Entering the Watershed: A New Approach To Save America's River Ecosystems

Entering the Watershed is the product of a two-year project established by the Pacific Rivers Council to develop new federal riverine protection and restoration policy alternatives. It recommends a comprehensive new approach to river protection based on principles of watershed dynamics, ecosystem function, and conservation biology -- a nationwide, strategic community- and ecosystem-based watershed restoration initiative. The book:

• describes in detail the existing level of damage to rivers and species
• analyzes flaws and gaps in existing policy
• provides the framework necessary to develop new policies
• outlines the scientific underpinnings and management strategies needed in new policy
• makes specific policy proposals

James R. Karr is professor of fisheries and zoology and adjunct professor of civil engineering, environmental health, and public affairs at the University of Washington.
He is the co-author of Restoring Life in Running Waters: Better Biological Monitoring (1998, Island Press) and Entering the Watershed: A New Approach To Save America's River Ecosystems (1993, Island Press).