Gallatin County CES

Title:

Private Stream Quality

MAP:

The Environment and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Hull

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Backyard Streams

Situation:

Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. Many citizens have streams flowing through their property, some in their backyards. Many streams are subject to “urban stream syndrome” which can lead to increased flooding and scoured streambanks. Homeowners are often challenged by how to “manage” a backyard stream. Streambank erosion, invasive plants, and lack of wildlife habitat are often problems for backyard stream owners. It is important for all Kentucky citizens to understand basic watershed concepts and basic stream science, and be able to apply this knowledge when making management decisions that may impact water quality. Educational programs will provide opportunities for backyard stream owners and managers to become better stewards of Kentucky’s water resources by stabilizing streambanks, planting native vegetation, improving wildlife habitat, and potentially improving property values.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Place value on water resources

Protect and improve water quality

Protect soil resources

Maintain or improve wildlife habitat (e.g. pollinators, fish, aquatic insects)

Maintain or improve property value

Intermediate Outcomes:

Evaluate changes in backyard streams

Implement best management practice(s) to protect stream banks and stream buffer zone

Plant native vegetation in stream buffer zones

Maintain native vegetation in stream buffer zones

Initial Outcomes:

Identify and evaluate problem areas in watersheds

Describe basic watershed concepts

Understand basic stream hydrology

Interpret basic stream ecology

Relate how streams respond to human impacts

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Participants will identify problem areas on their properties
Method: Hands-on property surveys
Timeline: 3 - 6 months

Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Participants will implement BMPs to protect stream banks and buffer zones
Method: On-site demonstration and evaluation of practices used
Timeline: 6 - 9 months

Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Decreased stream bank erosion and run-off on participants property
Method: On-site evaluation of corrective practices
Timeline: 12 - 18 months

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Landowners, Gardeners, Landscape/turf maintenance professionals, neighborhood associations, Schools, Parks and park employees

Project or Activity: "Clean Streams: The Importance of Small Streams to the Local Ecosystem"

Content or Curriculum: Series of newspaper articles, newsletters, and social media posts outlining the importance of keeping streams clean. Will also utilize Kentucky Water Awareness Month materials.

Inputs: UK College of Ag Professionals (agents, specialists), State and federal agencies (ex: NRCS, KY Div of Water), Publications (to be developed), Research information

Date: Fall 2017; Spring 2018

Audience: Landowners, Gardeners, Landscape/turf maintenance professionals, neighborhood associations, Schools, Parks and park employees

Project or Activity: Public and private stream walks

Content or Curriculum: Twilight survey of impacted streams

Inputs: Private land cooperators, NRCS and other agency support

Date: April 2018

Audience: Landowners, Gardeners, Landscape/turf maintenance professionals, neighborhood associations, Schools, Parks and park employees

Project or Activity: "Protecting Our Streams: A guide to Best Management Practices"

Content or Curriculum: Classroom program designed to show why streams go bad and what can be done to remedy the problems.

Inputs: NRCS Publications and support, topographical mapping

Date: Aug - Sept 2018