STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES:

WHEREAS, in the twenty-first century there needs to be a wholesale, fundamental change in the federal government's orientation toward water resources to primarily protect and restore damaged ecosystems by improving hydrologic functioning, community protection, and protection of valuable aquatic and terrestrial habitats; and

WHEREAS, current water resources management often ignores more economically efficient and preventative approaches to resource needs, and

WHEREAS, for the past two centuries, water resource development in the United States has attempted to manipulate and control nature at great expense, rather than integrate development with natural systems; and

WHEREAS, due to the failings and costs of water resource development, management and regulation, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are dying, communities are more at risk from sea level rise and increasingly severe storms and droughts, and there is a need to protect healthy ecosystems and restore degraded ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGO's) are engaged in working to reform water resource policies and programs and create a strategic network that integrates the strengths of NGOs from the grassroots, regional and national levels, while respecting the interests of each individual NGO; and

WHEREAS, the NGOs seek to design a structure for a network (hereinafter "Network") that is democratic, enhances mutual learning and understanding, stimulates shared leadership, builds trust among the NGOs, and empowers the NGOs, individually and collectively, in their efforts to reform and improve water resources policy in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the NGOs seek a Network that will enhance and strengthen local efforts by providing support and additional capacity through cooperative partnerships between local/regional organizations and national groups; and

WHEREAS, the NGOs seek to develop multiple strategies designed to achieve the desired results and outcomes agreed to by the Network.

NOW THEREFORE, the NGOs agree, in general, as follows:

ARTICLE I
MISSION AND PURPOSE

MISSION STATEMENT: The Water Protection Network works to ensure that water policies and projects are environmentally and economically sound.

OUR PURPOSE: The Network works to advocate changes in the America's water resources policies and practices. The Network seeks to assist and support member organizations in understanding and dealing with water resources policies and improve their effectiveness by providing technical, legal and other support, and by providing timely information to assist groups participating in federal, state and local policy decision-making.

• Download complete Statement of Principles and Operating Procedures of the Water Protection Network
  
  
• Download 5-Year WPN Strategic Plan: Ushering In and New Era of Stewardship for America's Rivers, Wetlands and Coasts