Entering the Watershed is the product of a two-year project established by the Pacific Rivers Council to develop new federal riverine protection and restoration policy alternatives. It recommends a comprehensive new approach to river protection based on principles of watershed dynamics, ecosystem function, and conservation biology – a nationwide, strategic community- and ecosystem-based watershed restoration initiative. The book:

describes in detail the existing level of damage to rivers and species
analyzes flaws and gaps in existing policy
provides the framework necessary to develop new policies
outlines the scientific underpinnings and management strategies needed in new policy
makes specific policy proposals