Kenton County CES

Title:

Addressing Water Issues

MAP:

Raising Environmental Awareness

Agents Involved:

Dan Allen

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Situation:

Kenton County is bordered by two major rivers (Licking and Ohio). These two primary watersheds are negatively affected by land use. Further, farmers and landowners of 10+ acres are voluntarily filing water quality plans.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Residents would implement BMPs that would improve the quality and cleanliness of the streams and rivers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Best management practices are embraced by the residents and land owners. These practices are sought after as the "norm" in stewardship of land ownership.

Initial Outcomes:

Extension service would work with other organizations to teach and demonstrate best management practices addressing living in watersheds and near streams.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Implementation of BMPs
Indicator: Change in behavior and understanding of the need for water quality
Method: Evaluations and from organization like Sanitation District's ongoing water monitoring programs
Timeline: Post class, yearly

Intermediate Outcome:   Survey, observation during farm visits.

Long-Term Outcome:  Cleaner water system in county.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farm or land owners
Project or Activity: Water Quality Plan Training
Content or Curriculum: UK Water Quality plan
Inputs: Agent and UK website
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Urban or Suburban Resident
Project or Activity: Living in a Watershed
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: UK publications, use of new Kenton County Extension facility, Sanitation District watershed park
Date: September 2022

Audience: All landowners, homeowners, residents
Project or Activity: Soil testing; Participants learn the value of avoiding non-needed fertilizers and using BMPs to reduce fertilizer runoff
Content or Curriculum: UK-lab soil testing and interpretations
Inputs: UK Regulatory Services, County Agents, UK publications
Date: Ongoing