I think the "federal family" is in reference to the Forest Service, NRCS, Dept. of the Interior, Corps of Engineer- all the folks listed in the press release.  Doesn't sound terribly ominous to me.

Reading the press release, it sounds pretty innocuous- federal agencies working with private groups/NGO's to raise aquatic health issues within targeted watersheds.  Teaching farmers about nutrient management, teaching urban areas about runoff and water retention, trying to connect people with their watersheds.  Nothing too scary IMO, and I really hope it's effective.