Our Land, Our Water: Case Studies in Local Success

Our Land, Our Water
Case studies in LoCaL suCCesses

A National Association of
Conservation Districts Special Report

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Acknowledgement
acknowledgement ........................................................................................ 1
This report from the National
special thanks............................................................................................... 1 Association of Conservation Districts
(NACD) was made possible by
non-discrimination ....................................................................................... 1 funding assistance from the USDA
Natural Resources Conservation
executive summary....................................................................................... 2
Service.
alabama ........................................................................................................ 3 The views and conclusions
contained in this document are
alaska ............................................................................................................ 5 those of the authors and should
California & nevada ...................................................................................... 7 not be interpreted as representing
the opinions or policies of the U.S.
Colorado ....................................................................................................... 9 government. Mention of trade names
or commercial products does not
Georgia ....................................................................................................... 11
constitute their endorsement by the
Hawaii .......................................................................................................... 13 U.S. government or NACD.

indiana ......................................................................................................... 15
Special Thanks
Kansas ......................................................................................................... 17 America’s conservation districts
and their partners were primary
Kentucky ..................................................................................................... 19
sources of information for this report.
Louisiana ..................................................................................................... 21 We thank them for their time, talent
and energy in helping to provide
Maine........................................................................................................... 23 information.
Michigan ...................................................................................................... 25
Non-Discrimination
Minnesota ................................................................................................... 27 All activities pursuant to this
Mississippi ................................................................................................... 29 agreement shall be in compliance
with the requirements of Executive
Montana ...................................................................................................... 31 Order 11246; Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252; 42
nebraska ..................................................................................................... 33
U.S.C. 200(d) et seq.); Title V, Section
nevada ........................................................................................................ 35 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (87 Stat. 394; 29 U.S.C. 794),
new Jersey ................................................................................................. 37 as amended by the Americans With
new Hampshire .......................................................................................... 39 Disabilities Act; the Age Discrimina-
tion Act of 1975 (89 Stat. 728; 42
ohio............................................................................................................. 41 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.); and with all
other federal laws and regulations
oklahoma .................................................................................................... 43
prohibiting discrimination on grounds
oregon ........................................................................................................ 45 of race, color, sexual orientation,
national origin, disability, religion,
south dakota .............................................................................................. 47 age or sex.
Virginia ........................................................................................................ 49

Wyoming ..................................................................................................... 51

Partners in Watershed and Landscape Work ............................................. 53

1 Our Land, Our Water: Case Studies in Locally Led Successes

Executive Summary
Executive Summary

25 case studies, hundreds of partners
W
elcome to this report scape for different of watershed-scale plans. These, in turn,
focusing on 25 inspiring needs, the task of support watershed planning tools made
case studies of conservation- reaching consensus available by several sources.
minded citizens addressing resource on actions can be Just as it is possible to make wise
concerns on a watershed or community difficult. Here we decisions about watershed sustainability
scale. The report is national in scope but are happy to show it through the use of these tools, it is also
it focuses on local strategies to address can be done. more possible at the watershed scale to
local and regional conservation chal- Time and again, monitor and assess the impacts of coor-
lenges. the voices here dinated activities. Virtually every effort
The recognized need for watershed- report that when described in this report includes moni-
scale conservation approaches is hardly stakeholders become partners, they toring and assessment for accountability.
new, but the reality of accomplishing the realize a simple fact: “This is our water- Conservation districts and other local
task remains elusive. That is why these shed. We are all part of the problem and partners have long worked for the wise
case studies are refreshing: The people the solution.” use, conservation and protection of our
here are achieving success. Conserva- We present this report both as a specific land and water. Frequently this has been
tion districts and a remarkable array of reference for local, state and federal part- at the county level. The watershed- and
partners come together to assess and ners and policy-makers and as a tool for community-scale approach has helped
plan coordinated responses to concerns grass-roots, locally led efforts to replicate local conservation leaders to see bigger
across many miles and jurisdictions. Yes, and build on what our peers are doing possibilities. Watersheds don’t know juris-
they have more work to do, but that is the across America. The message here is that dictional boundaries, so working across
nature of our job. It is ongoing. federal programs and state leadership watersheds and landscapes requires
The challenges of conservation at this that provide support for and encourage multi-jurisdictional and multi-faceted
scale are many. There are multiple stake- watershed assessments and planning are partnering.
holders and jurisdictions. America’s land working. But everything clicks when local Case studies here touch on rural,
and water have and continue to serve partners are at the heart of identifying urban, near-wilderness and various mixed
a multitude of functions in the private and solving local and regional conser- land uses that impact watersheds and
sector, and these systems have frequently vation issues and developing plans to landscapes. They focus on projects at
been altered greatly over time. The job address them. differing stages of development. Each
of protecting them today is often neces- An important message for local part- case study varies by its own local circum-
sarily pragmatic: dealing with what we ners is that program resources can be stances, but common threads run through
have been handed in the best ways we stretched a long way when partnerships many. Understanding that everyone is
are able. Public watersheds and lands are are broad. Traditional public resources part of the solution is one such thread.
also vexed by many challenges – forest are mingled with those from a growing list The power of partnership and coopera-
and range management, fire, noxious of private groups and entities, including tion is another. A list of the many partners
weeds and others. The places where market-based conservation approaches. who support these projects fills the last
public and private lands meet offer their We learn in this report that the tools page of this report.
own sets of challenges, including coordi- available in today’s conservation world Contacts and sources of more informa-
nating conservation across jurisdictions make all of our jobs a lot easier. GIS and tion are listed with each case study. This
at the landscape scale. Frequently, land GPS technologies have given us layers report is necessarily limited to 25 case
use changes such as sprawl and loss of of local, state and national information studies. There are many more stories to
open space have added new elements to we could not have imagined available tell out there, and we hope this report
the mix. just a few years ago. This information opens the door to ongoing community-
Virtually every case study here high- often serves as a starting point for plan wide attention on “our land, our water.”
lights a growing understanding that a development by providing baseline data.
watershed is comprised of many stake- Real-time soil monitoring, NRCS on-line Krysta Harden
holder communities. Especially where digital state soil surveys and other tech- NACD Chief Executive Officer
many groups rely on a watershed or land- nologies help guide the development September, 2008

Our Land, Our Water: Case Studies in Locally Led Successes 2

Alabama

Building a better
watershed assessment tool
Statewide watershed assessments that incorporate local conservation
priorities are valuable tools for identifying local conservation needs, opening
doors to funding opportunities and developing new partnerships.

A
lAbAmA’S recently comp- Management that funded the state- The state assessment information will
leted statewide watershed wide effort to update and vastly expand be shared widely on an innovative web-
assessment incorporated input an assessment last completed in 1999. based database that provides an array of
from every county in the state, thanks in “Almost everything was done at the local information on activities that impact land
no small part to the work of soil and water level,” says Norris. and water resources in the state’s water-
conservation districts. What emerged is “Local districts held public meetings sheds.
a much clearer understanding of water in every county. They ran advertisements It will also serve as a tool for obtaining
quality concerns, changing land use in newspapers to publicize the meet- funding to address local priorities. “Every-
patterns, wildlife concentrations and a ings. Some had up to 100 people at their thing now is geared toward watersheds.
whole lot more. meetings, including state senators and Funding from the national and state level
The state’s 67 SWCDs – one for each representatives.” is targeted that way,” Norris says. “Local
county – collected data, garnered public The local meetings were held so that SWCDs set those priorities. There’s never
input and set local priorities, says J.O. participants could review data and iden- enough money to go around, but you
Norris, water quality coordinator with the tify and prioritize local conservation can target the needs.”
Alabama State Soil and Water Conser- needs. Each district was asked to develop In several counties, animal waste is the
vation Committee. District costs were watershed plans based on priorities iden- top priority. Alabama is home to dozens
covered as part of a grant from the tified at the public meetings. of poultry operations. While high price of
Alabama Department of Environmental fertilizer has put poultry litter in demand,
runoff remains an issue.
Erosion continues to be a concern in
counties with high-intensity cropping,
“Local districts held public meetings in every but the assessment showed that it may
county. they ran advertisements in newspa- be abating because conservation tillage
has supplanted conventional methods on
pers to publicize the meetings. Some had up to many farms. Ten years ago, conventional
100 people at their meetings, including state tillage was practiced on the majority of
state farms. The new assessment shows
senators and representatives.” that the majority of farms have shifted to
J.O. Norris conservation tillage.
water quality coordinator The assessment also turned up some
surprises. “By far the biggest problem
Alabama State Soil and Water Conservation Committee
from erosion is going to be dirt roads,”


Alabama soil and water conservation districts held public meetings in every county to allow participants to review watershed data and prioritize local con-
servation needs. Each district was asked to develop watershed plans based on priorities identified at the public meetings.

Norris says. One county figured its
problem with animal wastes was from
livestock. Data collection showed that “We have counties in alabama that need this
deer were the main cause of wastes in its
assessment done every three to five years with
waterways.
With growing interest in land manage- all the construction, building and land use
ment for hunting, the assessment also
focused on wildlife populations, food
changes that are occurring.”
sources and habitat. “You can look at the
assessment, and it will say that in some
use changes that are occurring,” he says. somebody the other day, you can look at
counties, deer are overpopulated.”
Other regions have seen little change the inventory and get the total number of
Land use trends can be tracked
and will likely continue that way. “It was golf courses in Alabama,” Norris says.
with the new tool, which can be easily
forested 10 years ago and it will be 10
updated. Some parts of the state have
years from now.” More information: Contact Norris
seen rapid growth since the last assess-
Soil types, forested resources, mining at james.norris@swcc.alabama.gov.
ment was completed. “We have coun-
land, septic systems, cultural resources The web-based inventory was in final
ties in Alabama that need this assess-
and other categories are available on stages of completion at press time. It
ment done every three to five years with
spread sheets and maps. “Like I told will be posted at www.swcc.state.al.us/
all the construction, building and land


Alaska

Homer SWCd educates about
development’s impact
The Homer Soil and Water Conservation District’s suitability maps show
where development is likely to affect conservation features of the land. The
next step is to encourage low-impact development techniques to protect
valuable natural functions and larger landscape systems.

P
eRCheD on the southwest edge says District Manager Tara Schmidt. Suitability for developable lands is
of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, The project is funded by the U.S. Envi- based on physical landscape features
the city of Homer has seen rapid ronmental Protection Agency Wetlands affecting cost of construction, such as
growth in recent years. Many people Protection Development Grant and a U.S. drainage, topography, and soil types,
choose the area for natural attributes like Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska Coastal along with amenities such as view,
viewscapes, wildlife and open spaces. Communities Grant. proximity to trails and parklands. Prime
To help preserve those attributes, the A technical advisory committee for the conservation lands focus on factors that
Homer Soil and Water Conservation project features broad representation, include hydrologic functions, wildlife
District has developed suitability maps including excavators, contractors, real habitat corridors, trail connectivity and
that pinpoint lands likely to be developed estate agents, surveyors, biologists, soil aesthetic qualities.
and those with high conservation value. scientists and wetlands scientists. The When the GIS maps are overlapped,
It will introduce low-impact development city of Homer has cooperated in several areas where development is likely to
techniques and establish a developer’s ways, including providing technical assis- meet prime conservation lands are high-
certification program to meet develop- tance. lighted. That serves as a tool for wise land
ment needs and preserve natural attri- In phase one of the project, the district use planning. The project was under way
butes. worked with DnA Design of Homer to just as the city of Homer’s comprehensive
“This is really an attempt to look at develop Geographic Information System- plan was up for review. The suitability
larger systems rather than individual based landscape systems maps for the maps served as the basis for a green infra-
lots. It’s incentive-based and meant to city and an important watershed that structure map that was adopted into the
motivate landowners and developers serves as its source of drinking water. revised comprehensive plan as a guide
to develop with a stewardship ethic,” for future decision-making.
Much of the new development in and
around Homer has occurred on steep
slopes. “We have topography that is
“this is really an attempt to look at larger a challenge,” Schmidt says. “We’re
systems rather than individual lots. It’s incen- trying to understand how uplands are
connected to wetlands across the whole
tive-based and meant to motivate landowners system to guide development.”
and developers to develop with a stewardship The suitability maps were introduced
to the public at workshops in May 2008.
ethic.” Also introduced at the workshops was a
Tara Schmidt Best Stewardship Practices Booklet high-
Homer Soil and Water Conservation District Manager lighting various low-impact development
(LIDs) techniques and their values. About


Suitability mapping by the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District identifies natural resources characteristics such as moose habitat.

80 people attended over three days. “It’s that respect and take advantage of green are intended to reduce development
important that people hear from the start infrastructure functions and larger land- costs and other costs that are ultimately
that we’re not trying to limit develop- scape systems. Benefits may include borne by taxpayers when municipalities
ment. We’re acknowledging these prop- reduced construction costs, increased have to replace degraded natural func-
erties have high value and will be devel- real estate values, accelerated apprecia- tions with structural solutions, such as
oped, but let’s try to motivate landowners tion, and/or avoidance of certain regula- storm water drains and retaining walls.
to develop with an understanding that tory requirements. In addition to instilling better under-
they are part of larger systems,” Schmidt Active incentives provide economic standing of landscape impacts in the
says. or procedural “payments” to reimburse Homer area, Schmidt says the project can
A curriculum for the developer’s certi- property owners for developing property serve as a model for other communities
fication program is being finalized during in ways that protect green infrastructure seeking to better understand green infra-
phase two of the project. The program functions and larger landscape systems. structure functions and larger landscape
will help individuals learn to use GIS tools These could include expedited permit- systems as they guide development.
to integrate landscape systems into proj- ting, low-interest loans, tax benefits or
ects. Developers who complete one or cash payments. The district is investi- More information: Contact Tara
more workshops would qualify for green gating low-interest rate loans that would Schmidt at tara@homerswcd.org.
certification for projects. be available to qualifying development Information on the project is at www.
Both passive and active incentives have projects. suitabilitymap.org/.
been identified to encourage landowners Low impact development (LID) tech-
and developers to apply voluntary best niques have also been identified with the
management practices. Passive incen- focus on protecting valuable natural func-
tives include construction techniques tions and larger landscape systems. LIDs


California & Nevada

Cooperating across
state lines to protect tahoe
Backyard conservation can have far-reaching effects, as homeowners in two
states of the Lake Tahoe Basin learn from cooperating conservation districts.

C
ooPeRAtioN across state Natural Resources Conservation Service “We cooperate extensively,” says
lines between two conserva- offers guidance on protocols for effec- Brand. A memorandum of understanding
tion districts is helping residents tiveness studies the districts conduct on paves the way for districts to work across
in the Lake Tahoe basin protect one of recommended practices. state boundaries. They also share services
America’s best-known water bodies. While at least half of the residen- on some projects. Invasive weeds are a
Lodged in the Sierra Nevada Moun- tial properties in the basin are in need concern in the region, and the Nevada-
tains, Lake Tahoe was developed rapidly of attention, there has been progress. Tahoe District uses the services of the
and not always wisely in the mid-20th “We feel the program has made a lot of Tahoe RCD’s invasive weeds coordi-
century. With multiple jurisdictions in the headway, and we’ve been able to help nator. The districts also partner with
basin, including two states, cooperation homeowners and assist with lake clarity,” NRCS, Cooperative Extension, the Tahoe
is the key to making conservation gains. says Jason Brand, program manager in Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), state
The Tahoe Resource Conservation the Nevada-Tahoe District. But there’s agencies and local communities.
District in California and the Nevada still plenty of work to be done. Some Swain’s program has a staff of 10, plus
Tahoe Conservation District in Nevada communities in the basin have aggres- two or three seasonal employees. Brand
have the daunting task of helping about sively worked toward compliance; others has a staff of five. Both districts provide
40,000 residential property owners in haven’t moved as quickly. “There’s a huge free site visits to residential properties.
the basin comply with mandated best need for BMPs,” says Brand. Conservation plans for private parcels
management practices (BMP). Their work His counterpart at the Tahoe Resource include recommendations for runoff
is part of a broader strategy to reduce Conservation District says it’s important management and storm-water treat-
sediment and nutrient impacts on water that the two districts provide consistent ment, slope stabilization, soil protection,
quality in Lake Tahoe and improve overall information. “We try and be on the same noxious weed removal, revegetation with
forest resource management. page as to materials and messages we native and adapted plants, water and
The districts make regular use of the provide to homeowners,” says Eben fertilizer management, pest manage-
national Backyard Conservation Program Swain, BMP coordinator. “If you get a site ment, wildlife habitat improvement,
to provide private landowners conserva- evaluation on the Nevada or California forest management and reduction of fire
tion education, technical assistance, and side, it should be the same.” hazards. Swain’s program this year offers
whole-parcel conservation plans. The trees, ground cover and other vegetation
free to cooperating homeowners, using
proceeds from a state grant. The work
“We feel the program has made a lot of headway, helps landowners comply with local ordi-
nances and basin-wide water quality stra-
and we’ve been able to help homeowners and tegic plans, some of them mandated by
assist with lake clarity.” the TRPA. The districts certify compliance
for homeowners.
Jason Brand, BMP work is complicated by wildfire
Program Manager, Nevada-Tahoe District risks in the heavily forested region. The
Angora Fire last year destroyed more


An armored drip line installed around a home in the Lake Tahoe Basin captures rainfall and keeps it on site, reducing runoff from the residential property.

than 250 homes. The districts are working
to make sure their conservation goals are
consistent with defensible-space require- “We’re set up to deal with local issues, and in
ments for homes. This includes testing this area, one of the main issues is BMPs.”
BMPs like mulch for fire-resistance.
Outreach activities drive both programs.
Eben Swain,
The Tahoe RCD reaches out to close to BMP coordinator, California Tahoe District
2,000 homeowners a year in a variety of
ways, including workshops, conservation
ters the funds for district programs. Both are working on a local issue that makes a
block parties, person-to-person contacts,
districts also receive state funding for difference for a national treasure.
phone calls, site visits and other contacts.
BMP work.
In Nevada, the program is promoted
The work is clearly identified by both More information: Contact Jason
through a community watershed plan-
districts as a local and regional priority. Brand at jbrand@ntcd.org and Eben
ning process in individual communities.
“We’re set up to deal with local issues, Swain at tahoercd@yahoo.com. More
Workshops, demonstration sites, educa-
and in this area, one of the main issues is on the Tahoe RCD program is at www.
tional publications and on-site visits with
BMPs,” says Swain. tahoercd.org. More on the Nevada
homeowners are used.
With studies showing that urban Tahoe CD program is at www.ntcd.
The work is costly, and both districts
upland areas in the basin are some of the org.
rely on grants. A main source for both is
biggest contributors to nutrient and sedi-
funding from the Southern Nevada Public
ment loading in Lake Tahoe, the districts
Land Management Act. NRCS adminis-


Colorado

Innovation helps producers
in water-challenged region
The Yuma Conservation District works with producers across
the Republican River Basin to reduce water use, introduce
farming alternatives and save rural communities.

m
ARk tWAiN said, “Whis-
key’s for drinking, water’s for
fighting.”
In a 21st century twist, the Yuma
Conservation District’s Republican River
Basin Pathways Project in eastern Colo-
rado is working to give producers and
rural communities a fighting chance.
Irrigated agriculture in the basin pulls
water from the Ogallala Aquifer, an
overtaxed but critically important water
source that stretches across the Great
Plains from Texas to South Dakota. Colo-
rado producers do not now face water
allocations, and by helping them reduce
water demand and consider alternatives,
the district is working to keep agriculture
and the communities it supports sustain-
able.
Goals include growing traditional crops
like corn and sugar beets using less water
and encouraging producers to experi- Mist irrigation systems help Republic River producers to limit water use while providing for crop
needs. The Yuma Conservation District promotes best-management practices and other solutions to
ment with lower-water-use crops such water quantity concerns in the region.
as grass-fed beef, onions and peas, says
Project Coordinator Brian Starkebaum. local work groups consistently focused culture and spin-off businesses pump
He is also a producer and conservation on water as a major local resource $420 million annually into the county’s
district board member in nearby Haxton concern. Starkebaum credits the state economy. “If we lose this irrigation, that’s
County. Natural Resources Conservation Service all there is. Our towns die,” he says.
The Yuma District set out on a proac- for stressing the importance of local work The district and NRCS developed irri-
tive course thanks to an Environmental groups and responding to their findings. gation water management plans, and the
Protection Agency 319 grant that focused “Our local work groups identified district then applied for an NRCS Conser-
on water quality. The grant showed that water quality and quantity every year,” he vation Innovation Grant. It was awarded
the majority of the 250 producers who says. “We understand that in our region, one of six such grants nationally in 2005.
participated were doing a good job this form of agriculture is so vital to our That helped the district face the coun-
keeping nitrates out of the aquifer. Still, economy.” Estimates show that agri- ty’s water issues head-on. “My personal


“We understand
that in our region,
this form of agri-
culture is so vital to
our economy.”
Brian Starkebaum
Project Coordinator
Yuma District

belief is conservation districts are facilita-
tors of information, and that’s what we’re
doing,” Starkebaum says.
Efforts to interest producers in alter-
native crops such as canola had some
success, but with high prices for tradi-
tional crops, interest has backed off
some. “So we refocused and decided to
work with producers growing traditional
crops but using less water. We tried to
build awareness, and we’re coming to
find out it is very possible to reduce irri-
gation consumption and not lose return,”
Starkebaum says. He has the facts to
prove it, too. A big part of his job is to
gather data and success stories that will
be shared on an innovative database in
cooperation with the USDA’s Agricultural
Producers and researchers gather around a soil pit to gather information from a root-zone study con-
Research Service in Fort Collins. One
ducted by an NRCS soil scientist in the Republican River Basin. The study helps producers see how crop
finding: Pilot farm producers have cut roots are developing in the soil and to monitor results from nutrient and water planning.
water use by half without any production
Fund grant helped support efforts to “We’re at the end of the line with what
losses.
build a team of local experts to deter- we can do with traditional practices.
The project also focuses on familiar-
mine interest in developing a local foods What we have to address now is manage-
izing producers with value-added vege-
cooperative. The project is under way ment. That’s where the big leaps are.
table crops and marketing opportunities
and includes public programs sharing Producers are definitely better managing
such as the flourishing local foods move-
information with producers. the resources they have.”
ment.
A state of Colorado NRCS Conserva-
Starkebaum put together a whole farm
tion Innovation Grant facilitated the part- More information: Contact Brian
planning notebook based on a similar
nership with ARS for the online database. Starkebaum at brian-starkebaum@
tool developed by NRCS in Minnesota.
It will include a range of information on yumaconservation.org. More on
“A lot of the guys I’m working with
water use, crop economics, production, the Republican River project on the
already know this, but we did find that a
research and stories about producers district’s web site at www.yumaconser-
lot of them didn’t know about marketing
who’ve made the transition to lower vation.org.
opportunities, especially value-added,”
water demand. “ARS bought the concept
he says.
immediately,” he says. It may be adapted
As the project matures, more options
for use across the country.
have opened up. A Laura Jane Musser


Georgia

Photo © The Nature Conservancy/Mark Godfrey
Real-time soil moisture monitoring on irrigation rigs relies on broadband telemetry and wireless Internet to link rigs in the field
to computers in farm offices.

Groups combine conservation
and rural development
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy,
NRCS and other partners achieve important water conservation gains and boost
rural communities with innovative technology.

i
mAgiNe a project that addresses efficient irrigation and water use, and pivot irrigation systems water about
a major conservation problem and rural residents will soon have access to 500,000 acres, straining already limited
fosters rural development. That’s wireless Internet service. ground and surface water resources in
what supervisors in the Flint River Soil The Flint District and NRCS have the basin and challenging the region’s
and Water Conservation District did, and applied innovative technology and ability to sustain crop yields without sacri-
the results are impressive. ongoing education to help producers ficing biodiversity. Recent drought years
In southwest Georgia, the Flint District be good stewards of water resources have intensified concerns, and farmers
is joined by the Natural Resources Conser- for years. It’s important work. The lower are constantly juggling crop needs with
vation Service, The Nature Conservancy, portion of the Flint River basin in south- water conservation efforts. The district
the University of Georgia, the Georgia west Georgia is one of the most agricul- and its partners have supported efforts
Agriculture Innovation Center and other turally intensive areas in the southeast. that have conserved more than 10 billion
partners in the project. Thanks to their Producers grow peanuts, cotton, corn gallons of water. That savings equates
work, farmers have important tools for and soybean. More than 5,000 center


to the annual water use of more than
250,000 people.

Photo © The Nature Conservancy/Mark Godfrey
Real-time soil moisture monitoring has
been introduced to meet irrigation needs
and protect water resources. The district
and its partners are now pioneering tech-
nology that uses broadband telemetry
and wireless Internet to link irrigation rigs
to computers in farm offices. With a core
network in place, the partners are now
taking steps to expand wireless Internet
service to other rural areas in Baker,
Calhoun, Early, Miller and Mitchell coun-
ties.
In 2004, the district and partners initi- Georgia’s agriculture and water resources exist side-by-side in the Flint River Basin.
ated a Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) pilot
project to deploy 22 VRI systems on The Nature Conservancy is involved for partnering with TNC, he says: “Four
farms. The systems map crop acres and because it is interested promoting sustain- years ago, I never would have thought we
define irrigation patterns by soil type, able farming practices and protecting would be involved with an environmental
slope and hydrology. Non-crop areas are the biodiversity of the ecologically rich organization, but it has worked beauti-
removed from irrigation, and other areas lower Flint River basin, part of the Apala- fully. We agreed to go into relationship
receive irrigation equal to their needs. chicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River basin. with open minds and see where we could
To more effectively manage VRI, the This is the main source of drinking water work together and quit butting heads.”
district in 2005 set up a 100-square-mile for southwest Georgia and north Florida. Innovation has been rewarded with
wireless broadband telemetry network in David Reckford, project director, is a funding, including a U.S. Department
Calhoun County. The network provided Nature Conservancy employee with half of Agriculture Conservation Innovation
wireless connectivity to 17 center pivot of his salary paid by the district and his Grant for remote soil moisture moni-
irrigation systems covering 2,467 crop equipment and office space provided by toring equipment and an Environmental
acres. Participating farmers were provided NRCS. He credits district supervisors with Protection Agency Strategic Agricultural
with Internet access, allowing them to providing the leadership to embrace the Initiative grant to develop a conserva-
monitor center pivot activity via cameras new techniques. “Oftentimes you may tion-based crop rotation practice. The
mounted to each boom and schedule have a good concept in an educational five-county broadband expansion project
irrigation based on “near real time” soil institution, but you need to put it on a was funded by a $2.7 million grant from
moisture readings recorded by wireless working farm. Almost every technology the OneGeorgia Authority’s BRIDGE
sensors in their fields. we have now was put on the farms of (Broadband Rural Initiative to Develop
Internet connectivity is sometimes these district supervisors.” Georgia’s Economy) program and a $1
lacking in rural America, which can inhibit One of those supervisors is board million match from the Flint River Soil and
community and economic development. Chair Marty McLendon, who farms 8,000 Water Conservation District. Each county
To expand coverage, the district and acres. “We wanted to show our willing- is contributing $10,000, as well as time
partners are assisting in the deployment ness to partner with different agencies and resources to the project.
of a five-county rural wireless broadband and research and development institu-
network. When completed, the network tions on cutting-edge practices. It helps More information: Contact Marty
will serve area schools, hospitals, first researchers and helps makes it economi- McLendon, chairman of the Flint River
responders, businesses and residences cally feasible for others. We put the prac- Soil and Water Conservation District
in addition to farm operations. Goals tices into the real world,” McLendon says. at mai@mclendonacres.com or David
include advancing the development of He’s sold on the value of partnerships to Reckford, director of the Flint River
education, health, safety and communi- achieve conservation successes. “My Basin Program at dreckford@tnc.org.
cation resources in the coverage area. only advice is there are extremely good Learn more about the South Georgia
The network will also provide opportuni- farmers and extremely good partners, Regional Information Technology
ties to expand research and development and if you truly want to do something Authority at www.sgrita.org.
of new agricultural technology. and be involved, you can do that.” As


Hawaii

Community members and service men and women from the Pohakuloa Training Area gather for a photo after a volunteer stream cleanup day. The Mauna
Kea Soil and Water Conservation Disrict makes regular use of volunteer assistance in its watershed protection efforts.

Special attention for Big Island watersheds
Watersheds on the Big Island of Hawaii cascade from mountaintop to coral beds in the Pacific
Ocean. The health of these watersheds and associated landscapes affects the well-being of life
all along the way. Repairing damaged watersheds and protecting healthy ones are goals of the
Mauna Kea Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and other districts on the island.

W
AteRSheDS on Hawaii’s watersheds are increasingly asked to shed protection and rehabilitation. The
Big Island present challenges meet the needs of growing human popu- district encompasses 1,141 square miles
that conservation districts lations. on northern reaches of the island.
elsewhere in America don’t face. Water All of this heightens the importance of Two watersheds are receiving atten-
flows through multiple climatic zones work by conservation-minded citizens on tion from the district, its partners and
and altered landscapes such as those the Big Island. Conservation districts like volunteers, says John Pipan, conserva-
heavily grazed and sometimes overrun the Mauna Kea SWCD are charged with tion specialist. The Waiulaula Water-
by invasive plant species. The sediments helping to implement the state’s polluted shed benefits from generally good water
they carry empty into the Pacific Ocean runoff control program. To accomplish quality. Here, work is proactive. The Pele-
and across fragile coral reefs. These same that, the district works on both water- kane Watershed is another matter. It is


challenged by multiple resource issues,
and restoring watershed health is the
focus for Pelekane.
In both cases, volunteers and commu-
nity partners have a big role in the
efforts.
A first step for Waiulaula (pronounced
WY ULA ULA) is a comprehensive moni-
toring program. Water sampling stations
recently put in place capture data from the
forested upper section, then below the
town of Waimea and finally at the mouth
of the watershed. Storms cause most of
the flux in the watershed, so monitoring
will capture where nutrients, sediment,
chemicals and suspended solids enter. “If
we can pick out areas with problems, we
can be proactive to address them” with
appropriate best-management practices,
Pipan says. Waimea Middle School students learn about nonpoint pollution through the use of a watershed model
Geographic Information Systems soft- provided as part of a watershed education program sponsored by the Mauna Kea Soil and Water
ware will compare land cover and runoff Conservation District.

sources from the three different land use women from the Department of Defense the watershed will have to be re-vege-
areas. Data will be presented in a docu- Pohakuloa Training Area donate their tated,” Pipan says. “It’s dry, so not much
ment that makes recommendations to time, as do volunteers from Starbucks grows there, period. We have problems
the county in its zoning and community and Outdoors Circles comprised of with feral goats, and some of the vege-
development decisions. It’s important community members interested in green tation is grazed by cattle. We’ll need a
information in a watershed where popu- space. combination of native and introduced
lation has grown dramatically and where The district reaches out to elemen- vegetation.” They’ll also need to trap
communities like Waimea and its 7,000 tary school students about the impor- and remove the goats.
residents rely on watershed reservoirs for tance and fragile nature of watersheds. Cleaning up Pelekane Bay will be
drinking water. A portable watershed model is used to more challenging. Ancient cultural attri-
A Waiulaula Watershed Advisory Group simulate what happens in nature. butes such as the Hill of the Whale stone
provides important community input, Hawaii’s landscapes are challenged by worship site in the bay may preclude
helps educate residents on water quality an array of introduced plant and animal dredging. Other options include
issues, identifies pollution and will help visitors that have become persistent resi- increasing the flushing capacity of harbor
develop a watershed management plan. dents. Invasive plant species frequently and constructing sediment basins.
Monitoring by community members and supplant natives. Even when farming Pelekane’s problems are difficult, but
students provides educational opportu- practices address concerns about they helped district officials and other
nities and community buy-in. The district grazing, feral goats and cattle roam many partners to see the value of protecting
has also involved volunteers in other hillsides, stripping them bare. watersheds like Waiulaula before they
efforts to address water quality. They These and other factors challenge become impaired.
have worked on inventories and inva- watersheds like Pelekane. It lies in the
sive species eradication, often in difficult rain shadow of Kohala Mountain, so it More information: Contact John
terrains dominated by rough lava flows. is dry much of the year. Parts of water- Pipan at john.pipan@hi.nacdnet.
Students from the Cornell University shed are completely bare earth, so when net. Learn more about the watershed
Field Program in Earth Systems Science rain does fall, Pelekane Bay in the ocean programs at www.maunakeaswcd.org.
have been engaged for that work. is recipient of sediment loads. It’s now
Community watershed clean-ups link considered seriously impaired.
people to their watersheds. In addition ”We’ve evaluated strategies for miti-
to community members, service men and gating sediment, and the bottom line is


Indiana

Pervious pavement at the city of Elkhart Environmental Center increases on-site storm water infiltration. It is among many practices recommended by the
Elkhart River Alliance.

rural and urban folks
join to fix their watershed
A small group of concerned citizens grew to a broad coalition of partners determined
to improve the health of the Elkhart River watershed. The Elkhart County Soil and
Water Conservation District has been at the forefront of the effort.

W
heN a neighborhood asso- ment (DEM), the group set out to do The district contacted a watershed
ciation raised concerns something about the problem. specialist with the Indiana DEM. “We
about sediment in a pond in “The pond was a sediment trap and met with the association and presented
northern Indiana, it ignited a discussion was full of purple loosestrife,” says Nancy a plan for assistance for watershed plan-
across a whole watershed. Brown, program manager at the conser- ning,” says Brown. “Their group said they
Residents around Goshen Pond Dam vation district. “They asked whether were totally in agreement and formed a
learned that the sediment was a symptom there was anything we could do. I felt the steering committee called Elkhart River
of a much larger problem in the 447,000- best way to get funding was to address Alliance.”
acre Elkhart River Watershed. With the how the sediment got there, and said “That original homeowners association
help of the Elkhart County Soil and we would do that and look at related took on this big project. I am amazed at
Water Conservation District and the state issues.” the ability of a small neighborhood group
Department of Environmental Manage- to adopt a whole watershed. Even though


their original interest was their neighbor-
hood, they saw a need to address water-
shed issues on a watershed basis,” Brown
says.
Soon the group formed a nonprofit
corporation, the Elkhart River Restoration
Association, and began to reach out to
interested parties across the watershed.
It found plenty, including local and state
government, sportsmen’s group, conser-
vation districts, Extension, property
owners, farmers, sportsmen, naturalists,
youth organizations, service clubs, indus-
tries and churches.
The watershed stretches across four
counties and is a half-and-half mixture
of rural and rapidly growing urban areas.
The district had good contacts in both Bioretention areas are among practices recommended by the Elkhart River Alliance in its efforts to
sectors because of its program work in restore health to the Elkhart River Watershed. The Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District
rural and urban conservation. “We can is joined by other partners in the effort.
say we work with both of you. When
fingers are pointed, quite honestly, we worked with a group with such passion,” funded by state and federal program
can say we hear the opposite side from says Brown. dollars.
the other group,” Brown says. The management plan outlines a set of Two demonstration sites are being
Assisted by an Environmental Protec- goals, each accompanied by objectives developed – one urban and one agri-
tion Agency 319 grant obtained through for implementation. The plan prioritizes cultural. The urban site is the city of
the DEM in 2006, the group embarked objectives and action items and identifies Elkhart’s Environmental Center, where
on a year of planning and two years of responsible parties to implement actions. conservation district staff has installed a
implementation. The work is daunting, The plan has milestones and measurable rain garden, pervious pavement and a
because the watershed is in rough shape. goals for short- medium- and long-term. bio-retention area in a parking lot. The
Most sections of the river – in both rural agricultural demonstration site focuses
and urban areas – are impaired waters. Goals include: on exclusion fencing and alternative
In addition to excessive sediment, it has watering for livestock. Both sites will be
problems with E. coli bacteria, nutrient • Sustaining the financial and institu- showcases for educational programming.
loading, rapid land-use changes that tional capacity of the group itself; “I like to tell the staff we’re doing the
degrade the watershed’s hydrology, loss • Reducing soil erosion and sedi- same things at both sites. The practices
of wetlands and wildlife habitat, and land mentation; are just a little different,” says Brown.
and water user conflicts. • Reducing E. coli levels; The district is also training a cadre
“We’re not protecting something pris- • Reducing nutrient loading; of volunteers for water monitoring in
tine. We’re trying to fix something that’s • Increasing preservation, restora- each of the Elkhart’s 37 sub-watersheds.
broken,” says Brown. tion and appreciation of open “We’re a district, and this is what districts
Perhaps the group’s biggest accom- space and maintaining land-use do – educate.”
plishment was to get diverse groups and balance; and
individuals in the watershed to realize • Developing an outreach and More information: Contact Brown at
they all played a part in its problems, just education program to keep a nancy.brown@in.nacdnet.net. Details
as they would all have a role in nursing it broadened group of stakeholders on the ERA and the implementation
back to health. involved and informed. plan are at www.elkhartriveralliance.
A Water Management Plan is now org.
in place to do that. Ongoing funding is Work is already under-way. Cost-share
an issue, but if determination counts, programs support agricultural and urban
the group is in good stead. “I’ve never best management practices. They are


Kansas

a big watershed benefits
from local frugality
The Franklin County Conservation District and its partners stretch limited
funds a long way to address rural water quality issues across 13 counties.

t
he Marais des Cygnes River
(MdC) Watershed covers 13
rural counties in eastern Kansas
before crossing into Missouri. Addressing
rural water quality issues over an area that
size requires cooperation, creativity and
old-fashioned rural frugality.
The Franklin County Conservation
District and its partners have applied
those measures and good communi-
cation to help agricultural producers
address nonpoint pollution concerns and
upgrade their farm systems.
Kansas uses the Watershed Restora-
tion and Protection Strategy, or WRAPS,
process to meet federal and state water
standards. WRAPS involves local citizens
in identifying water quality and water
quantity issues within their watershed.
With guidance and technical assistance,
citizens then develop and implement a
Old implement tires become innovative and inexpensive alternative watering systems for producers
plan.
in the Marais des Cygnes River Watershed in Kansas. The Franklin County Conservation District and
The MdC WRAPS was sponsored by partners are addressing rural water issues across the multi-county watershed.
the Lake Region Resource Conservation
and Development Council in partnership and working with producers. Three The RC&D received an Environmental
with the Kansas Department of Health federal reservoirs in the watershed are Protection Agency grant through KDHE
and Environment (KDHE). Five public recipients of sediment and pollutants for a riparian forestry initiative. It used
meetings were held around the basin, from nonpoint sources. The reservoirs grant funds to hire a forester who works
where citizens identified concerns, goals and the Marais des Cygnes River are all on tree planting, timber stand improve-
and actions. The RC&D, local conserva- public drinking water sources. ment and other measures to protect and
tion districts, Kansas State Extension and The plan gave conservation part- enhance riparian forests. Federal Envi-
the Kansas Water Office reviewed public ners the specificity they needed to seek ronmental Quality Incentives Program
comments and fashioned a final report, funding to address concerns. The RC&D, (EQIP) funds are available for cost sharing
completed in 2003. conservation district and Cooperative on timber stand improvement.
A main focus was reducing nonpoint Extension took lead roles. The Franklin District and Kansas State
pollution across the basin by educating Extension sought and received a $200,000


EPA 319 grant through the state for a
livestock project in 2006. The Franklin
district administers the program, which is
overseen by a board comprised of repre-
sentatives from 13 conservation districts,
Extension and producers in the basin. All
the partners are involved in education
and outreach to promote the program.
About 50 percent of the basin is grass-
land where beef cattle are raised. “That’s
a lot of area and a lot of producers. We
felt that big gains could be made working
with producers,” says Franklin District
Manager Keri Harris.
Projects include livestock stream cross-
ings, renovations to confined and uncon-
fined feeding sites and construction of
alternate water supplies, several of which
feature solar pumping systems. Sedi-
ment basins, grass buffers and riparian
fencing are also among practices eligible
for cost-sharing.
“One thing we are proud of is that
95 percent of the money is going to
producers,” Harris says. The Franklin
District board helped to stretch grant
dollars by agreeing to cover Harris’ work
on the grant as part of her regular salary.
“My board saw the benefit of me being
involved,” she says.
To further limit costs, the board does
much of its project oversight work elec-
tronically. Signup sheets are distributed
and reviewed over the Internet. “We’ve
been able to get a lot of work done with
little expense to the grant,” she says. Solar pumping systems move water to alternative watering systems in the Marais des Cygnes River
Dollars are stretched as much as Watershed in Kansas. The Franklin County Conservation District and partners are working to help
producers install watering systems and protect fragile streams.
possible to offer a 50- to 60 percent
cost share. Some state funds funneled the ponds are cleaner, and that has an Kansas State University and KDHE are
to conservation districts and some EQIP impact across the watershed. conducting scientific monitoring of water
funds are available, too. The project received an additional quality improvements, but one of the
One small project with a big impact $53,000 in EPA 319 funding this year. best gauges of success for the livestock
is providing water supply tanks. More It was less than expected, but with project is how well it has spread by word
than 35 have been completed. “You put the majority of funds going directly to of mouth among producers.
a fence around a pond and only allow producers, “everyone is positive we can
cattle in to flash graze. Then you run a get a lot done,” she says. EQIP and the More information: Contact Keri
supply line through the pond dam in Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams Harris at district@fccdks.org. More
a freeze-proof concrete supply tank.” also help the partners and producers with information on the WRAPS process is
Bacteria tests show “amazing improve- streambank stabilization and riparian at http://fccdks.org/wraps.htm.
ments,” she says. Streams that flow from vegetation projects.


Kentucky

Green river CreP
adjusts, advances, protects
The Green River CREP forges a celebrated public-private partnership to
protect precious resources, control soil erosion and preserve working lands.

t
he success of Kentucky’s Green Soil and Water Conservation District for support and marketing in 14 counties in
River Conservation Reserve 48 years. the watershed, located in south central
Enhancement Program hasn’t About 100 acres of the 340-acre Kentucky. The five-year-old CREP relies
escaped national attention. The public- Colliver farm are CREP lands, planted to heavily on locally-led conservation at the
private partnership effort received the native grasses. county level, Coleman says. Conserva-
“USDA Two Chiefs Award,” as announced “We had a field day out there, and tion district local work groups have been
by Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and (then) important in reaching out to landowners.
and Natural Resources Conserva- Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman Forums were held to determine interest
tion Service Chief Arlen Lancaster in came. I gave a talk and told them we before the proposal was submitted for
November 2007. The chiefs saluted a were doing it for three reasons. One, at consideration. With the CREP in place,
strong partnership that links public and that time, we looked at the economics of county-level meetings were organized to
private entities in efforts to protect a it, and it was fair. Two, both of us have our promote it.
distinctive and biologically diverse water- hearts in conservation. We want to keep The CREP is the single largest conser-
shed. the soil in good condition, and hearing vation program in Kentucky’s history. It
Back home in Kentucky, it was no about efforts to protect the Green River, has solidified and strengthened a part-
surprise that in 2002, farmer and conser- we wanted to help. Three, we felt confi- nership between the NRCS and the
vationist John Colliver and his brother dent in the conservation partnership. Farm Service Agency, which administers
were among the first state landowners There’s a lot of trust involved when you the federal portion of the program, says
to enroll land on their fourth-generation take land out of production. You hope Coleman. Also involved are state agen-
Barren County farm in CREP. Colliver the money is there to pay the bills.” cies of Forestry, Conservation, Fish and
is chair of the Jefferson County Soil The partnership Colliver referred to is Wildlife Resources and Water.
and Water Conservation District and a strong and innovative. Steve Coleman, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is
member of the state board. His father director of the Kentucky Soil and Water a major private partner, providing $5
was on the board of the Barren County Conservation Commission, notes that million to boost enrollments in perma-
conservation districts provide technical nent easements. Its involvement in the
project marked a new direction for TNC,
which is putting more focus on strategies
to aid farm owners.
“there’s a lot of trust involved when you take The CREP targets 100,000 acres of envi-
land out of production. You hope the money ronmentally sensitive land. Landowners
who enroll receive direct payments, cost-
is there to pay the bills.” sharing and other incentives. “We’re now
John Colliver at 75 percent of the goal,” says Coleman.
Farmer and Conservationist One feature of CREPs is that they can
be modified after adoption to better
focus on local conservation concerns.


The Green River and Mammoth Cave are the focus of a multi-county Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program effort in Kentucky. It focuses on helping
agricultural producers achieve conservation improvements on their own properties as they protect the highly valued watershed.

“We expanded our CREP and modi-
fied some practices in 2007. About that
time, FSA was updating rental rates. That “We have a world treasure in Mammoth Cave,
was the perfect storm,” Coleman says.
and we’re protecting the resource beforehand,
Enrollments jumped after the CREP was
expanded from eight to 14 counties and not cleaning up pollution.”
modified to include karst topography and Steve Coleman,
sinkholes identified by Western Kentucky
Director of the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation Commission
University as having a significant impact
on water quality and rare mussel species.
The CREP’s conservation goals include
The Green River is one of the most come out of the land there. We have
water quality, erosion control, farm-
diverse ecosystems in North America and many different types of birds,” Colliver
land preservation, endangered species
is the most biologically abundant branch says. With his own children expressing an
protection and wildlife habitat improve-
of the Ohio River System. The river flows interest in the farm, he has also managed
ments. Western Kentucky University
unhindered for more than 100 miles until to preserve the land.
spearheads monitoring and assessment.
it reaches Mammoth Cave National Park,
Coleman notes that the CREP is distinc-
the world’s largest and most diverse cave More information: Contact Coleman
tive because it is proactive. “We have a
system. at steve.coleman@ky.gov. Visit www.
world treasure in Mammoth Cave, and
But back on the Colliver farm, the conservation.ky/progams/crep for
we’re protecting the resource before-
program has served its purpose, too. “For more information on the Green River
hand, not cleaning up pollution.”
the first time ever, I’ve seen wild turkeys CREP.


Louisiana

From septics to ag
BMPs in Louisiana
The Coulee Baton Stream microwatershed is the center of an effort by a
conservation district, RC&D and other partners to address both agricultural
and residential water quality.

A
N effort to address water quality identify the problems and have everyone of Environmental Quality. One phase
in the Coulee Baton Stream do their share to improve water quality. of the effort that has drawn attention
microwatershed is long on solu- We figured it had to be a team approach provides cost sharing of up to 60 percent
tions and short on finger pointing. to promote ownership. If everyone to residential homeowners who want to
As a result, agricultural producers and accepts ownership and everyone does upgrade their septic systems.
residential homeowners can both take their part, you can make a difference.” The work is definitely needed. A prelim-
voluntary steps toward improvements. Field trips and public meetings are used inary survey found that 55 of 110 homes
The Vermilion Soil and Water Conser- to reach out to farmers, landowners and discharge directly into a public ditch with
vation District and Acadiana Resource homeowners with educational informa- no secondary treatment of sewage. The
Conservation and Development Council tion. project will allow all 110 homeowners in
are among several partners in the In addition to local stakeholders, state the 6,200-acre watershed the opportu-
efforts. environmental and agriculture agen- nity to participate with a maximum cost-
The Coulee Baton was chosen because cies and university researchers are also share of $4,000 per system for repair or
of its diverse topography, drainage and involved. “That’s a result of our conserva- replacement of their systems. At least
land use. Focusing on all the stakeholders tion district’s work in the past,” Girouard three options are provided, all of them
in the area was a deliberate strategy. “We says. leading to better treatment of wastes.
want to stay away from finger pointing,” The program is supported by Environ- A separate 319 Grant covers monitoring
says Ernest Girouard, chair of the mental Protection Agency 319 Grants of the impacts of septic system improve-
Vermilion District Board. “The goal is to administered by the state Department ments over five years.
Many of the homeowners lack the
resources to pay for improvements them-
selves, Girouard says. Some will struggle
“the goal is to identify the problems and have to come up with their part of the cost-
everyone do their share to improve water share, and the district continues to search
for other funding to help them.
quality. We figured it had to be a team approach Outreach to homeowners has been
to promote ownership. If everyone accepts extensive. Six meetings have been held
to educate them about options. “We’re
ownership and everyone does their part, you trying to show them that part of being a
can make a difference.” good land steward is to make sure your
sewer system is up to snuff,” Girouard
Ernest Girouard says.
Chair of the Vermilion District Board Three demonstration sites were
chosen to display options available to


Efforts to address water quality in the Coulee Baton Stream microwatershed include a program to replace residential septic systems. Public meetings
sponsored by the Vermilion Soil and Water Conservation District and Acadiana Resource Conservation and Development Council educate residents about
their options for cost-sharing projects.

homeowners. They include a spray irriga-
tion system, a rock field with water plants
and the more conventional systems that “We’re trying to show them that part of being
rely on absorption into the soil. a good land steward is to make sure your sewer
Another area of work in the Coulee
Baton focuses on encouraging agricul- system is up to snuff.”
tural producers and other landowners
to apply best management practices,
Farmer Program, an intensive educa- because he farmed himself for 35 years
including improved watering systems for
tional program that leads to develop- after earning a PH.D. at Louisiana State
cattle and cross-fencing to protect water-
ment of an NRCS resource management University.
ways. The partners are also working with
system plan and state certification. The
rice producers on BMPs to reduce sedi-
voluntary program is an effort to achieve More information: Contact Ernest
ment and stream loading when irrigation
conservation gains without regulation. Girouard at egirouard@agcenter.lsu.
water is released. Federal Environmental
Girouard serves as area agent for the edu.
Quality Incentives Program funds provide
Master Farmer Program. He notes that
cost-sharing for that work.
the southwest region where he works
Farmers in the area are also encour-
has the most participants. Maybe that’s
aged to participate in the state’s Master


Maine

Some of the best whitewater rafting in the northeast is available on the Kennebec River in Maine. Recreational users are among a wide array of stakeholders
involved in the Kennebec River Initiative, coordinated by the Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Hundreds work to polish
a gem called Kennebec
The Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District spearheads a multi-county effort to
secure the future of the Kennebec River, one of the state’s most important resources. Multiple goals
focus on enhancing the river’s assets, including scenic, ecological, fisheries, wildlife, recreation,
cultural and economic, and the potential for revitalization efforts in river communities.

W
heN Maine U.S. Sen. dinated effort didn’t emerge until the Hundreds of citizens and dozens of
Edmund Muskie authored Kennebec River Initiative was created. groups guided the resulting effort to
the 1972 Clean Water Act, The Kennebec Valley Council of Govern- enhance, protect and utilize the river’s
he may have had the Kennebec River ments looked to the Kennebec County many assets. The Kennebec District
in mind. The historic Kennebec was a Soil and Water Conservation District to worked with this broad group to develop
mess. As with many American rivers, it serve as lead agency for development a plan that paints a hopeful picture for
had long served as a dump for munici- of an action plan for the river. The effort the river. A Kennebec River Council with
palities and industries. Decades of log was boosted by grants from the Maine broad representation is being formed.
drives had harmed its physical attributes. Outdoor Heritage Fund, the Land and The council will implement strategies
What emerged after the clean-up was a Water Conservation Fund of the National outlined in the action plan. “The whole
diamond in the rough. Park Service, the state of Maine, the reason for the KRI was, ‘Now that the
Groups worked to take advantage Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine and the river’s clean what are we going to do with
of the renewed resource, but a coor- Council of Governments. it? ’ ” says Josh Platt, project director on
the Kennebec District staff.

He credits the guiding vision of longtime
river activist Bill Townsend, a Skowhegan
attorney who wrote a detailed appraisal “the plan talks about not only the natural
of the river in 1971 and focused on the
resources piece, but also the people piece. It
key questions: “How do we sustain this
river, maintain its character and assure its asks how we can revitalize downtowns and
use by the people of Maine?”
The district first coordinated efforts to
promote wise development. We look at the
map the river and its diverse resources, natural resources the river offers as a way to
using its own Geographic Informa-
tion Systems expertise and extensive
improve wise use.”
input from citizens at mapping sessions. Josh Platt
Mapping focused on the river’s northern, Project Director, Kennebec District staff
central and tidal reaches, which are
distinct and diverse as the river cuts its
way from south central Maine to the the ground.” While the district had the
Atlantic Ocean. The river includes every- A cleaned-up Kennebec River is project lead, it worked with four other
thing from high-quality whitewater rafting already home to community river festi- conservation districts on plan develop-
to rich salmon fisheries and important vals, concerts, trails and other assets. ment. Such cooperation will be needed
tidal resources. Its shores are home to The action plan seeks to enhance and in the future.
wilderness areas, historic forts, commu- add to those activities and find ways to Platt is now working with various
nity waterfronts, agricultural and indus- link them regionally while protecting the groups to write grants, further develop
trial users. base resource. mapping and take other steps toward
Twenty towns, 11 land trust groups, How did a conservation district get meeting the plan’s goals. The Kennebec
five local trails groups, nine businesses involved? “The district was hired because River is in good hands.
and several state agencies participated districts tend to get things done,” says
in mapping. The resulting 15 maps detail Platt. “Districts in Maine and across the More information: Contact Platt at
areas of the river that need a closer look at country have a history of developing a josh@kcswcd.org, and visit the district
access, offer opportunities for economic goal, planning, getting partners together web site at www.kcswcd.org.
development or better marketing, and then getting something done on
provide high-value habitat and may need
An array of stakeholders participated in planning efforts for the Kennebec River Initiative.
protection or restoration work.
A series of forums followed. More
than 300 citizens participated. Their
input led to a plan that focuses on river
access improvement; trail enhancement
and development; corridor protection
and enhancement, including fisheries;
community-based water development;
agricultural land preservation; and
marketing and tourism. The action plan is
a menu of possible projects and a compi-
lation of ideas and proposals for future
action.
“The plan talks about not only the
natural resources piece, but also the
people piece,” Platt says. “It asks how we
can revitalize downtowns and promote
wise development. We look at the natural
resources the river offers as a way to
improve wise use.”


Our Land, Our Water: Case Studies in Local Success

Our Land, Our Water: Case Studies in Local Success

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