Basin Management Approach Stakeholder Groups

We all must work together to protect and restore our state’s aquatic resources!

Mississippi’s Basin Management and Non-point Source Program (NPS) is integral to the mission of protecting and restoring water quality in Mississippi. The success of this mission relies on an assortment of natural resource and water quality projects that act at all scales (regional, state, federal, interstate, tribal and local levels). These work together toward a common goal of environmental protection and improvement through an extensive network of partnerships.

What is a stakeholder?

A Stakeholder is a person (or community) who is affected by the work of the NPS Program, has influence over the work done in the program, and has a vested interest in the successful outcome of program implementation. Depending on the scale of a specific project, a variety of different stakeholder may be involved.

Examples of stakeholders in water resource management include:

• Local communities impacted by water resource degradation or conservation efforts.
• Government agencies that monitor, regulate or manage water resources and projects.
• Nonprofit organizations advocating for and working on specific water resource projects.
• Farmers and Businesses that utilize water resources or cooperate on projects.
• Scientists, researchers and extension specialists that study water resources and provide input, guidance or outreach on specific projects.
• Indigenous groups with ancestral ties to the land and tribal resource management goals.
• Consumers and the general public, especially when decisions affect public health or resource utilization or protection.

Agencies and Organizations Cooperating for Improved Water Quality

Over 80 organizations are actively working together to protect the quality of our state’s waters. These organizations have voluntary management and/ or assistance programs that encourage the implementation of best management practices, regulatory programs that focus on permitting and compliance requirements, wetland and other habitat restoration programs, monitoring and assessment programs, and other watershed management efforts. Contact the Basin Management office anytime to get connected with stakeholder organizations in your area and get involved!

The table below contains a list of partner agencies, non-governmental organizations, and institutions participating in the Mississippi NPS Program (Dec. 2019):

Federal Agency Partners

State Agency Partners

Local Government Partners (numerous)

National Level Nongovernmental Organization and Institutional Partners

Tribal Partners

State Level Nongovernmental Organization and Institutional Partners

Local Nongovernmental Organization and Institutional Partners

Regional Organization and Interest Group Partners

Academic Institution Partners

Museum Partners