power hypoxia task force
DESCRIPTION
69th SWCS International Annual Conference July 27-30, 2014 Lombard, ILTRANSCRIPT
Rebecca PowerInterim Director, North Central Region Water Network
University of Wisconsin‐Extension
Reduce nutrient losses to crops Reduce negative impacts of nutrients on surface water, groundwater, and the people and ecosystems that depend on water resources
Maintain effective communication and collaboration among diverse and necessary partners in the complex task of managing N and P in the Mississippi and Ohio River basins
Strengthen a growing coalition of groups working to improve nutrient management at local, state, and basin scales
Couple resources of HTF and member agencies with the knowledge generation and education/engagement expertise of LGUs and extension
Land‐grant universities created to provide “liberal and practical education”
<Fall 2012
Universities involved to varying degrees in state nutrient strategies
Fall 2012 HTF meeting: idea of broader HTF‐LGU collaboration initiated
Spring 2013
HTF‐LGU collaboration articulated in white paper
Summer 2013
Non‐funded Cooperative Agreement crafted
Fall 2013 Coordination needs identified
Winter 2014
Initiation of Extension and Research Activities Committee (SERA)
Spring 2014
HTF‐LGU Cooperative Agreement signed and executed
Spring 2014
HTF initiates response to SERA goals/objectives
Formal USDA‐NIFA structure designed to promote multistate research and extension activities
Bring together researchers and extension educators around a common problem, issue, or disciplinary interest
Approved by Experiment Station and Extension Directors and NIFA
Overseen by Administrative Advisor(s) Standardized reporting to USDA‐NIFA
1. Establish and strengthen relationships a. Support regular communication and collaboration
among LGUs, HTF members, and other partners to strengthen multi‐state approaches regarding agricultural and environmental research and outreach
b. Encourage intrastate interactions between state agencies, universities and others to meet state‐level nutrient reduction goals
c. Leverage the synergy of the HTF‐LGU relationship to seek/secure funding to support multistate initiatives that address HTF goals
2. Strengthen the knowledge base for discovery of new tools and practices as well as for the continual validation of recommended practices
a. Strengthen the science base that informs our understanding of the costs, benefits, and efficacy of nutrient management strategies at multiple temporal and spatial scales
b. Develop and refine appropriate nutrient decision support tools for better decision‐making
c. Promote environmental assessment research to improve water and atmospheric quality
3. Strengthen the delivery of educational programming for agricultural and non‐agricultural audiences to increase implementation and effectiveness of nutrient management strategies
a. Exchange across states information about model education and outreach programs that improve adoption of conservation practices and enhance nutrient use efficiency
b. Within states, collaborate with HTF member agencies and other stakeholders to address outreach and education priorities
c. Engage farmers in producer‐led watershed projects and on‐farm research and demonstration to increase the adoption and effectiveness of nutrient management strategies
d. Engage producer groups and ag industry (CCAs, trusted advisors, ag consultants) to develop and implement effective nutrient management strategies
HTF member Dr. Ann Bartuska appoints Dr. Bob Holland at USDA‐NIFA as a liaison between LGUs and the USDA Research, Education and Economics Mission Area
HTF responds with collaboration opportunities; examples include: Compile BMP effectiveness information/publications in one
place Participate in state strategies – research/assessment and
outreach Research and outreach on precision nutrient management Work with Certified Crop Advisors on common
approaches/messages that have economic and environmental benefits
Healthy Soils Healthy Waters Workshop Confluence newsletter, with a “From the Hypoxia Task Force” column
Wes Burger, Mississippi State University Michael Schmitt, University of Minnesota John Lawrence, Iowa State University Mike Daniels, University of Arkansas Andy Ward, The Ohio State University Richard Ingram, Mississippi State University (formerly Mississippi DEQ)
Shawn Richmond, IDALS Joe Piotrowski, USEPA Ann Bartuska, USDA