The objective of this FOA is to invite states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, Existing Watershed Groups, and local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, county soil conservation districts) to submit proposals for Phase I activities to develop a watershed group, complete watershed restoration planning activities, and design watershed management projects. See Section C.3. Eligible Projects for a more comprehensive description of eligible activities. A "watershed group," as defined in Section 6001(5) (see Section A.3. Statutory Authority for full citation) of the Cooperative Watershed Management Act (Act) is a grassroots, non-regulatory entity that addresses water availability and quality issues within the relevant watershed, is capable of promoting the sustainable use of water resources in the watershed, makes decisions on a consensus basis, and represents a diverse group of stakeholders, including hydroelectric producers, livestock grazing, timber production, land development, recreation or tourism, irrigated agriculture, the environment, municipal water supplies, private property owners, Federal, state and local governments, and tribes. (See Section 6001(5) of the Act for the statutory definition of a "watershed group").