Title:

G98-NPS-15 Ag Nonpoint Source Water Quality Short Course

Sponsor:

USDA-NRCS

Project Manager:

Bob Ball
Parkade Center, Suite 250
Columbia, MO 65203
573-876-0912
bob.ball@mo.usda.gov

Project Period:

5/10/1998 - 5/31/1999

319 Grant Funds:

$3,442.99

Project Description:

AGRICULTURE NONPOINT SOURCE WATER QUALITY SHORT COURSE

This course will take place in Columbia, Missouri from May 10, 1998 to May 31, 1999, and it will provide classroom and field training in the following subject areas:

1. Key legislation and rules driving water quality programs
2. Intended use and water quality criteria/standards
3. AgNPS pollutants, their source and effects on freshwater ecosystems
4. Physical, chemical, and biological water quality indicators and what they mean
5. Stream and lake dynamics
6. Water quality monitoring
7. Watershed/Whole Farm/BMP System planing
8. Technical and educational water quality information sources

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The minigrant will fund two 21/2-day technical training courses that target local AgNPS Salt team leaders, project managers, local committee members, planning team coordinators and other who need a basic understanding of agricultural nonpoint source watershed planning issues.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completing of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize indicators of water quality degradation
2. Understand how NPS pollutants affect freshwater ecosystems
3. Link observed degradation to potential sources of water quality impairment
4. Prescribe elements of a resource management plan ( at both field and watershed level) to treat sources of water quality impairment
5. Understand evaluation and monitoring element of AgNPS water quality plans

PRODUCTS

Students will be better equipped to perform the water quality functions of their jobs through increased understanding of:

1. Two 21/2-day technical training courses
2. Purchase water quality Indicators Guides
3. Purchase 3 book sets - The Land Series,
4. CTIC Know Your Watershed Series
5. Streamkeepers Field Guide
6. Pre and post-course examinations

PROJECT SPONSOR

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

COOPERATING AGENCIES

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Health
University of Missouri Extension

CONTACT

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
601 Business Loop 70 W, Suite 250
Columbia, MO 65203
Clifford Baumer, Environmental Engineer
telephone: 573-876-9418
email: clif.baumer@mo.usda.gov