Water Quality in Urban EnvironmentsPlan of Work

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Hardin County CES

Title:
Water Quality in Urban Environments
MAP:
Best Management Practices and Education for Safe Food, Farms & Families
Agents Involved:
Shepherd, Adams, Aldenderfer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Chemical Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Soil testing
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Integrated Pest Management
Situation:

Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. Many of these stream miles are impaired by pollution such as sediment, bacteria, and excess nutrients. Urban areas, agricultural areas, and construction sites are examples of sources of these pollutants. Landowners are often confused about how to manage challenges associated with streams on their property. Regulatory restrictions concerning stream maintenance can be confusing and many streams are subject to increased erosion, scoured streambanks, and pollution from adjacent land uses.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Reduction of lawn, landscape and garden additives.

Reduce level of pollutants in stormwater.

Improve level of water quality in stream segments within and adjacent to communities.

Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air.

Protect and improve water quality.

Improve efficiency of manure handling.

Maximize profits for ag producers.

Reduce environmental impacts of winter feeding areas.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Develop or update water quality plans.

Adopt best practices for water quality, nutrient and/or soil management.

Evaluate weather and physical conditions when making management decisions.

Residents implement BMP's on their property or in their community.

Make informed decisions on use of lawn, landscape, farm, and garden additives.

Soil test and apply plant nutrients accordingly.

Direct downspouts to pervious surfaces.

Adopt appropriate fallen livestock disposal practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Participants will be able to define watershed, stormwater, and impervious surfaces.

Observe or participate in BMP implementation.

Learn how to take a soil test.

Understand the benefits of native plants and non-aggressive perennials in the landscape.

Recognize the water quality issues/needs on their property, at their school, and/or in the community.

Understand the importance of clean water.

Increase knowledge of BMP's for protecting and improving water quality.

Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.

Identify best management practices for nutrient management.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Learn how to take soil test.

Indicator: Publication distribution and requests.

Method: Increase in first time participants.

Timeline: ongoing


Intermediate Outcome: Develop or update water quality plans.

Indicator: Requests received at County SWCD.

Method: Counts

Timeline: Winter and Spring yearly


Long-term Outcome: Improve level of water quality in stream segments within and adjacent to county MS4 communities.

Indicator: Water quality test results.

Method: Water surveys.

Timeline: Summer yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: County Residents

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Certification

Content or Curriculum: Water Quality Curriculum

Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialists, training materials, fees

Date: Fall of even years: 2022, 2024


Audience: Farm owners, managers, operators

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen Program

Content or Curriculum: Environmental Stewardship

Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, agents, NRCS, publications, Ag Water Quality Plans.

Date: on-going


Audience: Farm operators, owners, managers

Project or Activity: Water Quality and Nutrient Management Plans, Family Education Day with Hardin Water District #1

Content or Curriculum: Private Pesticide Training and Certification, UK Publications, DOW Research Data

Inputs: UK Extension Specialist, Agents, NRCS, SWCD, publications, Hardin Water District #1 Personnel

Date: Spring of Odd years

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