Nothing in this chapter affects the applicability of any Federal, State, or local law with respect to any watershed group.
16 U.S.C. § 1015b
- watershed group
- The term "watershed group" means a self-sustaining, cooperative watershed-wide group that-(A) is comprised of representatives of the affected stakeholders of the relevant watershed;(B) incorporates the perspectives of a diverse array of stakeholders, including, to the maximum extent practicable-(i) representatives of-(I) hydroelectric production;(II) livestock grazing;(III) timber production;(IV) land development;(V) recreation or tourism;(VI) irrigated agricultural production;(VII) the environment;(VIII) potable water purveyors and industrial water users;(IX) private property owners within the watershed; and(X) disadvantaged communities;(ii) any Federal agency that has authority with respect to the watershed;(iii) any State agency that has authority with respect to the watershed;(iv) any local agency that has authority with respect to the watershed; and(v) any Indian tribe that-(I) owns land within the watershed; or(II) has land in the watershed that is held in trust;(C) is a grassroots, nonregulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed;(D) is capable of promoting the sustainable use of the water resources of the relevant watershed and improving the functioning condition of rivers and streams through-(i) water conservation;(ii) improved water quality;(iii) ecological resiliency; and(iv) the reduction of water conflicts; and(E) makes decisions on a consensus basis, as defined in the bylaws of the watershed group.