FY02- NDSU Extension Service
PROGRAM #207 - NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Program Planning Team: Tom Hanson (co-chair), Marcus Jackson (co-chair), Kent Alderin, Cheryl Biller, Brad Brummond, Gary Clambey, Joe Courneya, Dan Driessen, Dave Franzen, Julie Garden-Robinson, Carolyn Grygiel, Scott Hochhaulter, Karl Hoppe, Jim Lindley, Lee Manske, Marcia McMullen, Dale Naze, Kendall Nichols, John Nowatski, Jim Richardson, Tom Scherer, JW Schroeder, Kevin Sedivec, Bruce Seelig, Tom Socha, Andrew Thostenson, Jim Walla

Overall Situation

Soil, water, air, plants, and animals are intricately interwoven as essential elements of our lives. They provide for our very existence and afford aesthetic values and recreational opportunities which directly impact the quality of our lives. These resources contribute to the livelihoods of residents and nonresidents employed in agriculture, industry, eco-tourism, and other occupations. Natural resources are finite and must be protected and wisely used if we are to continue to garner income, recreation, aesthetic pleasure, and good health from them.

Competing interests for natural resources will continue to create controversial issues based on need and philosophy of use. Research-based information must be used to educate the general public, agricultural producers, industry, and others of the consequences of actions, or inactions, affecting natural resources.

 

Key Theme(s):   Forestry Resource Management

Persons Responsible:  Marcus Jackson, Jim Walla, Scott Hochhalter, Joe Courneya

Partner(s):  Craig Stange (USDA-NRCS), Tom Berg (North Dakota Forest Service)

Situation

Agroforestry systems control wind erosion, increase crop yields, improve livestock weight gain, and reduce home energy costs. In addition, these systems increase water-use efficiency, protect wildlife, improve water quality, reduce snow drifts on roads, and provide long-term profits for landowners. They can provide income through wood and other tree products. Yet, many of the benefits provided by agroforestry systems are not fully utilized and are often under-appreciated. More than 2/3 of the windbreaks and shelterbelts in North Dakota need renovation to sustain the environmental, economic, and social benefits they provide.

Rivers, streams, and lakes within North Dakota are impacted by nonpoint source pollution. Trees in the drainage areas reduce pollution of water, decrease damage from flooding, and provide habitat diversity. In many areas, trees in these riparian zones have been impacted by grazing, crop production, urban development, and modification of hydrology.

Anticipated Outcomes

Educational Program (Outputs)

Inputs

Evaluation Plan

 

Key Theme(s):   Rangeland/Pasture Management

Persons Responsible:  Kevin Sedivec, Lee Manske, Dean Chamrad, Kent Alderin, Dale Naze, Tom Hanson

Situation

North Dakota rangelands are a diverse array of plant communities which support wildlife, domestic livestock, insects, other life forms, and recreation opportunities for both residents and nonresidents. With this network of interests competing for use of the resource and all contributing economically because of this use, disagreements regarding priority of use often arise. Understanding the many sides to these conflicts, including private and public lands, can be a complex process, but is necessary to find win-win solutions which will protect this vibrant resource and satisfy the desires of those who value it.

Anticipated Outcomes

Public and Private Land Easements

Gain an increased understanding of the types of easements being offered, what to beware of and look for in an easement, what the different easements will do and their limitations, the situations where a certain type of easement fits, and options for the parties involved to dissolve the easement agreement (including potential penalties).

Educational Program (Outputs)

Inputs

Evaluation Plan

Provide a pre-training questionnaire and the same instrument post-training to determine knowledge gained. Monitor circular requests.

 

Key Theme(s):   Agricultural Waste Management

Situation

Animal feeding operations across all industries are expected to comply with the requirements of the Clean Waters Act and the Clean Air Act. While larger operations (>200 AU's) require an "approval to operate" from the Department of Health, even smaller operations should adopt waste management practices to minimize impact on water and air quality. Existing animal feeding operations have the potential to reduce water pollution through structural or management changes. Changes in the livestock industry to larger and more intensive operations increase the potential for surface and ground water pollution unless facilities are well constructed and managed. Proper utilization of livestock waste in crop nutrient programs will help assure positive environmental outcomes.

Inputs

Livestock Waste Specialists:

Provide leadership for the development, delivery and assessment of an educational program for agricultural producers on livestock facilities, waste handling and utilization. The educational program will facilitate the proper handling, storage, management and utilization of livestock waste and the use of appropriate technologies to protect water quality and the environment in North Dakota conditions.

Extension Specialists:

NDSU Extension Service Specialists who provide program development and delivery in animal science, soils and fertility, and Ag and Biosystems Engineering. The animal science specialists contribution to the project will focus on animal dietary strategies that focus on waste management. The soils and fertility specialist will incorporate livestock manure utilization into on-going crop fertility programming. And the Ag and Biosystems Engineering specialist will provide direction and oversight on the utilization of Midwest Plan Service education materials that deal with livestock waste systems. The two extension livestock waste management specialists will also collaborate with these Extension Service Specialists on educational needs assessment, program development and delivery.

Research Scientists:

North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station Scientists who work with animal research programs at both the Dickinson and Carrington Research/Extension Centers along with a state livestock waste management research scientist. Applied research and demonstration projects will be the main focus of this collaboration.

Extension Agents:

County Extension Agents who will organize local educational efforts and help provide educational program delivery that is focused on the specific needs of producers in their region. Specific contributions to the project will include organizing and facilitating regional educational events such as workshops, tours and demonstration projects. These extension agents will also receive additional training on animal dietary strategies, manure utilization and mortality management and incorporate this information into their livestock/crops educational programs along with providing leadership to this program effort within their multicounty program unit (MPU).

Partners:

Educational Curriculum(s):  

Resources:

Outputs

Program Activities:

a) Environmental Stewardship and Whole Farm Nutrient Planning
b) Animal Dietary Strategies
c) Manure Storage and Treatment
d) Land Application and Nutrient Management
e) Outdoor Air Quality
f) Related Issues such as Mortality Management, Emergency Action, etc.

Audience:

Livestock producers, extension agents, NRCS & SCD personnel, custom applicators, consultants and contractors.

Outcomes

Short Term:

Medium Term

Long Term:

 

Key Theme(s):   Pesticide Application

Persons Responsible:  Andrew A. Thostenson, Marcia McMullen, Marcus Jackson, Ron Smith, Joe Courneya, Cheryl Biller, and Kendall Nichols

Situation

Weed, insect, and disease problems are major production constraints for ND agricultural producers. The use of pesticide to control these pests have been clearly demonstrated. Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides were applied one or more times to 19.3, 1.5, and 1.0 million acres, respectively in ND in 2000. In urban settings, it is estimated that nearly 35% of ND's population uses pesticides in yard, garden, or home situations. Obviously, pesticide use is widespread throughout the state. However, the vast majority of the population is at the same time concerned about real and/or perceived adverse impacts this pesticide use is having on the environment and on human health.

The trend towards increasing restrictions on pesticides is clear as the public and regulators become wary of their use. Pesticide use is becoming more complicated by the introduction of genetically modified crops, emerging application technology, and highly technical use guidelines.

Educating agricultural and urban user about the safe and effective use of pesticides will minimize their use, maximize their benefits, and alleviate the general public's fear about health and environmental degradation. Educating the general public about the scientific basis of pesticide risk versus benefits will result in reasoned debate in public policy making.

Anticipated Outcomes

Educational Program (Outputs)

Evaluation Plan

Surveys of program participants will be used to determine attitude changes. The North Dakota Poison Center will monitor and report the number of accidental pesticide exposures. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture will monitor and report the number and type of complaints and violations of the pesticide law. Evaluation information will be used to assess program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and to ascertain emerging pesticide issues.

 

Key Theme(s):  Water Quality, Soil Quality

Persons Responsible:  Dave Franzen, Bruce Seelig, Jimmie Richardson

Situation

Food production must be maintained to support both human nutrition and economic vitality in North Dakota and the nation. However, food production systems should be managed to minimize adverse effects on the environment for the long-range sustainability of agriculture, native species and our society. Management of agriculture should include consideration of erosion, soil quality, air quality, surface water and groundwater quality and the impacts of agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration.

Inputs

Team members will be active in promoting soil and water management and will receive assistance from county agents and other members of the Department of Soil Science, Plant Sciences and the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at NDSU. GIS programs are available to help county agents and program participants better manage fields with respect to nutrients and pesticides. Communications will help present messages to various media.

Outputs

Anticipated Outcomes

 

Key Theme(s):   Water Quality Protection

Persons Responsible:  Bruce Seelig, John Nowatzki, Tom Scherer, Joe Courneya, Julie Garden-Robinson

Partner(s):  USDA-NRCS

Situation

Maintenance and protection of the quality of water resources is a goal shared by the majority of North Dakotans. Data show that water resources vary with respect to the type and intensity of impacts. Results from water monitoring programs conducted by EPA and ND Dept. of Health indicate that most water contamination originates as non-point source. Delivery of nonpoint source contaminants to water resources is related to the processes of runoff and leaching. Although urban areas contribute to the problem, the shear magnitude of land under agricultural production dictates programmatic emphasis on this sector of human activity. Successful control of nonpoint source pollution requires a balance of regulatory and voluntary actions implemented by an informed society. Educational programs that empower individuals to critically address the relevance of water quality to their local communities are needed.

Inputs

Input from professionals with expertise in agronomy, soil science, engineering, economics, food and nutrition, animal science, range science, hydrology, and geology is needed to design and deliver educational programs that effectively address water quality at the watershed level. State, regional, and county extension staff along with the teaching and research faculty at NDSU should form the core of this professional group. However, water quality education extends well beyond the capacity of a single institution such as NDSU. In order for NDSU to expend its inputs most effectively for water quality education, it must integrate its efforts with other agencies and organizations such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Services Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, ND Department of Health, ND Department of Agriculture, ND Water Commission, ND Geological Survey, ND State Game and Fish, ND Forest Service, ND Association of Conservation Districts, ND Farm Bureau, ND Farmers Union with similar interests. Regular and dependable exchange of information between these organizations is essential to the delivery of an effective water quality educational program. Water quality education is effective only if a well balanced approach is used that incorporates the knowledge and expertise of many individuals from many organizations

NDSU Extension receives Federal grant money to support individuals to work specifically on three areas of water quality education. The Regional Water Quality Coordination project supports the development of a water quality information system for the 6 states in EPA Region 8 and facilitation of water quality education by NDSU faculty. The project provides digital maps of landuse in North Dakota on an annual interval and supports the use of this information in estimating land management impacts to water resources. The Pesticide Strategy for Groundwater Protection project supports the construction of digital groundwater sensitivity maps for each county and management recommendations to reduce the potential for pesticide contamination.

Outputs

Output from the Regional Water Quality Coordination program is intended to reach a broad audience through the development of a website with water quality resources and links. Another output from this program will be a coordinated working group composed of NDSU faculty dedicated to integration of water quality issues into teaching, research, and extension programs. The final output is increased leveraged efforts between NDSU and other organizations that relate to water quality issues (A prime example of this output is the Landuse Determination Using Satellite Imagery project. NDSU Extension was able to leverage its water quality program to partner with ND Agricultural Statistics (NDASS) to secure resources for additional water quality activities). Output from the Landuse Determination Using Satellite Imagery Program is intended to reach of broad audience through the development of a website and delivery of computer and software training related to the use of LandSat images. Workshops and training of different levels will be done at 10 different sites during the year. The other output that will be managed by the NDASS is a digital landuse map for North Dakota each year. Output from the Pesticide Strategy for Groundwater Protection project is directed toward individuals involved in pesticide applications. Output includes digital county pesticide sensitivity maps displayed in on an interactive website. Six counties will be added to the site this year. Output also includes pesticide sensitivity training at 10 pesticide applicator certification meeting during the year. A spin-off output from this project includes 10 workshops per year related to GPS/GIS training for audiences that range from youth to adults. Knowledge gained from these activities has resulted in leveraging a major NASA grant related to the use of GPS/GIS and resource management.

Create and maintain Regional water quality information system

Facilitate creation and maintenance of an NDSU Water Quality working group

Produce digital landuse maps of North Dakota

Deliver 10 workshops related to landuse images and natural resource management

Deliver Water Resources Sensitivity Assessment program (in cooperation with the ND Dept. of Agriculture) statewide but focusing on 7 specific counties

Maintain and update water resource sensitivity maps on the interactive website

Deliver concepts of water quality protection to North Dakota youth via conservation tours and camps.

Deliver statewide Farmstead Assessment program via workshops and meetings.

Deliver water resource protection from pesticides via Pesticide Applicator Certification program.

Deliver GPS/GIS training

Deliver training to septic system installers via workshops.

Outcomes

Anticipated outcomes from the activities supported by the three water quality grants include decreased potential for water contamination from pesticides, nitrogen, sediment, and pathogens due to a more knowledgeable public. Another outcome is more efficient use of public resources through identification of vulnerable or critical management areas. Effective water protection programs require accurate characterization of the pollution source with respect to specific water resources. Educational programs and tools are needed that help individuals and communities assess the potential impacts of nonpoint source pollution to their local water resources. Assessment efforts based on objective interpretation of natural resource data will ultimately reduce costs associated with contamination remediation and costs related to unnecessary activities in areas of low vulnerability.

 

Key Theme(s):   Wildlife Management

Persons Responsible:  Dan Driessen, Gary Clambey, Brad Brummond, Kevin Sedivec, ND Game and Fish Department, ND Dept. of Agriculture representative, Ducks Unlimited Representative, Dave Dewald (USDA-NRCS), EERC-UND representative

Situation

Since settlement, significant changes have occurred to the North Dakota landscape. With the changes in production agriculture and the expanding urban environment in ND, prairie ecosystems have been changed to become a new environment for wildlife species. These changes in North Dakota’s landscape and the introduction of new plants and animals have challenged private and public land managers to develop new techniques to incorporate wildlife management practices, integrated pest management, and maintain and improve a healthy and compatible ecosystem.

Inputs

Outputs (Educational Programs)

Outcomes-Impact

Animal Pest Management:

Gain an understanding of animal pests and their relationship to urban and agricultural development. Promote a working relationship with existing agencies to develop a unified and consistent knowledge base for animal pest management.

Integrating Wildlife into Agricultural and Urban Environments:

Stimulate interest in creating a compatible relationship between wildlife, agriculture, and expanding urban development. Promote a working relationship with existing agencies to develop a unified and consistent knowledge base for integrating wildlife into agricultural and urban environments.

Prescription Grazing for Wildlife Habitat Enhancement:

Disseminate existing information on compatible grazing systems that enhance wildlife habitat. Promote a working relationship with existing agencies to develop a unified and consistent knowledge base for prescription grazing for wildlife habitat enhancement.

Water Resource:

Help develop an increased education to our audiences in the understanding of wetlands and riparian functions as related to wildlife water needs. Promote a working relationship with existing agencies to develop a unified and consistent knowledge base for water resources.

Recreation/Tourism:

Develop an information base between agencies and incorporate working programs for the public awareness of recreational tourism opportunities within counties.

Evaluation Plan

A coordination meeting will be held in FY 2002 with interested agencies and groups to determine the need for and the extent which Extension will commit resources to achieving the anticipated outcomes. From this meeting, a more detailed plan will be developed addressing the need for further development of the materials and direction of assistance to the public and/or agencies relating to the anticipated outcomes.

 

Key Theme(s):   Geospatial (Geographic Information Systems - GIS, Global Positioning Systems GPS, Imagery Program)

Situation

This program component will encourage extension personnel to cooperate with North Dakota agricultural producers and natural resource managers as well as other end-users willing to apply and demonstrate geospatial technology.  Extension personnel and cooperating end-users will be trained to become proficient in basic geospatial computer software and datasets required in using remote sensing products. The expected outcomes will be county extension agents proficient in using geospatial technology who can provide on-going technical advice to end-users who choose to implement this technology in their management schemes.


Inputs

Staff

Time Frame

Partners

Equipment

Technology

Outputs

Output (Activities)

a. Intermediate GIS Skills
b. GPS Applications to Ag and Natural Resources
c. Using Satellite Imagery and Aerial Photography in GIS Programs.

Output (Participation)

Learning Outcomes

Action Outcomes

Evaluation

Evaluate end-user reactions to implementing geospatial data sets, procedures and technology into their

agricultural or natural resource management applications. Evaluations will focus on:

Evaluate participating NDSU extension and research personnel prior to and annually throughout the project to

monitor understandings and use of geospatial technology in their work.