Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD's) working through the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) have developed a strategy for nonpoint source pollution abatement which recognizes SWCD priorities and assigns available information, technical assistance, and incentive resources to solving soil erosion and sediment problems in lake watersheds. Elements of that strategy include: (1) SWCD and AISWCD staff field reviews of lake watersheds designated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; (2) classification of watersheds based on watershed resource information and SWCD priorities; (3) encouragement and assistance for SWCD's to work with appropriate local, as well as, state and Federal agencies to solve nonpoint source pollution problems through a local work plan; (4) development of cost efficient land-operator incentives such as the conservation tillage risk share program being used in one lake watershed; (5) encouragement for lake managers and monitors to work through their SWCD to put soil and water conservation practices in the watershed; and (6) reinforcement of SWCD informational and promotional materials to improve lake watershed management. AISWCD has developed an innovative program based on grass roots support for SWCD watershed programs. Benefits of this approach will be projected for other areas, and this will prove useful, particularly for persons in areas experiencing funding reductions.