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Increasing attention has been focused on nonpoint source pollution (NPS) as a major barrier to clean water. The original Clean Water Act (1972) describes nonpoint source pollution, methods to control it through “Best Management Practices” (BMPs), and the 1987 amendments required individual States to conduct assessments and write a plan on how to control their nonpoint source problems. The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) adopted in 1990, place additional requirements on the states to address nonpoint source pollution in several categories. including rangeland. Initial assessmentshave shown that agriculture, in general, is a major contributor, but did not separate grazing from other agricultural uses. However, recognizing that many important watersheds and hydrologic units are within the 40,000,000+ acres of public and private lands, utilized for grazing in California, there was strong consensus that existing and potential grazing impacts must be considered and managed. In 1990, the Range Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) identified water quality as a major rangeland issue that would impact livestock producers. Surmising that there was a “window of opportunity”, the livestock industry agreed to become involved in developing a cooperative approach to the regulations already required under the Clean Water Act, and those being proposed under the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA). RMAC obtained funding and acquired consultants to conduct necessary hearings and create a Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan (RWQMP) for adoption into the State’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan, and serve as the grazing element required under the CZARA. By taking the positive step of developing a nonpoint source control program, California’s livestock industry hopes to show its commitment to a quality environment while remaining a viable economic force in the state.