60 



13 



needs for the more targeted approach we are supporting today, but the cost should be 

 lower. But if mining, urban sources, roads and airborne sources are added, the magnitude 

 of the problem becomes apparent. In addition, the problem, once solved, doesn't stay 

 solved. Land ownership and use changes, as does the weather. Society's desire for a 

 rapid fix of the nonpoint-source problems runs into the difficult problem of making major 

 shifts in farming, mining, and road building practices. This is why the State and local 

 governments must play a key role. 



The watershed approach in the President's initiative is very sound and should effectively 

 accomplish the objectives of the Clean Water Act without major public resistance. 

 However, it will require people with experience in watershed planning and resource 

 management at the local level to facilitate the process. USDA can help provide service at 

 the local level in partnership with EPA and State governments. 



In the continental United States there are well over 1 0,000 watershed units identified by the 

 U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Catalogue System. These watersheds vary in 

 size from 250,000 acres to 450,000 acres. They are "nested" within 300 to 3,000 larger 

 basins. Smaller watersheds are preferred for resource planning because local people can 

 better focus upon and understand their influence on smaller basins. 



From our experience, we would recommend three ways to make the watershed concept 

 work for water quality. 



• First, continue to involve USDA. 



We have the field staff, the experience, and the multi-disciplinary skills necessary to 



supplement the efforts of other agencies in implementing the watershed approach. 



