Online Training in Watershed Management
- Watershed Ecology
- Watershed Change
- Analysis and Planning
- Management Practices
- Community and Social Practices
- Water Law
Core Modules for Training Certificate
You can document your learning by meeting the requirements for Watershed Academy Web's Watershed Management Training Certificate. This certificate program recognizes trainees who complete the 15 core modules and pass their self-tests. The core modules are marked with an asterisk (*) in the topic sections below. See the Watershed Academy Certificate Program page for full details.
Watershed Ecology
This section shows that watersheds are natural systems that provide benefits to people and the environment when they are kept in good condition.
Modules
* Introduction to Watershed Ecology | Printable Version (PDF)(37 pp, 1.8 MB)
* Protecting Instream Flows: How Much Water Does a River Need? | Printable Version (PDF)(22 pp, 1.2 MB)
* Stream Corridor Structure | Printable Version (PDF)(34 pp, 8.0 MB)
Birds: Bellwethers of Watershed Health | Printable Version (PDF)(24 pp, 1.7 MB)
Wetland Functions and Values | Printable Version (PDF)(23 pp, 1.3 MB)
Resources & External Modules
Understanding Lake Ecology
Sustaining Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems
Watershed Change
This section describes both natural and human-induced changes in watersheds and compares normal changes with changes of concern.
Modules
NEW * Understanding Climate Changes Impacts on Water Resources, updated October 2024
Local Government Climate Adaptation Training Online Module
* Agents of Watershed Change | Printable Version (PDF)(49 pp, 3.2 MB)
Growth and Water Resources
NEW *Nutrient Pollution Module
Analysis and Planning
This section addresses how watershed planning, monitoring and assessment are important components of problem solving.
Modules
- * Introduction to Watershed Planning | Printable Version (PDF)(46 pp, 2.5 MB)
- * Overview of Watershed Monitoring | Printable Version (PDF)(33 pp, 4.3 MB)
- Rapid Bioassessment Protocols | Printable Version (PDF)(34 pp, 2.1 MB)
- Watershed Ecological Risk Assessment | Printable Version (PDF)(34 pp, 2.0 MB)
- Watershed Modeling | Printable Version (PDF)(35 pp, 8.9 MB)
- Fundamentals of Rosgen Stream Classification System
- NEW Nonpoint Source Basic Training
- NEW Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management
Resources & External Modules
Training in Use of the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and NHDPlus
Management Practices
This section shows how watershed management challenges such as urban runoff, cropland management, forestry and other issues are addressed by techniques that reduce environmental impacts.
Modules
* 8 Tools of Watershed Protection in Developing Areas | Printable Version (PDF)(30 pp, 2.7 MB)
* Agricultural Management Practices for Water Quality Protection | Printable Version (PDF)(54 pp, 2.7 MB)
* Forestry Best Management Practices in Watersheds | Printable Version (PDF)(47 pp, 4.9 MB)
Restoration: What's Right or Wrong with This Picture?
Resources & External Modules
Stream Corridor Restoration Tools
Community and Social Practices
This section covers the human element of watershed management.
Modules
Sustainable Finance Module | Printable Version (PDF)(75 pp, 1.0 MB)
* Getting in Step: a Guide to Effective Outreach in Your Watershed | Printable Version (PDF)(49 pp, 2.4 MB)
Statewide Watershed Management | Printable Version (PDF)(21 pp, 1.6 MB)
Monitoring Consortiums
Resources & External Modules
* Top 10 Watershed Lessons Learned
* Ecosystem Services: Benefits to Human Societies by Natural Ecosystems
Water Law
This section covers relevant laws and regulations associated with watershed management.
Modules
- * Introduction to the Clean Water Act | Printable Version (PDF)(90 pp, 4.99 MB), Spanish Version(101 pp, 4.8 MB)
- Water Quality Standards Academy
- Listing Impaired Waters and Developing TMDLs
- Monitoring and Assessment
- NPDES Permit Program
- Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria
- Aquatic Life Criteria
- Aquatic Resources Awareness Course for Real Estate Appraisers | Printable Version (PDF)(26 pp, 342 K)