In this chapter:

(1) Affected stakeholder The term “affected stakeholder” means an entity that significantly affects, or is significantly affected by, the quality or quantity of water in a watershed, as determined by the Secretary.

(2) Grant recipient The term “grant recipient” means a watershed group that the Secretary has selected to receive a grant under section 1015a(c)(2) of this title.

(3) Program The term “program” means the Cooperative Watershed Management Program established by the Secretary under section 1015a(a) of this title.

(4) Secretary The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.

The term “watershed group” means a self-sustaining, cooperative watershed-wide group that—

(A) is comprised of representatives of the affected stakeholders of the relevant watershed;

(B) incorporates the perspectives of a diverse array of stakeholders, including, to the maximum extent practicable— (i) representatives of— (I) hydroelectric production; (II) livestock grazing; (III) timber production; (IV) land development; (V) recreation or tourism; (VI) irrigated agricultural production; (VII) the environment; (VIII) potable water purveyors and industrial water users; and (IX) private property owners within the watershed; (ii) any Federal agency that has authority with respect to the watershed; (iii) any State agency that has authority with respect to the watershed; (iv) any local agency that has authority with respect to the watershed; and (v) any Indian tribe that— (I) owns land within the watershed; or (II) has land in the watershed that is held in trust;

(C) is a grassroots, nonregulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed;

(D) is capable of promoting the sustainable use of the water resources of the relevant watershed and improving the functioning condition of rivers and streams through— (i) water conservation; (ii) improved water quality; (iii) ecological resiliency; and (iv) the reduction of water conflicts; and

(E) makes decisions on a consensus basis, as defined in the bylaws of the watershed group.

The term “watershed management project” means any project (including a demonstration project) that—

(A) enhances water conservation, including alternative water uses;

(B) improves water quality;

(C) improves ecological resiliency of a river or stream;

(D) reduces the potential for water conflicts; or

(E) advances any other goals associated with water quality or quantity that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.

(Pub. L. 111–11, title VI, § 6001, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1165.)