A Guide for Multiple Use Waterway Management, Third Edition
The Guide for Multiple Use Waterway Management (Third Edition) provides practical guidance for managing waterways that serve many different users, including recreational boaters, anglers, local communities, and public agencies.
Funding and Administration
This guide was developed with funding from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Additional boating safety and waterway management resources are available at uscgboating.org.
References to specific products, services, or companies are included for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement or recommendation by NASBLA or the U.S. Coast Guard.
Project Oversight and Development
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) provided overall project oversight, with substantial input and guidance from a multi-disciplinary steering committee. Committee members represent a wide range of waterway management perspectives and user groups.
Copyright and Use
The guide is published under NASBLA copyright to protect its intended use but is available at no cost for public use and distribution. As the federal awarding agency, the U.S. Coast Guard retains a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce and use the guide for federal purposes in accordance with 2 CFR 200.315.
Flexible and Practical Resource
This waterway management guide is designed for flexible use. Individual sections may be referenced independently, and users do not need to read the entire document to benefit from specific topics. To improve usability, some references appear in multiple sections when relevant.
Diverse Perspectives
Because waterway management involves varied and sometimes competing interests, the guide includes multiple perspectives, including viewpoints that may differ or conflict. This approach reflects real-world conditions and supports informed decision-making.
Scope and Ongoing Contributions
While the steering committee worked to address a broad range of audiences and scenarios, it is not possible to cover every situation or emerging issue. This guide is intended to serve as a starting point for evaluating real-life waterway management challenges.
Researchers, project managers, and practitioners are encouraged to submit additional resources for review and possible inclusion. Suggested materials may be sent to waterway.management@nasbla.org.