About the WMI

To address all sources of pollution that threaten the Bay, and to protect water quality throughout Santa Clara Basin watersheds, the Watershed Management Initiative (WMI) was initiated in 1996 by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the State Water Resources Control Board and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. In the past, specific issues affecting watersheds have been addressed by separate regulatory actions, resulting In a "patchwork" approach. A major aim of the WMI is to coordinate existing regulatory activities on a basin wide scale, ensuring that problems are addressed efficiently and cost-effectively.

Stakeholders

In addition to federal, state and local regulators, the WMI also includes representatives from business and industrial sectors; professional and trade organizations; environmental, resource conservation and agricultural groups; and local public agencies. With a vested interest in future basin management and health, these stake holders are committed to improving basin conditions by maintaining an open dialogue. Stake holders help manage the WMI through monthly Core Group meetings, where they determine priorities and apply resources to meet agreed upon priorities (see Goals, below).

Goals

Ensure that the WMI is a broad, consensus-based process.
Ensure that necessary resources are provided for WMI implementation.
Simplify compliance with regulatory requirements without compromising environmental protection.
Balance the objectives of water supply management, habitat protection, flood management and land use to protect and enhance water quality.
Protect and/or restore streams, reservoirs, wetlands and the Bay for the benefit of fish, wildlife and human uses.
Implement the Watershed Action Plan and ensure that it is continuously improved with current scientific information.

Funding

The WMI is funded primarily by stake holder in-kind services and contributions.

Additional Information

For more detailed information about the WMI, download our Factsheets.

Read our List of Signatories, Signatory Document, or view links to Stakeholder Websites

Learn about WMI Subgroups

Download the WMI Planning Objectives and Implementation Objectives

Download the WMI’s Decision Making Process