Author: Tammy Brewster-Barnes
Planning Unit: Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs
Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Outcome: Initial Outcome
In collaboration with Steve Evans and others at the KWRRI, two projects have been started to improve water quality in the Glenns Creek watershed (Versailles, KY) and the central Bluegrass region. The first project goal is to provide water quality data to Versailles so the city can develop a Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) for Glenns Creek. A WPP will enable the city to apply Federal dollars to improve their sanitary sewage infrastructure. Our community partners are Versailles Mayor, Woodford County Conservation District, Woodford County ANR agent and others. The second project is the development and IRB approval for an equine industry survey that determines barriers to stream buffers in the inner Bluegrass region. Once the survey is made public and results are determined, targeted educational material will be developed for this industry. These two projects dovetail together because watersheds in this region are impacted by the bourbon and equine industry. The long-term goal is water quality preservation through community education and action. Part of this project is funded by a recently approved 319(h) grant.