United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Water
(WH-556F)
843-S-92-001
March 1992
&EPA
Summary Of Section 319(h)
Wetlands And Riparian Projects
Fiscal Years
1990 and 1991
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Special thanks to the Regional Nonpoint Source Coordinators and their staffs for
providing information on the projects identified in this report.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
page(s)
I. INTRODUCTION i-ii
II. SECTION 319(h) FY 1990/1991 PROJECT SUMMARIES
A. PROTECTION AND RESTORATION
Colorado
North Fork Republican River Watershed 1
Boulder Creek Basin 1-2
Connecticut
Pequabuck River Bristol 2
Mattabasset River Nonpoint Source Program 2-3
Florida
Megginnis Arm Revegetation 3-4
Georgia
Water Quality Effects of Reestablished
Riparian Forest in Southeastern Coastal
Plain 4
Hawaii
Pearl Harbor Demonstration 4-5
Iowa
Riparian Zone Tree Buffer 5
Minnesota
Wetland Restoration Within the
Big Stone Lake Watershed 5-6
Montana
Three Mile Creek Stabilization Plan 6
Nonpoint Source Hydrologic Unit Water
Quality Plan, Godfrey Creek 7
Musselshell River Stream Corridor 7-8
East Spring Creek Rehabilitation 8
Nevada
Electronic Control of Livestock 8-9
Eightmile Creek Restoration 9-10
South Dakota
Watershed Protection Plan, Pickerel Lake 10
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PROTECTION AND RESTORATION (continued) page(s)
Utah
Chalk Creek Watershed 10-11
Jordan River Parkway Restoration 11-12
Otter Creek Restoration 12
B. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Delaware
Biological Criteria Development Program 13
Illinois
Wetland Conservation Easement Program 13
Indiana
Environmental Scientist Staff Position 14
Iowa
Staff Position - Iowa Great Lakes
Protection 14-15
New Hampshire
Lower Merrimack River Basin Initiative 15
Upper Connecticut Watershed 15-16
North Carolina
Staff Position - Nonpoint Source Mgmt. 16
Rhode Island
Staff Positions - Water Quality Protection
and Stormwater Regulations 16-17
Vermont
Wetlands Enforcement Implementation 17
Wisconsin
Nonpoint Source Easement Coordinator 18
C. EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING
California
"How to Heal the Land" Video 19
Kentucky
Riparian Education 19
Louisiana
Wetland and Estuaries 20
Mermentau River Basin 20
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
C. EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING (continued) page(s)
South Dakota
Riparian Grazing Workshop 21
Utah
"Stream Team"/ Utah Riparian Coalition 21
Vermont
Nonpoint Source Control Project 21-22
Wyoming
Using Beaver Management and Ecology to
Stabilize Riparian Watercourses 22
D. CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
Alabama
Big Prairie/ Cottonwood Creek Watershed 23
Sand Mountain/ Lake Guntersville Watershed 23
Bayview Watershed 24
Illinois
Lake Argyle and Siloam Springs Wetlands
Construction and Evaluation 24
Indiana
Livestock Waste Management and Multiple-Use
Constructed Wetlands in the Upper
Tippecanoe River 25
Mississippi
Catfish Pond Nutrient Removal Demonstration 25-26
Nebraska
Czechland Lake Watershed 26
Ohio
Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Using Wetland
Technology 27
Tennessee and Kentucky
Big South Fork/ Bear Creek Demonstration 27
Virginia
Coordinated Approach to Hazard Abatement
on Abandoned Mine Lands 28
West Virginia
Potomac Valley and Eastern Panhandle
Nutrient and Pesticide Management 28
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
page(s)
E. OTHER PROJECTS OF INTEREST
California
Field Test of Demonstration Urban Stormwater
Treatment Marsh (DUST) 29
Delaware
Installation of Stormwater Management Basin 29-30
Iowa
Coldwater Streams Corridor Protection in
Northeastern Iowa 30
Poplar Tree Buffer Strips, Am ana 30-31
Coon Creek Water Quality Project in
Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties 31
New York
Great Lakes Demonstration, Irondequoit Creek 31-32
III. INDEX
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INTRODUCTION
This report was compiled by the Wetlands Division's Strategies and Initiatives
Section in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Wetlands,
Oceans, and Watersheds. The purpose of the report is to briefly describe fiscal year
1990 and 1991 Clean Water Act Section 319(h) projects that have a wetlands or riparian
area component. By highlighting these efforts, EPA regions and their respective States
can share ideas for incorporating protection and restoration of these ecosystems into the
watershed-based approaches of the Section 319 proposals and projects.
The watershed-based approach is recognized by EPA headquarters and the
regions as being important for effectively addressing problems caused by nonpoint source
pollution. The Nonpoint Source Agenda for the Future (1989), the National Guidance
on Wetlands and Nonpoint Source Control Programs (1990), the Section 319 Grant
Guidance (1991) as well as the guidance issued by a number of regions promote and
encourage States to develop and implement projects that incorporate a watershed
approach to addressing nonpoint source problems. Wetlands and riparian areas, as
important components of the watershed, should be considered for two primary reasons.
First, wetlands are "waters of the U.S.", and as such, are afforded protection under the
Clean Water Act. Their unique functions and values (i.e., wildlife and fish habitat, flood
control, recreation and aesthetic appeal) make them a valuable resource that should be
protected from adverse impacts. Second, in unaltered watersheds, wetlands and riparian
areas have historically performed the important function of intercepting upland runoff
and filtering or transforming nutrients and sediments, thus protecting the water quality
of the adjacent waterbody. Many of these areas still perform or have the potential to
perform these functions, though changes in upland land use (i.e., clearing to facilitate
agriculture or paving from urban development) or alterations to the wetlands may have
impaired or endangered the capabilities of these ecosystems to function as effectively.
The opportunity for wetlands and riparian areas to be integral components of
nonpoint source watershed projects continues to expand. Wetland and riparian
protection, combined with other practices to reduce the generation of nonpoint source
pollutants or to pretreat runoff to avoid adverse impacts, is an approach many States are
taking to improve the water quality of the States' impaired waters. For example, the
Godfrey Creek Hydrologic Unit Water Quality Plan (Montana) combines restoration of
riparian corridor, re-establishment of indigenous plants, and landowner education with
the development of farm and pasture management plans as a means of improving and
then maintaining water quality in Godfrey Creek. Similarly, the Big Stone Lake Clean
Lakes Program (Minnesota) has identified wetland restoration as one of the principle
land management practices to be implemented in the watershed to address nonpoint
source pollution. This program emphasizes wetland protection and restoration in three
subwatersheds that were identified as major contributors of nonpoint source pollution to
Big Stone Lake. Projects such as these result not only in water quality improvement, but
also in important opportunities for protecting or re-establishing other functions and
values.
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This report provides the reader with summary information on the wetlands or
riparian component of State projects, with particular emphasis on projects which focus
on protection and restoration of these ecosystems. In addition, descriptions of projects
that replicate the water quality improvement function of wetlands through use of
constructed wetlands are also provided. In many cases, however, constructed wetlands
may not be providing the multiple benefits of wetland ecosystems. In addition, because
of the active maintenance, large changes in hydrologic regime, and potential for
concentration of contaminants associated with some uses of constructed wetlands, it may
be best not to design these systems so that they also serve habitat functions.
This report is organized into five sections. The first section, Restoration and
Protection Projects, highlights those projects that have a fairly direct objective of
protecting or restoring wetlands or riparian areas. The second section, Program
Administration, provides information on efforts where a State is instituting an
administrative procedure such as regulations or staffing focusing resources on wetland
and riparian programs that are part of the State nonpoint source or water quality
program. The third section, Education and Technical Training, highlights efforts that
are focusing on education, public outreach or training to promote protection or
restoration of wetlands or riparian areas. The fourth section, Constructed Wetlands,
identifies projects using variations of this technology. The fifth section is classified as
Other Projects of Interest due to the variation in approaches of these projects. This
organization is provided for reader convenience, however, many projects have
components that cut across the identified sections.
For answers to questions regarding additional information on the projects, the
reader should contact the identified State or EPA regional personnel. For copies of this
document, contact the Wetlands Hotline on 1-800-832-7828 or write to the Wetlands
Division at the address below:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Wetlands Division (A-104F)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Attn: Sherri Fields
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PROTECTION AND RESTORATION PROJECTS
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
COLORADO
TITLE: North Fork Republican River Watershed Project
AGENCY: Yuma County Soil Conservation District
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: Excess levels of sediment and nutrients have been found in
the North Fork of the Republican River, the only cold water fishery in Eastern
Colorado. These pollutants have led to a decline in the fishery resource found in
the stream. Encroachment by cattle grazing in the streambank is the largest
factor in fish habitat degradation. The aquatic habitat is also affected by
inadequate shading of the river which causes increased water temperature. The
proposed remedy is to improve riparian areas along the strearfi channel by
developing conservation plans for 15,000 acres within the watershed. The
following BMPs are expected to be used: (1) conservation cropping sequence; (2)
critical area planting; (3) deferred rotation grazing; (4) fencing; (5) fish stream
improvement; (6) pasture and hayland management; (7) proper grazing systems;
(8) streambank and shoreline protection; (9) tree planting; (10) nutrient
management; and (11) pest management. Landowners who participate will be
required to incorporate nutrient and pest management in their conservation plans.
It is anticipated that this project will enhance existing riparian areas, with little or
no deleterious impact.
COLORADO
TITLE: Boulder Creek Basin
AGENCY: City of Boulder, Department of Public Works/ Utilities, Department
of Real Estate and Open Space, Department of Flood Control,
Department of Cable Television Channel 28, US Forest Service, Soil
Conservation Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Colorado
Division of Wildlife, Department of Health
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: The Boulder Creek basin is within Boulder County and
includes a total of 318 square miles which drain into Boulder Creek. The
purpose of this project is to control nonpoint source pollution through the use of
BMPs to reclaim the physical, biological, and chemical integrity of the basin and
to facilitate attainment of aquatic life use. The project's goal is to improve water
quality and restore the functional integrity of the entire stream, riparian and
wetland ecosystem. Nonpoint impacts are mainly from channelization, livestock
1
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
grazing, dewatering, irrigation return flows, and sand and gravel mining. Grazing
has resulted in the removal of most of the riparian vegetation in the project area.
Riparian vegetation removal by grazing has eliminated several important functions
including shading, sediment entrapment and filtration of overflow. Selected
BMPs include: (1) fencing; (2) wetland detention - constructed wetlands will be
utilized to treat very low quality and sediment laden agricultural irrigation return
flows; (3) low flow channel; (4) berm removal; and (5) revegetation.
CONNECTICUT
TITLE: Pequabuck River Bristol (Riparian Zone Habitat Restoration)
AGENCY: CT Department of Environmental Protection
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Doug E. Cooper, Supervising Environmental Analyst, DEP Inland
Water Resources Management Division, Room 207 State Office
Building, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
DESCRIPTION: Urban development, stormdrain outlets and gravel excavation
have altered the riparian habitat and contributed to nonpoint impacts in Bristol.
The purpose of this project is to improve a segment of riparian habitat along the
Pequabuck River using best management practices. BMPs will include:
construction of temporary and permanent erosion control measures, removal of
unnatural sediment accumulations, construction of sediment catchment systems at
roadway drainage discharge points, acquisition of conservation easements,
placement of rip-rap and vegetative slope stabilization, habitat improvements such
as conservation planting and in-stream measures such as fish shelter rocks, pools
and riffle areas. DEP will be working closely with land owners and local officials
both to educate and to encourage a strong State-local partnership. The
Connecticut Department of Transportation will be encouraged to participate on
treatments of stonnwater outfalls from the State highway and to prepare a model
maintenance program for regular street sweeping, catch basin and sediment basin
cleaning and roadside stabilization. The DEP will monitor the success of habitat
improvement over a period of years.
CONNECTICUT
TITLE: Mattabasset River Nonpoint Source Program
AGENCY: CT Department of Environmental Protection, Hartford County Soil
and Water Conservation District (SWDC), Middlesex County Soil
and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
FY: 1991
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
CONTACT: Hartford and Middlesex County SWCD, c/o 627 River Street,
Windsor, CT 06095 203-688-7725
DESCRIPTION: The Mattabasset River, a tributary of the Connecticut River,
is located in an urban watershed in central Connecticut. The river has
experienced significantly degraded biological activity due to sedimentation, mostly
as a result of urban development (i.e., maintenance of roads and stormwater
systems, sand and salt management and erosion at construction sites). This
project focuses on the effect of urban development on a watercourse, including
direct discharge of stormwater and the development of land within 500 feet.
Outfall areas will be inspected to identify maintenance needs and erosion
problems. Water quality monitoring will be done at each outfall to establish
baseline data. Compliance inspection of the river and riparian areas will be
performed to determine the activities that contribute to pollution of the river.
During the inspection, an assessment of the riparian areas will be made and areas
of possible riparian restoration will be identified. A plan will be developed to
better protect and manage riparian areas still functioning. Educational
information will be developed to promote the riparian zone concept and
encourage voluntary buffer strips by landowners along the river. A demonstration
project will be selected to show riparian restoration along an urban watercourse.
FLORIDA
TITLE: Megginnis Arm Revegetation Project
AGENCY: Florida Department of Natural Resources and the Northwest
Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD)
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Karen Wilson, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126
DESCRIPTION: This project undertakes a large-scale revegetation effort at
Megginnis Arm to restore riparian wetlands and monitor survival rates for
different types of planting densities and methods. Megginnis Arm is the
southernmost portion of Lake Jackson, a 4,000-acre waterbody located
immediately north of Tallahassee, Florida. Over the past twenty-five years,
Megginnis Arm has experienced severe water quality degradation due to
increasing quantities of polluted stormwater runoff from the heavily urbanized
portion of Tallahassee. The magnitude of poor quality sediments within the Lake
is such that resuspension of pollutants in the lake is of equal concern as
pollutants entering the lake from runoff. The NWFMD is currently implementing
a project that will remove approximately 100,000 cubic yards of contaminated
sediments from Megginnis Arm. Upon completion of the sediment removal
project, the wetland edges in the littoral zone (approximately 9 acres) of the arm
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
will be prepared for reestablishment of pre-existing water quality benefits to
Megginnis Arm as well as restoration of fish and wildlife habitat.
GEORGIA
TITLE: Water Quality Effects of Reestablished Riparian Forest in
Southeastern Coastal Plain Project
AGENCY: University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station,
Department of Agricultural Engineering of Animal Science, US
Department of Agriculture/ Agricultural Research Service, Soil
Conservation Service, Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia Soil
and Water Conservation Commission, Game and Fish Commission,
EPA and the Middle South Georgia Soil and Water Conservation
District
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Betty Barton, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126
DESCRIPTION: Agricultural nonpoint source pollution is caused by field
management practices, but can be ameliorated by buffer areas along streams.
This project will demonstrate and evaluate water quality effects of reestablishing
forested wetland in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. This project will be
implemented in conjunction with a project to grow forage crops using liquid
manure at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station near
Tifton, GA. Forested wetlands downslope of cropped areas will be reestablished
to treat applied liquid manure. Effects of the forested wetlands on the water
quality will be monitored by evaluating changes in surface and subsurface water
quality parameters as water leaves the application site and moves through the
forested wetland toward the stream.
HAWAII
TITLE: Pearl Harbor Demonstration Project
AGENCY: Hawaii Department of Health, Pearl Harbor Estuary Committee,
U.S. Navy, Hawaii Department of Transportation, The University of
Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, West and South Oahu
Conservation Districts, US Fish and Wildlife Service
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011
DESCRIPTION: The Pearl Harbor Estuary Committee will coordinate a
demonstration project focused on reducing sediment loadings to the water quality
impaired bay. The project will address riparian restoration and urban runoff
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
through the coordination and cooperation of federal, state and local agencies.
The demonstration project will also lead to instituting a holistic approach to
confronting the myriad of nonpoint source problems in the Pearl Harbor
Watershed.
IOWA
TITLE: Riparian Zone Tree Buffer, Story County
AGENCY: Iowa State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Iowa
Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection
Division, ISU Cooperative Extension Service, IDNR Forestry
Division, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
FY: 1990/1991
CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines,
Iowa 50319, 515-281-6402
Richard C. Schultz, Iowa State University Agriculture Experiment
Station, 104 Curtis Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011
DESCRIPTION: This four-year project will demonstrate the effectiveness of a
protected buffer zone containing trees and other permanent vegetation in
protecting and improving aquatic habitat and water quality in small Iowa streams.
The buffer strips are expected to intercept eroding soil and agricultural chemicals,
stabilize streambanks, provide wildlife habitat, and generally improve stream
water quality and environmental conditions. Riparian tree plantings and
associated research plots have been established on crop and pasture lands along a
half mile stretch of Bear Creek, a perennial stream in northern Storey County,
Iowa. The replicated plots include five rows of trees (poplar hybrids, silver
maple, green ash, and black walnut), two rows of shrubs (ninebark and red osier
dogwood), and 24 feet of switch-grass planted parallel to the creek. Surface and
ground water quality, stream condition, and soil movement data will be collected
throughout the project and used to assess the environmental impacts of the tree
buffer strips. Site preparation, planting, and management costs will be
determined and used to assess the economics of this practice.
MINNESOTA
TITLE: Wetland Restoration Within the Big Stone Lake Watershed
FY: 1991
CONTACT: US EPA Region V Nonpoint Source Section, 312-886-0209
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DESCRIPTION: The Big Stone Lake Clean Lakes Program (CLP) has identified
wetland restoration as one of the principle land management practices to be
implemented within the watershed to address nonpoint source pollution. Through
the implementation phase of their CLP, project cooperators restored nine basins
representing approximately 95 acres of wetland habitat. Additional upland acres
have been retired and seeded to native grasses to act as buffers for the restored
areas. Three subwatersheds were identified as major contributors of NFS
pollution to Big Stone Lake. It is proposed that wetland restoration and
protection will be emphasized within these three watersheds. Through
cooperative efforts of both public and private interests, including U.S. Fish and
Wildlife, Soil Conservation Service, MN Department of Natural Resources, local
Soil and Water Conservation Districts and private landowners, wetlands will be
restored by either subsurface tile breaks or plugging of surface ditches. These
restoration techniques are accepted practices that have been utilized throughout
the prairie pothole region of North America. In addition, landowners with
restored wetlands will be offered an easement payment to protect the wetland in
perpetuity.
MONTANA
TITLE: Three Mile Creek Stabilization Plan, Rivalli County
AGENCY: Soil Conservation Service, Bitterroot Conservation District, National
Wildlife Refuge, Fish Wildlife and Parks and private landowners
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: Three Mile Creek originates in the Sapphire Mountains in
the northeast corner of Rivalli County. It flows in a westerly direction before it
meets the Bitterroot River. For years, this drainage system has carried extremely
high sediment loads causing problems for water users, wildlife, fisheries and
creek-side property owners. The streambanks are damaged primarily due to
heavy livestock concentration, which makes them subject to erosion. It has been
determined that the most cost effective way to reduce sediment loads and stabilize
the stream corridors will be through revegetation of the stream channel.
Landusers will participate in this effort through the adoption of best management
practices (eg. vegetation planting, mechanical structures and fencing).
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Section 319 Summary
Wetland/ Riparian
MONTANA
TITLE: Nonpoint Source Hydrologic Unit Water Quality Plan, Godfrey
Creek, Gallatin County
AGENCY: Montana Soil Conservation Service, Montana State University-
Cooperative Extension Service, Agriculture Stabilization and
Conservation Service, and State Department of Environmental
Sciences-Water Quality Bureau
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: Godfrey Creek is primarily a spring-fed stream which is part
of a watershed that drains 14 square miles. For most of it's length, the creek
flows in an incised and narrow valley that is bordered by farms, ranches, livestock
confinement pens and dairies. Animal impact on the stream has severely reduced
riparian vegetation and streambank stability. One of the several objectives of the
NPS Hydrologic Unit Water Quality Plan is to restore and maintain riparian
vegetation. The overall long term objectives are to be able to use the Godfrey
Creek experience to demonstrate a successful educational and technical assistance
process which utilizes local leadership in pivotal decision making roles; to reduce
the fecal coliform and nitrate loadings; to further improve the riparian corridor so
that it becomes a functional entity in maintaining water quality in the watershed
as well as an integral part of associated farm management plans; to work with
farm operators in the rest of the watershed to implement best management
practices; and to re-establish the creek as fish habitat. In order to re-establish
riparian zone diversity, some plantings of adaptable plants will be required, since
most reproductive structures of natural riparian vegetation are absent. Associated
with the planting of riparian vegetation will be the development of pasture
management plans which may include partial year enclosure fences and cross
fences to manage grazing intensity and to enhance development of the riparian
zone. Data will be collected on establishment and growth rates of planted
materials and the re-establishment of indigenous plants.
MONTANA
TITLE: Musselshell River Stream Corridor Project, Musselshell Valley
AGENCY: Upper Musselshell Conservation District, Montana Department of
Natural Resources and Conservation
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Musselshell River Corridor Project is to
introduce a stream corridor management program to the area. The project will
demonstrate to landowners cost-effective measures that minimize effects of
accelerated erosion from channel alterations and improper use of the riparian
area. Fanning and grazing to the river's edge, railroad and highway construction,
and numerous channel alterations have resulted in (1) severe erosion of
streambanks; (2) deterioration in water quality; (3) reduction of fish and wildlife;
and (4) economic losses to the landowners. The goal of the stream corridor
project is to increase streambank stability and improve water quality while
enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Several alternative solutions to the resource
problems will be identified, including costs and benefits to the landowners. This
project will demonstrate how the placement of materials (i.e. tree revetments and
vegetative cover) and/or grazing plans and fencing can help to stabilize the
Musselshell streambank.
MONTANA
TITLE: East Spring Creek Rehabilitation Project
AGENCY: Flathead Conservation District
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: East Spring Creek is located in Flathead County, flows
generally southward and its major tributary is Trumbull Creek. The Flathead
Conservation District established the goal of upgrading the creek in its Long
Range Plan for the period of 1981-1985. The District designed a rehabilitation
plan in order to achieve its goal of enhancing the in-stream water quality and fish
and wildlife habitat of East Spring Creek, while maintaining the present level of
agricultural and domestic water withdrawals. One important component to the
plan is the improvement of riparian habitat by implementing best management
practices, which will vary according to land ownership and use. BMPs will include
fencing, excavation, flow control structures, erosion control, fish habitat
improvements and riparian vegetation plantings.
NEVADA
TITLE: Electronic Control of Livestock in Riparian Areas
AGENCY: Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, National Park
Service, Great Basin National Park, Oregon State University
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DESCRIPTION: The Great Basin is a physiographic region comprising about
502,000 square kilometers and encompassing nearly all of Nevada. It is a region
of high desert basins interspersed with a series of 200 isolated, long and narrow,
north-south oriented mountain ranges. In 1986, to preserve a portion of this
unique region, 31,200 hectares of the South Snake Range in eastern Nevada was
set aside as the Great Basin National Park. The park has been subjected to
considerable alteration by the expansive livestock production that was begun in
the early 1900s. Adverse impacts of grazing animals on soils, vegetation, and
water quality in riparian areas is one of the most serious and intractable land
management problems. A direct relationship between intensity of grazing in
riparian zones and bacterial water quality has been demonstrated. The project's
objective is to develop and test a new management alternative to fencing for
controlling livestock use in riparian areas that involves electronic control of
livestock. For the past two years, scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research
Station and Oregon State University have been working on fenceless livestock
control that uses electrical stimulus to achieve animal avoidance of designated
exclusion areas. The project involves testing the technology in riparian areas in a
large scale rangeland setting. Before the technology is broadly applied, it is
critical to understand how it performs in a realistic management situation and be
able to measure the behavior of animals wearing the electronic eartags for an
extended period. The project will also document changes in water quality that
may result from successful implementation of the new and innovative
management technique.
NEVADA
TITLE: Eightmile Creek Restoration
AGENCY: Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Forest
Service Humboldt County, Foundation for North American Sheep,
Nevada Division of Forestry, National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Private Organizations
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011
DESCRIPTION: Eightmile Creek is an ecologically sensitive area because it is
habitat for a Federally listed threatened species, the Quinn River strain of the
Lahontan Cutthroat trout. The lower reaches of the Eightmile Creek drainage
are degraded due to heavy livestock use, wildfires, and a 100-year flood event
which occurred in 1983 and took the channel down to the bedrock in some
reaches and denuded the riparian zone. The degraded area continues to be
exposed to some livestock use due to the lack of allotment boundary fence
separating the drainage from the adjacent grazing allotment. The project will
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
restore the perennial creek by excluding cattle through fencing, protecting stream
banks, planting upland areas affected by wildfire, and monitoring for effectiveness
of these BMPs.
SOUTH DAKOTA
TITLE: Watershed Protection Plan for the Pickerel Lake
AGENCY: Day County Conservation District, South Dakota State University,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Soil
Conservation Service, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation
Service, Cooperative Extension Service, Watershed Planning
Commission, local volunteers
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: The Pickerel Lake watershed is situated in the Coteau des
Prairie, a hilly plateau of glacial moraine. The climate is continental with cold,
dry winters and short springs marked by rapid weather changes. Pickerel Lake is
eutrophic with excessive total phosphorus and organic nitrogen. Dense weeds in
nearshore areas and blue-green algal blooms in open water impair immersion
recreation during summer. Dangerous nutrient loadings result from runoff from
agricultural lands in the watershed, faulty septic tanks, feedlots and lakeshore
erosion. The goal of the Pickerel Lake Watershed project is to maintain and
prevent further degradation of the lake water quality. There are two main
objectives associated with this project. The first is to produce a detailed
watershed map to direct lake protection activities. The second is to implement
land use practices to maintain lake water quality. The wetland component is to
incorporate SCS wetland inventory information onto maps to identify drained
wetlands that could serve to store runoff and retain sediment if easements were
negotiated for wetland recovery.
UTAH
TITLE: Chalk Creek Watershed Project
AGENCY: Utah Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Utah
State University Extension Service, Summit County Soil
Conservation District, Summit County, Coalville City
FY: 1990-1991
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DESCRIPTION: Chalk Creek Watershed is a tributary to the Weber River
System which provides municipal, industrial, and agricultural water to several
hundred thousand water users. Chalk Creek contributes the heaviest load of
sediment to the Weber River System, as well as significant amounts of nitrate,
nitrites, phosphorous, sulfate and coliform. Most of the riparian areas along the
creek are in poor condition and the water table along some reaches has dropped
due to stream channel erosion. This has been detrimental to wetlands and
riparian areas. Also, the heavy sediment load has reduced its value as a fishery.
A healthy riparian area is essential for this watershed to function effectively in
providing wildlife habitat and in delivering quality water to downstream users.
The project will apply best management practices to restore and improve
vegetative cover in an effort to reduce erosion and stabilize and protect the
streambanks. Projected benefits include (1) reduced sediment loading to
reservoir of 2 acre feet/year; (2) reduced property damage; (3) improved fisheries;
(4) improved water quality; (5) improved wildlife habitat; and (6) improved
aesthetics.
UTAH
TITLE: Jordan River Parkway Restoration Project
AGENCY: City of Murray, Utah NPS Water Pollution Control Management
Program, U.S. Department of Interior, Jordan River Parkway
Foundation, National Association of Industrial Office Parks,
Riverway Enhancement Fund, Salt Lake County Public Works, Salt
Lake City-County Health Department
FY: 1990-1991
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: The Jordan River Watershed is both urban and rural, lying
between Utah Lake and Great Salt Lake along the Wasatch Front. Hydrological
modifications have impacted fishing and recreational uses of the Jordan River.
Wetlands have been extensively degraded as a result of stream channelization and
straightening. Stormwater discharges to the river have been documented and
include heavy metals, suspended sediment, coliform bacteria, and nutrients.
Depletion of riverside wetlands has reduced the capacity of the river ecosystem to
attenuate such pollutant loads. This project is part of a long-range plan to re-
establish the structural, functional and visual characteristics of Jordan River
riparian and wetland ecosystems to create an open space corridor. Best
management practices will be implemented to restore the river bank: regrading of
1400 linear feet of 2:1 slopes, minor rip-rapping using 2-3' diameter rock material
and revegetation with native forbs, grass, shrubs and trees. Monitoring will be
done using equal-width integrated sampling techniques for a wide range of
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
parameters, including nutrients, bacteria, heavy metals and sediment. Restoration
of the complex native plant communities that once existed along the river will
bring biological stability to the floodplain. In addition, wetlands will be restored
by allowing seasonal flooding during periods of high flow for flood retention.
Students are working with the local Rotary Club in clean up and planting of
wetland plants. A system of trails and boardwalks will be used to connect limited
areas developed for picnics, play and exercise. Plans also include observation
blinds and a nature center as well as boat launching and docking facilities.
UTAH
TITLE: Otter Creek Watershed Project
AGENCY: Utah Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Utah
State University Extension Service, Piute County Soil Conservation
District, Piute County and Sevier County
FY: 1990/ 1991
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: The Otter Creek Watershed is a tributary to the Sevier River
System which provides municipal, industrial, and agricultural water to several
thousand downstream water users. Otter Creek is a contributor of nitrate and
nitrites, phosphorous, sulfate and sediment, and colifonn to this river system.
Most of the riparian areas along the creek are in poor condition. Wetland and
riparian areas have declined considerably within the watershed. This project will
reduce erosion and stabilize and protect streambanks through best management
practices, including tree and shrub planting, riparian zone management, proper
grazing use, wildlife habitat management, fencing and livestock exclusion.
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PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DELAWARE
TITLE: Biological Criteria Development Program
AGENCY: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Teena Reichgott, US EPA Region 3, 215-597-9800,
FTS 597-3364
John Maxted, State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, P.O. Box 1401,
Dover, DE 19903, 302-736-5726
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to develop biological criteria
using narrative and numeric thresholds of biotic integrity as a component of
Delaware's water quality standards. This project will also focus on reviewing and
revising staffing of the State's Section 401 Water Quality Certification Program.
Technical assistance and coordination between the nonpoint source program and
the Wetlands and Aquatic Protection Branch on the water quality benefits of
wetlands and riparian systems is an integral component of the project.
ILLINOIS
TITLE: Wetland Conservation Easement Program
AGENCY: Illinois Department of Conservation, Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Agriculture
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-353-2000, FTS 886-0209
DESCRIPTION: The State of Illinois has identified over one million acres of
wetlands and high quality streams and floodplains in the State. The purpose of
this project is to assess and prioritize these lands based on water quality benefits
and habitat values. Afterwards, a Conservation Easement Program will be
implemented for prioritized wetland areas that have high value for water quality
and those streams and floodplain areas identified as having highly valued habitats.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
INDIANA
TITLE: Environmental Scientist Staff Position
AGENCY: Indiana Department of Environmental Management
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-353-2000, FTS 886-0209
DESCRIPTION: The Water Quality and Surveillance and Standards Branch,
Office of Water Management, Indiana Department of Environmental
Management is suffering from inadequate staffing. This branch oversees an
environmental review program that addresses many types of activities that can
affect water quality. These include, among other things, Section 404 dredge and
fill projects, construction projects that could cause off-site erosion problems,
agricultural watershed projects, and streambank erosion control projects. An
Environmental Scientist III position will be provided under this grant and will
assist in the following: (1) develop BMPs for erosion control in developing areas
and protection of water quality in streams and wetlands; (2) work with other
agencies to promote utilization of construction and erosion control practices that
preserve water quality and prevent wetland destruction; (3) participate in
inspections of constructipn projects to verify compliance with pollution control
requirements; (4) work on efforts to reduce secondary impacts to streams and
wetlands; and (5) evaluate and limit potential impacts of projects in urban areas.
IOWA
TITLE: Staff Position - Iowa Great Lakes Protection Project, Dickinson
County
AGENCY: Dickinson County SWCD, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa
Department of Natural Resources, EPA, USFWS, SCS, ASCS, ISU
Extension
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines,
Iowa, 50319, 515-281-6402
Roger McGinnis, Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation
District, RR Box 5783, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360, 712-336-2604
DESCRIPTION: Through the cooperative efforts of a number of agencies and
organizations, an overall strategy for protecting the water quality of the Iowa
Great Lakes has been developed. This strategy has several components,
including: restoration of wetlands and acquisition and management of existing
wetlands; establishment of trees and/or permanent vegetation on critical
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
watershed lands; and, development and implementation of comprehensive
nutrient and pesticide management public information/ education program for
both agricultural and non-agricultural lands within the Iowa Great Lakes
watershed. To support this effort, a soil conservation technician position was
established and filled within the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation
District. The purpose of the position is the coordination and implementation of
the wetlands and the nutrient and pesticides management components of the Iowa
Great Lakes Protection strategy.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
TITLE: Lower Merrimack River Basin Initiative
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Services, Office of State Planning,
NH Association of Conservation Commissions, NH Audubon
Society, Nashua Regional Planning Commission, Merrimack
Conservation Commission
FY: 1991
CONTACT: E. Ann Poole, NPS Program Manager, DES-WSPCD, Concord,
NH, 603-271-2358
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to reduce NPS pollution from
urban and developing areas in the Lower Merrimack River Corridor and to assist
communities in the identification and protection of priority wetlands. A River
Corridor Planner and Wetlands Bureau Administrator will be working with
communities to achieve the goals of the project. Performance measures relating
to wetlands include (1) number of communities adopting BMP-based regulations
for wetlands; (2) number of volunteer citizens participating in the wetlands field
verification; (3) completed evaluation of wetlands in the town of Merrimack; (4)
selection of significant wetlands; (5) identification of wetlands protection
procedures needing additional technical/ procedural development; and (6)
production of a guidebook for use by towns statewide wanting to designate
priority wetlands.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
TITLE: Upper Connecticut River Watershed Project
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Services
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Upper Connecticut River Watershed
Project is to significantly reduce nonpoint source pollutants from agricultural,
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
forest, urban and developing areas. Under the project, two staff positions will be
partially funded: a NFS Program Manager and a River Corridor Planner. Some
specific activities of the contract that the River Corridor Planner oversees relate
to wetlands, including: (1) develop a local wetland regulation that requires
minimum setbacks from and vegetative buffer strips adjacent to wetlands for
adoption by towns in the Upper CT River region; (2) work with specific towns to
adopt local water quality protection regulations for wetlands. One of the
performance measures for the project is the number of communities adopting best
management practice based regulations for wetlands.
NORTH CAROLINA
TITLE: Staff Positions - Nonpoint Source Management Program - Wetlands
Protection, State of North Carolina
AGENCY: Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Mary Ann Gerber, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-3209, FTS 257-3209
DESCRIPTION: In FY 1990, North Carolina identified as an important goal
the development and enforcement of a full program to protect the State's
wetlands from degradation and to provide more protection for the State's waters
from nonpoint source pollution. Two staff positions will be added for a two year
period to initiate this program and their first major assignments will be : (1) to
develop and adopt wetland standards including designations as identified in the
State's NFS Management Program, Four-Year Action Plan to Protect Wetlands;
and (2) to establish a complete set of permitting guidance and operating
procedures. The staff members will be considering issues such as wetland
identification, wetland loss, wetland mitigation, and methods to track and monitor
permitting. They will also be responsible for training and assisting regional staff.
RHODE ISLAND
TITLE: Staff Positions - Development of Water Quality Protection and
Stormwater Management Policy Regulations
AGENCY: RI Department of Environmental Management
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513
DESCRIPTION: Addressing statewide water quality issues related to urban
stonnwater runoff and land development is the highest priority for the Rhode
Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Nonpoint Source
Program. Lack of planning and policy staff within RIDEM regulatory programs
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
has hindered development of a comprehensive stormwater management policy
and revision of development regulations (in particular, Freshwater Wetland
regulations) to incorporate water quality protection provisions. Two staff
positions are being funded: one to work with the Division of Water Resource
(DWR) and the second to work with the Freshwater Wetlands Program (FWP).
The staff person assigned to FWP will concentrate on strengthening the water
quality protection provision of the Freshwater Wetlands regulations, including
addressing stormwater runoff from development sites. The staff are expected to
work closely together in developing these policies and may begin to incorporate
relevant Naragansett Bay Project (NBP) recommendations and to test models
developed by the NBP investigators in the regulatory context.
VERMONT
TITLE: Wetlands Enforcement Implementation
AGENCY: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Environmental Conservation and the
EPA estimate that discharges of fill eliminate 200 to 400 acres of wetlands each
year in Vermont. In order to control such discharges, the Department is
institutionalizing a statewide management program to protect and preserve the
values and functions of significant wetlands as mandated by state legislation
through the application and enforcement of the new Wetland Rules. The Lake
Champlain basin is undergoing the highest amount of wetland impacts and is
therefore the focus of the enforcement implementation plan. The project has
four elements. The first, Identification of Significant Wetlands, addresses the
designation of wetlands into one of three classes. Wetlands are designated as
either class I, II or III based on their functions and values. Class I and II are
significant wetlands, and therefore are protected under the Vermont Wetland
Rules. The second element of the project, Protection of Significant Wetlands.
focuses on the development of the conditional use determination application
process. The third element, Education Outreach, serves to provide town officials,
regional planning commissions, consultants, and the general public with
information about wetlands and wetland regulations. The fourth component,
Enforcement of Wetland Violations, addresses the authority to enforce provisions
of the Wetlands Rules established by the Rules.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
WISCONSIN
TITLE: Nonpoint Source Easement Coordinator
AGENCY: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-886-0209
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Program
has authority to use program funds for the purpose of securing easements to help
control critical nonpoint sources of pollution. Easements are being used to
support the Best Management Practices of wetland restoration, stream bank
buffers, and critical area stabilization. In addition, the Stewardship Program
grants authority to the Department of Natural Resources to obtain stream bank
easements to protect water quality and fish habitat in streams most in need of
protection from degradation from agricultural or urban runoff. The Nonpoint
Source Easement Coordinator is providing coordination between the Bureaus of
Water Resources Management and Property Management in implementation of
these programs. The coordinator will assist local and state agencies involved in
easement acquisition and in addition will play a direct role in some acquisitions.
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EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
CALIFORNIA
TITLE: "How to Heal the Land" Video Project
AGENCY: Mendocino County Resource Conservation District
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Jovita Pajarillo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011
DESCRIPTION: The public has shown increasing interest in participating in
watershed restoration and riparian improvement projects. Local communities
have expressed a sincere interest in curing the environmental degradation they see
in their surroundings through volunteer efforts. The Mendocino RCD, through
its Tomki Creek watershed implementation activities, has been involved early on
in restoration efforts and has made a proposal to translate the Tomki experience
into a video documentary. This video will provide information on the basics of
watershed planning, typical problems and types of BMPs used to treat coastal
range watersheds. It will also provide an understanding of the institutional
arrangements and funding considerations for such projects.
KENTUCKY
TITLE: Riparian Education Effort
STATE: Kentucky
AGENCY: Kentucky Division of Conservation, Division of Water and Fish and
Wildlife, other state and federal agencies, and local citizen groups
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Duane Roberts, Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126
DESCRIPTION: Increased concern with land disturbing activities associated
with agriculture and construction within environmentally sensitive riparian areas
has led the Kentucky Division of Conservation (DOC) to propose the
establishment of a Riparian Education effort within the state. This will consist of
a Riparian Area Management Technical Task Force with representatives from
Divisions of Water, Fish and Wildlife, and Conservation taking the lead role, and
a cross-section of other state, federal and local agencies and citizens
organizations. The task force will develop educational materials with
recommendations to minimize the impacts of land disturbing activities, and
guidelines on the appropriate state and federal laws and regulations governing
these activities. Conservation districts, in cooperation with the task force, will
utilize the information and education material and sponsor local workshops and
field tours for riparian landowners. The task force will provide training to various
agencies providing technical assistance to the local landowners.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
LOUISIANA
TITLE: Wetland and Estuaries Project
AGENCY: Interagency Committee: Louisiana Department of Environmental
Quality, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of the
Governor of Louisiana
FY: 1990, 1991
CONTACT: Susan Alexander, Region 6, 214-655-7140, FTS 255-7140
DESCRIPTION: This project focuses on the implementation of corrective
measures necessary to reduce loading of nonpoint source pollutants from
agriculture, septic systems, oil and gas production, and urban run-off into targeted
wetlands and estuaries. An educational program in wetlands and estuaries will be
developed to inform local residents about nonpoint source problems in their
areas, and corrective measures being taken. Also, the effectiveness of
implementation activities in reducing nonpoint source pollutants in wetlands and
estuaries of the State will be tracked.
LOUISIANA
TITLE: Mermentau River Basin Project
AGENCY: Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Local Soil and Water
Conservation Districts, U.S. Soil Conservation Districts, Department
of Environmental Quality
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Susan Alexander, Region 6, 214-655-7140, FTS 255-7140
DESCRIPTION: This demonstration project will evaluate the effectiveness of
streambank stabilization in reducing sediment loading and turbidity in the
Mermentau River basin. Water quality specifications will be included through the
401 certification process into permits required by the Corps of Engineers for
dredging and channelization activities. In addition, an educational program will
be developed. The effectiveness of the demonstration projects in reducing the
level of non point source pollutants entering surface waters will be tracked.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
SOUTH DAKOTA
TITLE: Riparian Grazing Workshop
AGENCY: South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: Poor riparian grazing management practices have resulted in
-problems statewide: loss of terrestrial wildlife habitat, water quality degradation
and wetland and aquatic habitat impacts. Experience shows that although
landowners currently have degraded riparian areas, many would like to improve
them but don't know how. This project is to develop a technical training session
to bring State, Federal, Indian and conservation technical staff in South Dakota
and surrounding states up to date on the state-of-the-art riparian grazing
management techniques.
UTAH
TITLE: "Stream Team"/ Utah Riparian Coalition Project
AGENCY: Utah Department of Agriculture/ Environmental Quality Section,
Utah Division of Water Rights, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Roger Dean, US EPA Region 8, 303-293-1603, FTS 330-1571
DESCRIPTION: A team consisting of a hydrologist, geologist and a fisheries
biologist will provide technical assistance to proposed alterations and restoration
activities in Utah's streams. Utah's streams are degraded as a result of past
attempts to improve channel carrying capacities, construction activities and
overgrazing of riparian areas. Team member input will address erosion problems,
designated uses of the streams, Utah's antidegradation policy and the protection
and possible restoration of wetlands and fisheries conditions.
VERMONT
TITLE: Vermont Nonpoint Source Control Project
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Conservation, Agency of
Transportation, Vermont Extension Service, Vermont Educational
Television, Soil Conservation Service
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Bob Morehouse, US EPA Region 1, 617-565-3420, FTS 835-3513
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DESCRIPTION: This educational program is designed to increase the
awareness of the public and state and local governments of the new Vermont
wetlands rules and to educate them on the value of wetlands, the connection
between off-site projects and wetlands, and, where needed, to increase
enforcement response to selected violations of wetlands rules involving the
discharges of nonpoint source pollutants. Specific tasks of the project include: (1)
create fact sheets; (2) search New England for video and printed material dealing
with wetland values, and the effectiveness in controling nps; (3) conduct public
seminars and video tape; (4) develop memoranda of agreement with state
agencies on nps; (5) conduct seminars for State and local governments and video
tape; (6) air video tapes on Vermont Education Television; (7) conduct and
complete at least four enforcement actions.
WYOMING
TITLE: Using Beaver Management and Ecology in Wyoming to Stabilize
Riparian Watercourses and Improve Water Quality: An Extension
Educational Publication
AGENCY: University of Wyoming
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Rich Olson, University of Wyoming, Department of Range
Management, P.O. Box 3354, University Station, Laramie, WY
82071
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to produce a comprehensive
extension educational bulletin on beaver management and ecology in Wyoming,
with emphasis on utilizing beavers to enhance water quality and improve
watershed stability. Proper beaver management is a very cost-effective technique
to improve watershed stability and enhance water quality. This project proposes
to produce a state-of-the-art extension educational bulletin emphasizing applied
beaver management techniques for reducing nonpoint source pollution and
improving water storage. The publication will be distributed to local conservation
districts, state, and federal resource management agencies and others interested in
beaver management
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CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
ALABAMA
TITLE: Big Prairie/ Cottonwood Creek Watershed Project
AGENCY: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Alabama
Agriculture Experiment Station and Auburn University's
Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Mary Ann Gerber, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-3269, FTS 257-2126
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Big Prairie/ Cottonwood Creek
Watershed Project is to demonstrate proper management techniques in the area's
growing catfish industry and procedures for reducing impacts upon water quality
that result from release of production pond water. Alternative methods of water
utilization and treatment will be explored and may include experimentation with
closed systems, reduction of water usage and use of wetlands as treatment
systems.
ALABAMA
TITLE: Sand Mountain/ Lake Guntersville Watershed Project
AGENCY: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, USDA/ Soil
Conservation Service, Alabama Soil and Water Conservation
Committee, TVA, Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station and
EPA
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Betty Barton, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Sand Mountain/ Lake Guntersville
watershed project is to provide demonstration in the proper management of
animal wastes and associated water quality benefits. In conjunction with
education efforts and implementation and monitoring of spray irrigation systems
for animal wastes, this project involves the evaluation and demonstrated use of
constructed wetlands in the treatment of swine wastes by the Alabama Agriculture
Experiment Station (AAES) at Auburn. Various species of wetland plants will be
utilized and water quality monitoring for surface and ground water will be
performed and evaluated for various parameters. This project also includes
public informational tours of constructed wetlands.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
ALABAMA
TITLE: Bayview Watershed Project
AGENCY: Alabama Department of Environmental Management, USD A/ SCS,
TVA, Jefferson County, City of Birmingham, USX Corporation and
civic organizations to improve lake water quality through NFS
management
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Betty Barton, US EPA Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Bayview Watershed Project is to provide
demonstration of wetland treatment for NFS acid mine drainage from a large coal
mine tailings pile and for runoff from an industrial landfill all of which impact
Bayview Lake near Birmingham, AL. The project will establish two
demonstration areas of constructed wetlands, one at an inactive surface coal mine
and one at an industrial landfill site for treatment of NFS runoff. The systems
will be evaluated through photo documentation and monitoring for effectiveness
in water quality improvements over a two-year period.
ILLINOIS
TITLE: Lake Argyle and Siloam Springs Wetlands Construction and
Evaluation
AGENCY: Indiana Department of Conservation
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Bill White, Geomorphologist, Illinois Department of Conservation,
Springfield IL
DESCRIPTION: Protection and enhancement of quality habitat for fish and
wildlife and recreational water quality is the focus of proposed activities at Argyle
Lake and Siloam Springs State Parks. Specifically, the proposed actions to
improve environmental conditions at these sites include the construction of
sediment detention/wetland basins with grade stabilization and biotechnical
erosion control of the feeder channels and gully's above the targeted arms of the
lakes. Investigation and documentation of sediment and nutrient transport
conditions, lake sedimentation documentation, maintenance of operation
requirements, water quality impacts, biological impacts and recommendations for
optimal construction requirements to improve water quality habitat and
recreational opportunities will be offered as a result of monitoring evaluation.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
INDIANA
TITLE: Livestock Waste Management and Multiple-Use Constructed
Wetlands in the Upper Tippecanoe River
AGENCY: Purdue University
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Tom Davenport, US EPA Region 5, 312-886-0209
DESCRIPTION: Livestock waste management is of great environmental concern
in agricultural systems as a means of controlling nonpoint source pollution. This
project proposes the development of an alternative waste treatment system
employing artificial or restored wetlands. A one-acre wetland will be constructed
downstream from a livestock holding facility within the boundaries of the upper
Tippecanoe River drainage in Kosciusko County. Wastewater will pass through a
grass or shrub filter strip, into the wetland, and then on to the existing surface
drainage system. Due to the filtering qualities of wetlands, it is anticipated that
much of the dissolved organic and inorganic material will be removed from the
water as it passes through the system. Purdue University is also investigating the
possibility of additional benefits such as use of the aquatic plants for livestock
fiber, use of plants grown in filter strip for forage or ornamental horticulture, and
the development of aquaculture for farm diversification and alternative crops.
MISSISSIPPI
TITLE: Catfish Pond Nutrient Removal Demonstration Project, Gulf of
Mexico Program
AGENCY: Soil Conservation Service, Mississippi Cooperative Extension
Service, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State Soil
and Water Conservation Commission, Sunflower County Soil and
Water Conservation District, Catfish Growers Association, and an
independent catfish farmer
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Gary Anderson, Patricia Biesiot, George Pessoney, or Shiao Wang,
University of Southern Mississippi, 601-266-4748
DESCRIPTION: The Gulf of Mexico Program has identified nutrient
enrichment as an environmental concern in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Estuaries,
and even the Gulf itself, are becoming enriched with plant nutrients in the form
of nitrogen and phosphorus. This enrichment results from agricultural runoff and
waste from activities such as catfish farming that impact the vast drainage network
feeding the Gulf of Mexico. There is currently a demonstration project underway
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
that uses constructed wetlands to remove excess organic material and nutrients
from catfish ponds. This system will be designed to allow water to be recirculated
so that little, if any, wastewater is discharged except as a result of an
extraordinary rainfall. Additional goals of such a system are: (1) to establish this
as an economically attractive alternative to water dropout methods currently in
use; (2) to substantially reduce the nutrient, BOD and oxygen content of the
water over the long term; (3) to provide satisfactory control of off-flavor and off-
odors in edible fish tissues; (4) to eliminate public health risks which might be
associated with accumulation of contaminants.
NEBRASKA
TITLE: Czechland Lake Watershed, Saunders County
AGENCY: Nebraska Department of Environmental Control, Lower Platte
North Natural Resources District, EPA, Soil Conservation Service,
UNL Cooperative Extension Service, Saunders County Board of
Supervisors, Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, Nonpoint
Source Information and Education Committee
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Steve Walker, Nebraska Department of Environmental Control,
Lincoln, NE, 402-471-4227;
Ray Hartung, Lower Platte North Natural Resources District,
Wahoo, NE, 402-443-4675
DESCRIPTION: Intensive row crop agricultural practices in combination with
highly credible soils, consistently cause reservoirs in eastern NE to be degraded
by sedimentation, excessive nutrients and pesticide contamination. Czechland
Lake, a newly-constructed reservoir on Cottonwood Creek, is located near the
town of Prague, in Saunders County. The Cottonwood Creek watershed has
documented problems of poor buffer zones, moderate to severe streambank
erosion and a sizeable silt or sedimentation problem. This project has four
objectives: (1) monitor Cottonwood Creek and Czechland Lake to assess quality
changes over time; (2) demonstrate nonpoint source pollution prevention by
installing treatments prior to entering the lake; (3) assess the efficiency of
sediment/ nutrient traps above a reservoir; and (4) demonstrate the effectiveness
of targeting and treating critical NPS pollution areas. Wetlands installations may
include (1) a wetland/ sediment trap on the primary arm of the structure that will
trap highway runoff; (2) two sediment traps with seasonal wetland areas; (3) a
primary wetland habitat area managed in conjunction with a constructed low head
dam; and (4) sediment/ flood control/ wetland sites in present road fill areas.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
OHIO
TITLE: Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Using Wetland Technology
AGENCY: Division of Reclamation, Abandoned Mines Land Program
FY: 1991
CONTACT: R. Jeffrey MacDonald, Natural Resource Administrator, 1855
Fountain Square Court, Building H-2, Columbus OH 43224
(614) 265-1016
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to construct a wetland to
intercept acid mine drainage and to monitor the effectiveness of the wetland
system, including the chemical, microbiotic, and macrobiotic components. Project
benefits of treating mine drainage are decreased levels of contaminants released
to surface waters; increased pH; decreased impact to wildlife"habitat; and reduced
mining impacts to Lick Run and Hocking River.
TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY
TITLE: Big South Fork/ Bear Creek Demonstration Project
AGENCY: Tennessee Department of Health and the Environment, Tennessee
Department of Conservation, National Park Service, EPA, TV A,
SCS
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Duane Roberts, Region 4, 404-347-2126, FTS 257-2126
DESCRIPTION: The Big South Fork/ Bear Creek Demonstration Project is in
an interstate watershed. The upper portion of Bear Creek lies in Tennessee and
is impacted the most by nonpoint source pollution from abandoned mine sites.
Bear Creek flows north into Kentucky where it joins the Big South Fork of the
Cumberland River. The National Park Service has concerns about the impacts
from the Bear Creek drainage on state and federally listed endangered species
and recreational uses of the river. Acid mine damage continues to degrade water
quality in the West Branch; BMPs will be implemented on over 50 acres of
abandoned surface mines in the headwater section of this area. In addition to the
surface acreage treated, anaerobic alkaline drains and constructed wetlands will
be installed at several high volume acidic seeps. A monitoring station will be set
up at the mouth of Bear Creek to evaluate water quality improvements associated
with the implementation of BMPs and constructed wetlands.
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
VIRGINIA
TITLE: Coordinated Approach to Hazard Abatement on Abandoned Mine
Lands - A Demonstration Project
AGENCY: Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of
Mined Land Reclamation's Abandoned Mine Land Program,
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, US EPA
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Conrad Spangler, VA Division of Mined Land Reclamation
DESCRIPTION: This project will demonstrate the reclamation of abandoned
coal mined land and determine the effectiveness of artificial wetlands in abating
acid mine drainage in southwest Virginia. Mine drainage will be discharged into
artificial wetlands after being treated by an Anoxic Alkaline Drainage Treatment
System. The wetlands will serve as a polishing pond to precipitate out iron and
manganese. Though the process is not thoroughly understood, it is known that
wetland plants such as cattails remove metals from mine water by drainage,
consumption and filtration. In addition, algae and bacteria, which thrive in
wetlands, oxidize iron and manganese. The bacteria convert sulfates to hydrogen
sulfide, a compound that removes metals from the water. Effectiveness will be
determined through monitoring water quality.
WEST VIRGINIA
TITLE: Potomac Valley and Eastern Panhandle Soil Conservation Districts
Nutrient and Pesticide Management Demonstration Project
STATE: West Virginia
AGENCY: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Water Resources
Section
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Teena Reichgott, US EPA Region 3, 215-597-9800, FTS 597-3364
DESCRIPTION: Information and education activities will be used to promote
sustainable agriculture methods and proper usage of nutrients and pesticides to
protect water quality. The program involves development of alternatives for using
poultry litter, installation of dead bird/ manure composting facilities, a disposal
program for unused pesticides and containers, sinkhole capping and construction
of wetlands to treat animal waste leachate.
28
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OTHER PROJECTS OF INTEREST
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
CALIFORNIA
TITLE: Field Test of Demonstration Urban Stormwater Treatment Marsh
(DUST)
AGENCY: Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Jovita Pajarfflo, US EPA Region 9, 415-744-2011, FTS 484-2011
DESCRIPTION: In the early-to-mid 1980's, the Demonstration Urban
Stormwater Treatment (DUST) Marsh was designed to study mechanisms of
pollutant removal and release from urban runoff. The 55-acre marsh, located in
southern Alameda County within the Coyote Hills Regional Park, is a natural
wetland modified with a series of test basins designed to evaluate various removal
mechanisms. The marsh also serves to maintain and enhance other uses of the
area such as flood control and wildlife habitat and, very importantly, serves as a
demonstration of the practicality of using wetland treatment facilities in other
locations to protect sensitive receiving waters and aquatic ecosystems. Alameda
County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (ACFC&WCD) is
performing a study at the DUST Marsh to determine the effectiveness of the
marsh in removing pollutants from urban runoff. This study focuses on the
accumulation of selected heavy metals in the sediments throughout the Crandell
Creek DUST Marsh system. The objective of this project is to construct a model
which describes both the removal of pollutants from urban runoff in the marsh
and the fate and bioavailability of the pollutants in the marsh. This project builds
on the ACFC&WCD study and focuses on identifying the concentrations and
potential bioavailability of selected heavy metals within the vegetative complex of
the Crandell Creek DUST Marsh system. Data from this project will be collected
to evaluate the partitioning of metals within selected vegetative compartments as
well as the potential impacts on the food web.
DELAWARE
TITLE: Installation of Stormwater Management Basin Retrofit
AGENCY: DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
(DNREC) Division of Soil and Water Conservation
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Teena Reichgott, EPA Region 3, 215-597-9800, FTS 597-3364
DESCRIPTION: An existing dry Stormwater detention basin will be changed
into a wet retention pond and wetland in order to reduce sediment and
phosphorus nonpoint loads to Silver Lake. The goal of the project is to
implement an urban demonstration project to show how water quality best
29
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
management practices can be incorporated into existing and proposed stormwater
management construction requirements. It is anticipated that the wetland will
remove up to 90% of all particulate and 30-40% of total phosphorus.
IOWA
TITLE: Coldwater Streams Corridor Protection in Northeastern Iowa
AGENCY: Iowa Department of Natural Resources, County Soil and
Conservation Districts, Soil Conservation Service, Iowa Natural
Heritage Foundation, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship, US Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation
Service, USFWS
FY: 1990
CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines,
Iowa 50319,515-281-6402
DESCRIPTION: Protected corridor areas/ demonstration sites will be
established on privately owned land adjacent to two coldwater streams in
northeast Iowa where livestock access or animal waste discharges are a major
source of impairment. Appropriate corridor area, stream bank, and stream bed
protection and improvement practices will be implemented to enhance the
stream's ability to support trout, while maintaining the profitability of livestock
operation. In addition, monitoring and assessment activities will be conducted to
document the project's impacts; and public information materials will be
developed. The streams being considered for project implementation are Bigalk
Creek and Middle Bear Creek.
IOWA
TITLE: Poplar Tree Buffer Strips - Amana Colonies, Iowa County
AGENCY: Iowa Amana Colonies, University of Iowa, Iowa Department of
Natural Resources, Iowa State University Leopold Center for
Sustainable Agriculture
FY: 1990/1991
CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines,
Iowa 50319,515-281-6402
Louis Licht, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, 913-335-5050
30
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DESCRIPTION: This two year project demonstrates the utility of poplar tree
buffer strips in protecting shallow groundwater and adjacent surface waters from
nitrate contamination, while providing stream corridor protection and
improvement. A poplar buffer strip has been installed along a 300 foot length of
stream adjacent to row-cropped land. The trees are being grown in a leach field
configuration with tile line water being piped and drained through the root-rich
buffer. Natural vegetation will be allowed to grow into the area around the trees
to the point that it does not threaten their survival. Impacts of the buffer on
pollutant concentrations in the shallow groundwater will be determined by
analyzing piezometer and lysimeter samples.
IOWA
TITLE: Coon Creek Water Quality Project in Allamakee and Winneshiek
Counties
AGENCY: Allamakee and Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation
Districts (SWCD), Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IDNR
Forestry and Fisheries Staff, Iowa State University Cooperative
Extension Service
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Ubbo Agena, Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division, 900 East Grand, Des Moines,
Iowa, 50319, 515-281-6402
DESCRIPTION: As part of a three year project to protect and improve water
quality in Coon Creek, a coldwater trout stream in northeastern Iowa, best
management practices will be implemented to control soil erosion and reduce
water quality impairments caused by animal waste. This will include fencing areas
. of the stream to exclude livestock and planting walnut trees along the fenced
corridor to provide riparian habitat and associated water quality and fish and
wildlife benefits. A 1/2 FTE soil conservation technisian position will re
established in the Allamakee and Winneshiek County Soil and Water
Conservation Districts to coordinate and implement project activities.
NEW YORK
TITLE: Great Lakes Demonstration Project - Irondequoit Creek
AGENCY: NYSDEC Monroe County, USGS, USEPA, USFWS, USACOE
FY: 1991
CONTACT: Malcolm Henning, US EPA Region 2, 212-264-2657, FTS 264^2059
31
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Section 319 Summary Wetland/ Riparian
DESCRIPTION: This project proposes to install a temporary control structure
to the Irondequoit Creek/ Empire wetlands to mitigate impacts of urban runoff to
Irondequoit Bay. The control structure will allow for better attenuation of
stonnwater runoff by providing for longer contact time over a greater area of
wetlands. This will allow for increased removal of phosphorus and other
nutrients. Before installing the temporary structure, an evaluation of the
Irondequoit Creek/ Empire wetlands in treating stonnwater will be made. Once
the temporary structure is in place, the water quality and ecosystem effects of the
increased stonnwater detention in the wetland will be evaluated. If the results
prove to be environmentally favorable, a permit for a permanent flow control
structure will be sought.
32
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INDEX
agriculture (4), (5), (7), (11), (13), (14), (20-22), (24), (29), (32)
Alabama (24), (25)
Army Corps of Engineers (1)
Bear Creek (5), (28), (29), (32)
beaver (23)
best management practices (2), (7), (9), (11-13), (19), (32), (33)
BMPs (1), (2), (9), (10), (15), (20), (28), (29)
Boulder Creek (1)
California (20), (31)
catfish (24), (26), (27)
Chalk Creek (11)
citizen (20)
coliform (7), (11-13)
Colorado (1)
Connecticut (2), (3), (16), (17)
Connecticut River (3), (16), (17)
Conservation District (1), (3), (4), (6), (8-11), (13), (15), (16), (20), (26), (31)
Coon Creek (33)
Cooperative Extension Service (4), (5), (7), (10), (21), (26), (27), (33)
Cottonwood Creek (24), (27)
creek (1), (5-11), (13), (20), (24), (27-29), (31-34)
Czechland Lake (27)
Delaware (14), (31)
demonstrate (4), (5), (7), (8), (24), (27), (29)
demonstration (3-5), (21), (24-29), (31), (32), (34)
Department of Agriculture (4), (11), (13), (14), (22), (32)
East Spring Creek (8), (9)
education (16), (19), (20), (23), (24), (27), (29)
Eightmile Creek (10)
enforcement (17-19), (23)
EPA (1), (3-20), (22), (24-29), (31), (34)
fence (10)
fencing (1), (2), (7-10), (13), (33)
fish (1), (2), (4-10), (19), (20), (25), (27), (33)
flood control (1), (28), (31)
Florida (3)
Forest Service (1), (10)
Georgia (4)
Godfrey Creek (7)
grazing (1), (2), (8-10), (13), (22)
Great Lakes (15), (16), (34)
habitat (1), (2), (4-11), (13), (14), (19), (22), (25), (28), (31), (33)
Hawaii (4), (5)
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INDEX
highway runoff (28)
Illinois (14), (25)
Indiana (15), (25), (26)
Iowa (5), (15), (16), (32), (33)
irrigation (2), (24)
Jordan River (12)
Kentucky (20), (28)
Lake Guntersville (24)
Lake Jackson (3)
leachate (30)
legislation (18)
livestock (2), (7), (9), (10), (13), (26), (32), (33)
Louisiana (21)
Mattabasset River (3)
Mermentau River (21)
Merrimack River (16)
Mississippi (26)
monitor (2), (3), (17), (27), (28)
Montana (6-8)
Nebraska (27)
Nevada (9), (10)
New Hampshire (16)
New York (34)
nitrate (7), (11), (13), (33)
nonpoint source (1), (3-7), (14), (17-19), (21-23), (26), (27), (28)
North Carolina (17)
North Fork Republican River (1)
NFS (6), (7), (12), (16), (17), (23), (25), (27)
nutrient (1), (11), (16), (25-27), (29)
Ohio (28)
oil and gas (21)
Otter Creek (13)
outreach (19)
Pearl Harbor (4), (5)
Pequabuck River (2)
phosphorus (11), (26), (32), (34)
Pickerel Lake (10), (11)
policy (17), (18), (22)
publication (23)
regulation (17)
restoration (2-6), (10), (12), (15), (19), (20), (22)
Rhode Island (17), (18)
riparian (1-5), (7-14), (20-23), (33)
river (1-3), (7), (8), (10-13), (16), (17), (21), (26), (28)
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INDEX
SCS (11), (15), (25), (28)
sediment (1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (11-13), (21), (25), (27), (28), (32)
Soil Conservation Service (1), (4), (6), (7), (10), (11), (13), (22), (24), (26), (27), (32)
South Dakota (10), (22)
staff position (15)
stormwater (2-4), (12), (17), (18), (31), (32), (34)
sulfate (11), (13)
Tennessee (28)
Three Mile Creek (6), (7)
treatment (24-26), (28), (29), (31)
university (4), (5), (7), (9-11), (13), (23), (24), (26), (32), (33)
urban runoff (5), (19), (31), (34)
USFWS (15), (32), (34)
Utah (11-13), (22)
Vermont (18), (22), (23)
video tape (23)
Virginia (29)
volunteer (16), (20)
watershed (1), (3), (5-7), (10-13), (15-17), (20), (23), (24), (25), (27), (28)
West Virginia (29)
wetland (2), (4), (6), (11-15), (17-19), (21-29), (31), (32), (34)
wildlife habitat (4), (5), (8), (9), (11), (13), (22), (28), (31)
workshop (22)
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