Program Planning Team: Tom Hanson (co-chair), Marcus Jackson (co-chair), Kent Alderin, Scott Birchall, Brad Brummond, Gary Clambey, Joe Courneya, Dan Driessen, Dave Franzen, Julie Garden-Robinson, Joe Gross, Carolyn Grygiel, Scott Hochhalter, Karl Hoppe, Jim Lindley, Lee Manske, Marcia McMullen, Dale Naze, Kendall Nichols, John Nowatzki, Jim Richardson, Cheryl Ruby, 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.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
FORESTRY

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 Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Increase tree planting to meet current and future environmental, economic, and social needs.
• Improve awareness of alternative income opportunities through agroforestry practices.
• Improve sustainability of windbreak benefits.
• Determine potential for providing educational programming in riparian zone development and restoration.
• Provide stronger outcomes for funds by partnering with the NRCS for educational programming.

Educational Program

• Develop partnerships with organizations and landowners to provide demonstration sites and workshops which promote tree planting, increase awareness of agroforestry income opportunities, and improve sustainability of windbreak benefits.
• Develop and distribute news releases, bulletins, brochures, slide sets, and videos.
• Provide a comprehensive web site which supplies North Dakota forestry information, tree identification, tree problem identification and management, and contact information for forestry professionals in North Dakota. This site is used by natural resource professionals and the general public.

Evaluation Plan

• Utilize North Dakota Forest Service annual report of tree planting numbers.
• Survey growers, processors, and marketers of agroforestry products in North Dakota (to develop base-line information).
• Survey landowners for awareness of windbreak management/renovation practices and adoption of such practices (to develop base-line information).
• Assess and evaluate the potential to provide programming in riparian zone development and restoration.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
GRAZING LANDS

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

Partner(s)
Dean Chamrad (USDA-NRCS)

Situation
North Dakota rangelands are a diverse array of plant communities which support wildlife, domestic livestock, insects, other life forms, and recreational 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 Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Public and private land easements - Gain an increased understanding of the types of public and private land easements being offered, what to be aware 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

• Develop a circular to address easement questions and explain the types that are currently being used by federal, state, and other organizations.
• Conduct a training session to highlight the numerous easements available and discuss the issues surrounding public and private land easement. Examples of various easements will be shared with attention given to the problematic areas of the easement which historically have caused disagreement.

Evaluation Plan

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

PROGRAM COMPONENT
LIVESTOCK WASTE MANAGEMENT

Persons Responsible
Scott Birchall, Karl Hoppe, JW Schroeder, Tom Socha, Jim Lindley, Bruce Seelig, Dave Franzen

Partner(s)
Wes Wiedenmeyer, Alan Ness (NRCS), Gary Haberstroh (NDDH)

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.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Enable producers to assess if their facilities and waste management practices measure up to regulatory requirements.
• Educational information that will allow producers to select and manage a waste management system that suits their operation.
• Reduce the impact of animal feeding operations on surface water, ground water and air quality.

Educational Program

• Extension material (publications, slides, etc.) focused on waste management issues affecting North Dakota producers.
• Provide training opportunities (seminars, workshops, demonstrations and field days) for people involved in making waste management decisions. The target audience will mainly be producers but will also include extension agents and custom applicators, consultants and contractors.
• One-on-one technical assistance for producers considering or planning to implement changes.
• Continue coordination of the NPPC On-Farm Odor and Environmental Assistance Program.

Evaluation Plan

• Participants in training/education events will be asked to rate the relevance and impact of the information presented.
• A follow-up survey of those producers that participated in the manure application planning workshops held early in 2000 to assess the level of adoption.
• Monitor trends in NDDH permitting and compliance enforcement activities.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
PESTICIDES AND OUR ENVIRONMENT

Persons Responsible
Andrew Thostenson, Marcia McMullen, Marcus Jackson, Ron Smith, Joe Courneya, Cheryl Ruby, and Kendall Nichols

Situation
Weed, insect, and disease problems are major production constraints for ND agricultural producers. The use of pesticides to control these pests have been clearly demonstrated. Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides were applied one or more times to 18.8, 1.3, and 0.6 million acres, respectively in ND in 1996. In urban settings, it is estimated that nearly 25% 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 Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Agricultural pesticide users will become aware of real and perceived risks of pesticide use upon the environment and upon human health. This will result in more judicious pesticide use decisions and ultimately lessen any adverse impacts on the environment.
• Urban pesticide users will become aware of real and perceived risks of pesticide use upon the environment and upon human health. This will result in more judicious pesticide use decisions and ultimately lessen any adverse impacts on the environment.
• They will be introduced to the concept of integrated pest management.
• They will learn how to use pesticides when warranted to manage pests.
• They will learn how to use pesticides correctly to minimize the risk to themselves, others, and the environment.
• The general public will be able to ascertain the difference between the real risk of pesticides and the perceived risk of pesticides based on sound scientific facts.

Educational Program

• Program delivery methods will include meetings, distance educational programs and informational circulars.
• Participation in the Master Gardener Program.
• Information about safe and effective use of pesticides will be disseminated via the worldwide web.
• Mass media articles and stories will be used to educate the general public about pesticide safety and environmental issues.

Evaluation Plan

• Surveys of program participants will be used to determine attitude changes.
• The North Dakota Poison Control 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.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Persons Responsible
Dave Franzen, Bruce Seelig, Jim Richardson

Partner(s)
NRCS

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

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Increase awareness of the need to integrate management of nutrients and ag-chemicals for farm production with the conservation of resources and the maintenance of soil and water quality.
• Provide information to help growers and land-users better manage land to maintain productivity while improving environmental conditions.

Educational Program

• Programming for basic farm production practices will include providing information about increasing nutrient efficiency, site-specific management, recognition of environmentally sensitive areas and soils, and properties of nutrients and ag-chemicals which affect movement, persistence and special hazards to soils and the environment.
• GIS training through the use of digital mapping to recognize environmentally sensitive soils and situations.
• Instruction in the use of diagnostic tools, such as soil testing and new soil sampling techniques, will be emphasized to reduce over-application of nutrients.
• Renewed emphasis will be applied to manure management to create awareness in the difference between the nutrient value of manure and "disposal" applications.
• Emphasis on a holistic approach to soil management, including soil quality indicators and management for carbon sequestration.
• Programming goals will be met through use of weaving information into existing programs, such as the annual Soil and Soil Water Training, through county and area meetings on nutrients and ag-chemical use, and pesticide certification training. Special trainings will be offered to address educational needs in GIS and soil health issues. Educational information will be distributed through written circulars/bulletins, news releases and other media.

Evaluation Plan
Attendees of meetings will be asked to evaluate the program and to indicate if the content will make an impact on their business/farming operations and in what way.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
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. Recent federal legislation related to water protection has integrated the concept of Total Maximum Daily Loading (TMDL) into required management and control of nonpoint source pollution. This will affect the activities of individuals and businesses that operate within watersheds with impaired water resources. An informational and educational effort will be required to help people living in impaired watersheds understand their rights and responsibilities under this new law.

Programs that deliver management recommendations designed to control nonpoint source pollution rely on knowledge of the relationship between natural variability and man's activities. 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.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Agricultural producers will reduce/prevent water degradation from plant nutrients.
• Agricultural producers will reduce/prevent water degradation from pesticides.
• Agricultural producers will reduce/prevent water degradation from animal wastes.
• Agricultural producers will protect/improve quality of private well water.
• Policy makers will facilitate citizen actions to protect/improve quality of private well water and public water systems.

Educational Programs

• Deliver Water Resources Sensitivity Assessment program (in cooperation with the ND Dept. of Agriculture) statewide but focussing on the following counties: Mountrail; Pembina; Rolette; and Towner.
• Maintain and update water resource sensitivity maps by county on the ABEN server.
• Deliver Surface Water/Pesticide Sensitivity Assessment program (in cooperation with the ND Dept. of Agriculture and U.S. Fish and Wildlife) to land managers affected by the Endangered Species program.
• 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 training to septic system installers via workshops.

Evaluation Plan

• Survey field staff regarding activities related to the outcomes listed above.
• Trends in nutrient and pesticide use will be followed based on Agricultural Statistics Reporting Service data.
• Participation in meetings, workshops, etc. will be monitored.
• Program participants will be surveyed to determine quality and practicality of information presented.
• Conduct program follow-up to determine adoption of tools and recommendations for water quality protection.
• Monitor WEB contacts at GIS/Assessment Page.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
WILDLIFE

Persons Responsible
Dan Driessen, Brad Brummond, Gary Clambey, Kevin Sedivec, Joe Gross

Partner(s)
ND Game and Fish Dept., ND Dept. of Agriculture representative, Dave Dewald (USDA-NRCS)

Situation
Since settlement, significant changes have occurred to the North Dakota landscape. With changes in production agriculture and 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 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.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• 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 agriculture and urban environments.
• Prescription grazing for wildlife habitat enhancement - Disseminate existing information on compatible grazing systems that enhance wildlife habitat. Promote a working environment with existing agencies to develop plans for a unified and consistent knowledge base for prescription grazing for wildlife 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 environment with existing agencies to develop plans for a unified and consistent knowledge base for North Dakota water resources.
• Recreation/tourism - Develop an information base between agencies and incorporate working programs for the pubic awareness of recreational tourism opportunities within counties.

Educational Programs

• As educators, assistance needs to be provided to help in the implementation and development of wildlife habitat practices that do not conflict with agriculture and wildlife.
• Evaluate existing educational materials and develop new educational resources as needed to address anticipated outcomes.
• Networking of agencies providing technical assistance to rural and urban landowners needs to be completed.

Evaluation Plan
A coordination meeting will be held in FY2001 with interested agencies and groups to determine the need for 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 materials and direction of assistance to the public and/or other agencies relating to the anticipated outcomes.