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Mark Twain Water Quality Initiative-Information/Education Project
Since most of the drinking water in the northeast region of Missouri comes from reservoirs, a large percentage of the population is affected by the quality of raw water in these watersheds. Existing problems include nonpoint source pollution from surface water carrying sediment, nutrients and crop protection chemicals. In addition to this, the conservation provision of the 1996 Farm Bill is addressing high priority environmental protection goals. Under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), only land that poses a serious problem to soil, water or related resources will be eligible for EQIP contracts. The Mark Twain Water Quality Initiative's geographic region was targeted as a conservation high priority area for the 1997 EQIP.
Mark Twain Lake is the largest reservoir in the region. It is fed primarily by the North and Middle Fork of the Salt River and its tributaries. A major water quality initiative is focused in this priority watershed.
The original project area involved 630 square miles (404,800) in Northeast Missouri which included the watershed area of the North Fork of the Salt River and Crooked and Otter Creeks with Knox, Randolph, Macon, Ralls, Marion, Monroe and Shelby Counties. Currently, technical assistance is also provided to portions of Adair, Audrain, Boone, Chariton and Schulyer Counties draining into Mark Twain Lake and other watersheds.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Mark Twain Water Quality Initiative is led by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff who provide technical assistance in developing and implementing whole farm Total Resource Management Plans emphasizing nutrient/pesticide strategies, plan and design of animal waste systems, monitor six public drinking water supply lakes, and provide training as needed for professionals and producers. A Missouri Department of Conservation resource forester is headquartered with the Initiative and provides woodland assistance to landowners. The three-quarter-time Extension Water Quality Information/Education (IandE) Specialist supported by the 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant is housed with the NRCS Mark Twain Water Quality Initiative team and maintains a public information/education network to support all NPS activities within the Mark Twain Region.
PRODUCTS AND OBJECTIVES
This project proposes to build upon the model/experiences/success of the Initiative in the areas of information and education; partnership building; and resource development. Since 1994, the Initiative has piloted a number of efforts toward that end including total resource management planning; integrated crop management/integrated pest management; woodland management; nutrient management; abandoned well/wellhead protection and Farm-A-Syst demonstrations; water quality education for teachers and youth leaders; environmental assessment for real-estate professionals, agency professionals and landowners; and extensive outreach via the media and newsletters. The project has had some successes, notably that of creating an umbrella entity of focal point for water quality activities. This has been accomplished by the deliberate cultivation of partnerships with both private and public sectors.
Specific objectives of the information/education network are:
A. Refine and continue to offer certain educational experiences and opportunities which disseminate the core recommendations of the project.
B. Continue to create public awareness on NPS water quality projects and their objectives.
C. Continue to generate public acceptance and ownership of the total initiative.
D. Continue to create opportunities for agencies, businesses, communities and individuals to protect targeted watersheds and the drinking water that they supply.
E. Continue to serve as an information "clearinghouse" for the various NPS projects and maintain communications between projects.
F. Continue to publicize recommendations, progress and success stories of the Initiative and its partners, regionally, statewide and nationally.
Project period: January 1, 1994--December 31, 1999
PROJECT SPONSOR
University of Missouri - Columbia/Carpenter
COOPERATING AGENCY
EPA/DNRNatural Resources Conservation Service
Missouri Department of Conservation
CONTACT
University of Missouri- Columbia
Office of Sponsored Program Administration
310 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Robert Broz 573-882-0085
brozr@.missouri.edu
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