Expectations appear fairly high that stakeholder-based, local watershed groups can be effective in contributing towards the success of watershed restoration programs. Findings from a recent report, “An Evaluation of Selected Watershed Councils in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California” by Charles Huntington and this author, address the issue. The three-part study evaluated fourteen watershed councils from four western states. Its purpose was to analyze the relationships between conservation effectiveness and organizational attributes of the councils, and to develop conclusions about these councils’ abilities to address regional watershed restoration needs. Part I used standardized metrics and criteria to evaluate the ecological basis and effectiveness of the councils’ restoration programs. Part II applied a separate set of metrics and criteria to evaluate the structure, function, and planning processes of the same councils. The results of these two independent evaluations were integrated in Part III to determine if any relationship existed between the quality of their restoration programs and their organizational processes. Conclusions were drawn about the groups’ accomplishments and limitations, and recommendations were presented about how they might be more effective in restoring watersheds. A list of positive organizational attributes is presented to assist new and existing watershed councils.