Provides training, development of local watershed assessment tools, and follow up technical support to municipal officials in managing impacts of changing of land use on local water resources. Reaching over 700 community leaders, resource managers and professionals in 90% of Rhode Island communities. Since 1993, established partnership with the RI Office of Municipal Affairs integrates training on resource management skills with legal roles and responsibilities of board members and techniques for maintaining community character.

• Community surveys used to identify local priorities and training needs.
• Multi-session workshops engage local officials in discussion of pollution threats and management options using site-specific examples in their communities.
• Computer generated maps assist local decision makers visualize land use impacts, evaluate nonpoint pollution control options, and identify effective management actions.
• MANAGE watershed risk assessment tool applied in partnership with municipalities evaluates pollution risk to local water resources, evaluates future impacts through "build-out" analysis, engages local officials in discussion of resource protection goals, and broadens perspective from case-by-case project review to cumulative watershed-scale impacts.
• Follow up technical assistance in taking watershed management actions is tailored to community needs.

• Developing basic training in site review for board members with Office of Municipal Affairs through Grow Smart education subcommittee. Annual basic training planned.
• Watershed assessments in evaluating pollution risks to local water resources ongoing or nearing completion in, Burrillville aquifers, and in Queens River, Scituate Reservoir, and Wickford Harbor watersheds. Follow up assistance actions planned include public education, development of town GIS, and wastewater management planning.
• Support to the Town of New Shoreham in developing a wastewater management program including performance-based onsite wastewater treatment standards. Actively assisting in wastewater planning and management in seven towns.
• Partners with Cornell University and URI Dept. of Resource Economics in "New Tools to Guide Land Use Change in the Pawcatuck Watershed," evaluating population, fiscal, and environmental impacts of growth in South County.
• Partner in South County Watersheds Technical Planning Assistance Program by evaluating environmental impacts of conventional vs. alternative land development scenarios and preparing guidance for local boards on selecting pollution control practices.
• Conducting community-based watershed assessments for major water suppliers throughout the State in partnership with Department of Health.