Rare Plants
  The staff responsible for administration of the Forest Service's watershed and air management programs.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Quality Institute
  The Soil Quality Institute identifies soil quality research findings and practical technologies that help conserve and improve soil, and enhance farming, ranching, forestry, and gardening enterprises.

The Forest Service also works with other agencies and organizations to manage rangelands to protect and improve water quality.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)
• Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Water Quality
• Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Watershed Science Institute
• United States Geological Service (USGS)

Last modified: Monday, 05-Dec-2005 12:19:03 EST