ARS | Publication request: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF ASCE'S APPROACH TO WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

Submitted to: American Society of Civil Engineers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: August 14, 1995
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Resource conservationists and consulting engineers have long been concerned with the consequences of watershed management on such problems as land use, water quantity and quality, as well as recreation. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has had a 30-plus year program that has produced seven symposia and proceedings at five-year intervals. The authors review this history and discuss possible future activities for the ASCE. The paper provides watershed managers with up-to-date information regarding past accomplishments and serves as a starting point for new entrants in the subject area.

Technical Abstract: The activities of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Watershed Management Committee since its inception in 1964 are summarized. The Committee has arranged seven symposia with ASCE-published proceedings at five-year intervals. It has also sponsored two Task Committees which published reports in the Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. The symposia, task groups, and the general history of watershed management during the period are discussed. Some comments are offered on the future of watershed management and the Committee activities.