Dam removal, spills, and epic flooding are important events that can energize and galvanize people in a watershed. But in ordinary circumstances, what is the catalyst that brings these individuals together and unifies them in efforts to improve water quality, reduce the impact of flooding, and addresses other issues? Building and sustaining a coalition of concerned and invested stakeholders allow us to be more connected and informed about important issues that affect water quality, recreation opportunities, and other demands on water use. Surface water is used for many purposes that often compete with one another in the regulatory and policy arena. We suggest that the geoscience community is well positioned to play a lead role in bridging the gap between science and policy and in guiding public discourse in watershed issues.

Manuscript received 23 Sept. 2015; accepted 14 Dec. 2015

doi: 10.1130/GSAT267GW.1