Since it looks like watershed management is going to be the hot, sexy topic for this decade and perhaps beyond, we are all being put on the spot to practice what we've been preaching. If you live and work on the rural front lines and in the trenches of resource conflicts like I do, then you really need help in translating the often esoteric, academic, jargon-filled language and concepts of watershed management into plain, everyday English and horse sense so the local folks (and big city policymakers) can clearly understand and practice them.

Here are some recent guides and references that I've come across to help with both the technical and socio-political aspects of a practical approach to managing watersheds.

Watershed Management Guide for the Interior Northwest (1993), edited by Thomas E. Bedell, Extension Rangeland Resources Specialist, Oregon State Univ. (Order EM 8436 for $12.25 @ Publications Orders, Agricultural Communications, Oregon State University, Admin. Services A422, Corvallis OR 97331-2119 (503) 737-2513.)

Since University Extension agents have as their main task the translation of technical research into "real world" use by rural landowners and managers, many of their publications provide simplified how-to-do-it examples or user-friendly management aids. This particular guide is not intended to give "management recipes" but to help provide the knowledge which can be used to apply to the reader's own situation. Based on research and experience with rangeland and forestland east of the Cascades, the principles are applicable elsewhere. The seven contributors address watershed function and important areas of concern to ranchers: managing riparian areas, upland watershed, rangelands, and grazing practice relationships. One chapter describes the benefits and cautions of certain vegetation manipulations and instream structures.

While I found a few diagrams, before-and-after pictures, and explanations that could help introduce local audiences to the subject, for the most part the reader should already have a burning desire to read on.

Managing Change: Livestock Grazing on Western Riparian Areas (1993), by Ed Chaney, Wayne Elmore, and Bill Platts. (Free from U.S. EPA Regional Offices.) (Revised from 1990 version.)

This glossy, 32-page report is not intended to be a watershed handbook but its numerous, stunning color photographs contrasting degraded and restored riparian and upland areas of western rangelands provide the punch to get landowners, especially those in denial, to see that there might be a better way. It keeps emphasizing that streams and their riparian areas must be looked at from a watershed perspective and cautions against structural quick fixes. Clear, simple diagrams, such as the one on the mechanics of lateral stream channel migration and role of willows, are very helpful to communicate complex principles.

We need more shining examples like this one to get the introductory word out, so they will stick around and ask, "What can I do?". That's when the previous guide can be used.

Stream Hydrology: An Introduction for Ecologists (1992) by Nancy Gordon, Thomas McMahon, and Brian Finlayson, University of Melbourne (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 526 pages.)

In this effort to help engineers and biologists better communicate and cooperate with each other, the authors have managed to root out the nitty-gritty concepts of stream behavior. As these principles are critical to watershed management, this book is a useful source of many explanatory diagrams. Leave it to the Australians to explain formulas in uncomplicated English and lightheartedly title a chapter, "How to Have a Field Day and Still Collect Some Useful Information". The last chapter, "Putting It All Together", explores putting theories into practice, stream classification, instream flow requirements, and stream rehabilitation.

Put this book on your desk and use it - and have a few chuckles too (is that a kookaburra on a staff gauge?).

"Miracle at Bridge Creek: How to Build a Natural Resource Coalition Among Groups at Odds" (1993) by Oregon State University Extension Service, Corvallis. (30 & 90 minute video.) (See above for OSU info. source.)

This video reflects the valient efforts of the Oregon Watershed Improvement Coalition. The 30 minute case study stands on its own for general audiences, while the 90 minute version is oriented to extension agents and others who need details on setting up similar cooperative groups. Scenes of the lions peacefully sitting down with the lambs are encouraging, but also the result of years of persistent work. Informal picnics and campouts helped break the ice, as did the voluntary resignation of certain uncompromising members. This state-wide group worked with some local landowners and successfully tackled specific grazing-related problems on a small watershed for the benefit of native trout. As a result, the mutual, positive feelings seem to be spreading to other watersheds in the state. We can all learn lessons from their experience.

Coordinated Resource Management Guidelines (1993), by C. Rex Cleary and Dennis Phillippi, Society for Range Management, @ 200 pages. ($18.00 from SRM @ 1839 York St., Denver CO 80206 (303) 355-7070.)

Most of us have already heard of the popular Coordinated Resource Management and Planning (CRMP) process. By deleting the word planning to emphasize management, you have the CRM process (which still includes planning) that this manual describes.

Since many of these shared decision-making efforts are designed on a watershed basis, CRM(P) is a very useful tool in reaching common ground about watershed management. The authors share their words of wisdom, based on many years of experience with range-related CRM activities. Included are explanations of consensus, facilitation, working with people, accountability, operating procedures and many related articles by various authors. Since this manual is intended to provide background and reference material to accompany the CRM seminars conducted by the Society for Range Management, it appears a bit disjointed and agency-oriented (particularly BLM) on first glance. On balance, it is still a useful reference.

Sari can be reached at (916) 467-5783.