A key question for individuals involved in managing watersheds is, What is an effective process that will integrate science, policy, and public participation in order to help manage water resources effectively? Outlining a new four-step process that supports adaptive management, The Watershed Project Management Guide explores an innovative approach for addressing complex water and related management issues. Integrating science, policy, and public opinion, this four-phased approach will assist watershed practitioners develop a plan consistent with the recently released USDA-EPA Watershed Management Planning and Implementation Process guidance. This process can be used to implement a management strategy to meet the load allocations required by an approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), the goals of a Source Water Protection Plan, USDA programs such as EQIP, or Section 319 Project.