Title:

G02-NPS-11 Ed/Info to Reduce Water Pollution by Livestock Producers in SW MO

Sponsor:

University of Missouri - Columbia/Broz

Project Manager:

Bob Broz
Office of Sponsored Program Administration
310 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
573-882-0085
BrozB@Missouri.edu

Project Period:

12/15/2001 - 6/30/2005

319 Grant Funds:

$277,973

Project Description:

Ed/Info to Reduce Water Pollution by Livestock Producers in SW MO

Education/Information to Reduce Water Pollution and Increase Management Practices Utilized by Livestock and Poultry Producers in Southwest Missouri

Southwest Missouri is a hilly region with predominately rocky substrate overlain by a thin layer of soil. The area supports pasture and grassland that is exceptionally suitable for the production of cattle and poultry. Nutrient-laden manure from the cattle and poultry industry has been identified as a major contributor to water quality degradation, hence making manure management on pastureland very important.
Furthermore, septic system usage is largely unregulated and a public education effort has been identified as being an important component of preserving or improving water quality in the region.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The University of Missouri Outreach and Extension will hire a project manager to develop and implement educational and training programs that emphasize best livestock manure management and provide information on available technologies and management practices to reduce nutrient and bacteria loading from on-site sewage systems. A multi-tier approach to the education/information model will be implemented to assist producers and landowners in understanding regulations, identifying management practices and accelerating the adoption of practices.

OBJECTIVES

1. Accelerate the adoption of BMP's by local landowners to control nutrient run-off.
2. Increase landowner awareness of environmental concerns from poorly located or constructed on-site sewage systems.
3. Conduct educational classes, info meetings and demonstration/field days on water quality management planning, manure management, and on-site sewage systems.
4. Provide the course "Environmental Assessment for Real Estate Professionals".
5. Form watershed alliance groups.
6. Assist in the development of water quality management plans.

PRODUCTS

1. Development and implementation of at least two water quality management plans.
2. Six educational classes to identify best manure management practices and accelerate their adoption.
3. Four classes entitled "Environmental Assessment for Real Estate Professionals".
4. Eight meetings to educate landowners on proper maintenance and management of on-site sewage systems.
5. A "resource notebook" which will compile educational resources of water quality information.
6. Six demonstration sites and field days to educate producers and landowners about water quality issues.
7. Project brochure highlighting project goals and objectives.
8. Reproduction of informational guides to promote BMP?s.
9. Pre/Post Surveys to show increased awareness and perception of the project goals.

PROJECT SPONSOR

COOPERATING AGENCY

CONTACT

University of Missouri- Columbia
Office of Sponsored Program Administration
310 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
brozr@.missouri.edu