The Interior West faces drought and population changes that are causing dramatic shifts in water quality and the allocation of limited water resources. Concurrently, social justice and environmental concerns require ever more thoughtful attention. Global warming commands our attention more and more as we see the effects of climate change on the snowpack in the headwaters states, which provides the water that more than 100 million people depend upon.

Collaborative watershed groups and tribal organizations work to address these issues, yet struggle to develop the continuity of leadership, consistent funding, and essential operational expertise to ensure their long-term success.

In 2007, Trees, Water & People began a two-year initiative with funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Protecting the Water of the Arid West (PWAW) is a program that will provide training and development assistance to watershed groups.

Under PWAW, three state watershed councils and two tribal organizations will undertake a variety of capacity building acitivities specifically tailored to their project areas. TWP will also provide support services on a regional basis, including one-on-one assistance for watershed groups and workshops. Towards the end of the two-year initiative, TWP will also conduct a regional roundtable to bring partners together and discuss key issues and findings.