MSUE -- Current Water Quality Committee Projects




	Water Area of Expertise Funded Projects Team members of the Water AOE are involved in a variety of projects that address the goals and objectives of the AOE. A summary poster (.pdf file) that highlights some of these activities is available. Recent and ongoing projects are summarized below. Irrigation, Water Use, and Groundwater Withdrawals (The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program) Lyndon Kelley, Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, Kellogg Biological Station Land and Water Program, Michigan State University Extension Click on the title above to obtain a variety of information and documents on Water Use Plans, Registration Forms, Conservation Plans, and links to other web sites. *Building Capacity of E. coli* monitoring by Volunteer Networks: A Multi-state Effort** funding from USDA CSREES - States participating include Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Michigan participants are Lois Wolfson, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Institute of Water Research, and Jane Herbert, Kellogg Biological Station. This multi-state project aimed at training citizen volunteers in the understanding and collection of water samples for bacteria is being developed in the Great Lakes region. The project will also include an assessment of the quality, reliability and usability of bacteria (specifically E. coli) test kits. Volunteer monitoring groups and agricultural producers will be tapped to evaluate the usability of these test kits. Extension Education for the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (three-year project with funding from USDA CSREES) Allen Krizek, Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program Natalie Rector, Calhoun County Bill Bickert, Agricultural Engineering This project will focus on enhancing MSUE's role in livestock manure management education through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). MAEAP is a three-step strategy to protect water resources of the state from potential discharges from livestock farms. The three steps include: livestock producer education, operation-specific comprehensive nutrient management planning (CNMP) and verification of the implementation of the CNMP. MSU Extension's role is to carry out the education component of the strategy. The USDA funding will allow MSU Extension to dedicate one additional full time equivalent field faculty position (along with members of the Manure Area of Expertise Team) to the important task of agricultural environmental management education. A successful extension education initiative will result in the implementation of improved manure management practices by the state's livestock producers and the protection of Michigan's water resources. Lake and Stream Leader's Institute Howard Wandell, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife The goal of the Lake and Stream Leader's Institute is to train and promote local leaders who will be involved in the protection and management of lakes, streams, and watersheds in Michigan. The Institute employs a combination of reading, classroom activities, field experiences and an applied project to prepare participants to contribute to lake, stream and watershed management planning and program implementation. After completing the Institute, participants are engaged in an Alumni Program to promote communication, continued learning possibilities and opportunities for service. KBS Lakescaping Demonstration Jane Herbert, District Extension Agent, KBS Helping shoreline property owners protect water quality and improve wildlife habitat through alternative shoreline management is the goal of Phase III of the KBS Lakescaping demonstration project at the Kellogg Biological Station. Phase I of the project involved the installation of a variety of soil-bioengineered erosion control structures. Phase II saw the design and installation of four 100-foot alternative landscapes (lakescapes) with multiple educational concepts embedded in each. The popularity of Extension programs around lake management issues has created an audience of property owners who are eager to see on-the-ground landscaping alternatives and either make the changes themselves or hire landscapers. New funding (click here for a copy of the proposal) will help fund Phase III -- the creation of interpretive signage, educational materials and lesson plans to enhance and expand the value of this unique educational resource for a variety of targeted audiences to meet this need. Enhancing Water Quality and Wildlife through Shoreline Management Howard Wandell, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Lois Wolfson, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Institute of Water Research The four ponds located at the south end of campus at the Inland Lakes Research and Study Center facility have been the setting for demonstrating proper and improper lakescape management for controlling shoreline erosion, impeding nutrient input, and for improving wildlife habitat. An erosion control structure made of coconut logs was placed along the shore line (left). Native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and herbs has been added to the site. On the right is the adjacent shoreline lot with grass growing down to the shore's edge. Erosion has been significant and the area is attractive mainly to Canada geese. Click on this link to view a poster (pdf file) depicting the project over a two-year period. CSREES Regional Water Project Regional Water Quality Coordination - submitted jointly with the other Region 5 states Ruth Kline-Robach (Institute of Water Research) Lois Wolfson (Fisheries and Wildlife/IWR) Jon Bartholic (Institute of Water Research) The Great Lakes Regional Water Program addresses water quality research, education, and outreach/extension efforts common to the six states in USEPA Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The goals are: refine and coordinate goals for the region develop a clearinghouse of expertise and programs assess program gaps and identify potential issues for cross-agency and private sector collaboration establish priorities for strengthening regional collaboration within the theme areas established explore how program linkages can be made with existing Land Grant research efforts define methods of acknowledging existing programs and successful efforts and develop an approach that establishes priorities for leveraging funding, and expertise across the region.
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