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 two of the major contributors of P to urban area stormwater are 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 the “No P” program and expounds on another major 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, funded through LFUCG’s Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program, was implemented in Fayette County. As a Phase I MS4 community, LFUCG is required to report program measures according to guidelines outlined by the EPA.  Program metrics for the Canine Waste program were tailored to align with these goals including public engagement, utilization of signage, dissemination of educational materials, public participation, and development of partnerships and assessment of behavior change.  Three primary modes of delivery were utilized to accomplish the goals of the program: launching of a campus-wide logo contest, personal engagement, and online platforms.  

The logo contest was initiated in Fall 2019 and concluded in February 2020.  Entries were received from students in 8 colleges and one interdisciplinary study and were judged by design professionals.  Stakeholder and public opinion polls were also conducted to select the top three designs.   The winning design was used to brand marketing and educational materials.  The contest yielded 166 direct contacts and over 66,000 media views.   

The second tier encouraged public participation through personal engagement activities as well as through partnering businesses.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, in-person engagement was limited to dog park venues.  Participants were educated on the negative impacts pet waste has on water quality and the importance of picking up after their pets on walks and at home.  Voluntary participation in a pledge/survey was offered along with incentive items and educational materials.  Partnering organizations (e.g. pet supply stores, Humane Society) were also supplied with pamphlets and incentive items to share with their clientele. Measures on this aspect realized 764 incentive and educational items delivered to participants, 348 direct contacts, and 211 pledges. 

The third tier was focused on building a bank of social media ready educational videos and static posts.  This platform was also utilized to encourage public participation in the online pledge.  The message was delivered through neighborhood associations, watershed and other community groups, and pet-oriented businesses.  Impact was measured by reach/followers of an account and the number of views/likes, where available.  Of the organizations that provided reporting information, the program materials received 22,799 indirect contacts across Fayette County and prompted engagement from 407 followers. 

Baseline observational surveys at Fayette County dog parks were conducted in Fall 2019 and prior to the educational campaign to determine compliance with the city ordinance to pick up pet waste in public areas.  The program concluded in Fall 2020 with a post program survey of each of the dog parks to assess the effectiveness of educational materials.  Results showed an increase from 2% to 13% in compliance.  Data from the pledges show that all dog owners sampled are willing to pick up after their pets in public places, but commitment declines by about 5% when it comes to picking up in their own yards.  A surprising outcome was that over 60% of dog owners reported they were willing to pick up after another person’s dog.  This was corroborated through personal communication and observation.   

Outcomes from the campaign suggest that an informed public will adopt pet waste management practices.  While many owners understood that dog waste is a pathogen source, few realized it as a significant nutrient source and its potential negative impacts on water quality.  It is our assumption that continuing the message will improve compliance in public places and encourage owners to pick up at home.