The EPA estimates that nutrient pollution is one of America's most challenging environmental problems and leading the list of contaminants is phosphorus (P).  Research has demonstrated that there are two major contributors of P to urban area stormwater:  fertilizer and dog waste.  A 25-year assessment of soil tests collected from Fayette County home lawns and gardens from 1990-2014 through the UK/Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service, revealed that 84% exceeded the high-risk level of 120 lb. P/acre.   To address this issue, the educational program titled, "No P on my Lawn!" was launched in 2017 to educate the general public and lawn and landscape care businesses about responsible nutrient management and reduction of P fertilizer applications.  This project builds on this program and expounds on the second largest source of P in urban environments: dog waste. Addressing dog waste as a pollution source is particularly important as Kentucky ranks 3rd in the nation behind Arkansas and New Mexico for per capita number of dogs (45.9% of Kentucky households have 1.9 dogs).  Results from national surveys suggest that 40% of pet waste is left on the ground.  This translates to tons of nutrient- and pathogen-containing waste which could potentially impact our waterways.

The program is funded through LFUCG’s Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program for $35,000 with matching funds from UK and will be implemented in Fayette County. It will translate research data on the P content of dog waste and impacts on water quality into educational materials targeting pet owners.  Key elements of the program include observation and assessment of current homeowner behavior, engagement of the public through workshops, events, and media, and post-surveys to evaluate impacts of the educational materials.  Baseline observational surveys at Fayette County dog parks were conducted in Fall 2019 and a campus-wide logo contest was launched to develop program branding.  The contest was announced through UKNow as well as various electronic and printed media.   It is estimated that the design project received approximately 65,000 views through media with 118 personal contacts.   Entries were received from students in 8 colleges and one interdisciplinary study.  The winning design is being used to develop promotional materials and incentive items for public distribution.  As we move forward with the program, we will record public participation through pledges and assess impact through adoption of good stewardship practices.  It is our assumption that an informed public will adopt pet waste management practices that will reduce nutrient loads to our streams. Although not addressed directly, reducing dog waste in the public environment will have other positive consequences as well.