At first glance, the term watershed management appears to be self-explanatory, its meaning apparent in its very wording. Watershed management is the managing of a watershed. At best, however, this definition is merely the starting point and might appropriately be compared to the initial upland flow of a watershed itself, before becoming part of a complex system covering a broad area. Variously interpreted and applied, watershed management, as public policy or field of study, also covers a broad area, to include consideration of social, cultural, and economic affairs as well as natural resource and environmental issues.