Extension
It Starts With Us
Water Quality in Urban Environments
Best Management Practices for Safe Food, Farms & Families
Shepherd, Adams, Aldenderfer
Urban Environments (water issues)
Ag Water Quality Program
Sustainable Agriculture
Chemical Crop Management Tools
The population of Kentucky continues to migrate to urban areas thus increasing the impervious surface and subsequent runoff and impairments to water quality. According to SNARL data, Hardin County's population will experience a 10.5% increase from 2010 numbers by 2020, a 19.3% increase by 2030 and a 30.4% increase by 2050. EPA has imposed regulations 104 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permitted communities with populations of 10,000 or more to educate and involve the public in their permit plans. Elizabethtown, Radcliff and Vine Grove all are impacted by these regulations. These stormwater regulated communities need assistance from the County Extension Office to meet water quality educational programming required by their stormwater permit.
According to various sources Agriculture is a leading contributor to water pollution in Kentucky. Hardin County is situated in a region of Kentucky impacted by its Karst topography. Developing and implementing Agricultural Water Quality plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits. Educational programs for agricultural producers include county producer meetings, Master Cattlemen, Master Stocker and Master Grazer programs, field days, and farm visits. Collaborations with conservation districts and USDA Service Centers will strengthen county programs and maximize opportunities for farmers.
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.
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.
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.
Initial Outcome: Learn how to take soil test.
Indicator: Publication distribution and requests.
Method: Increase in first time participants.
Timeline: Fall 2016, Spring 2017
Intermediate Outcome: Develop or update water quality plans.
Indicator: Requests received at County SWCD.
Method: Counts
Timeline: Spring 2017
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 2020
Audience: County Residents
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Certification
Content or Curriculum: Water Quality Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialists, training materials, fees
Date: 2018-19
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:
Audience: Farm operators, owners, managers
Project or Activity: Water Quality and Nutrient Management Plans
Content or Curriculum: Private Pesticide Training and Certification
Inputs: UK Extension Specialist, Agents, NRCS, SWCD, publications
Date: Winter 2017-18
