Gerald A. Miller

Use of Research and Modeling Information in Community-based Watershed Planning: Nutrient Management Demonstrations in the Maquoketa River Watershed.

It is now widely accepted that sustainable implementation of TMDLs for non-point source pollutants will require substantive community involvement in the cycle of watershed evaluation, planning and management. This project demonstrates citizens’ watershed council facilitation and participatory education in northeast Iowa watersheds. Iowa State University Extension to Communities practitioners facilitated formation of the watershed councils. Extension to agriculture specialists conducted manure and nutrient management education programs in conjunction with water quality monitoring, applied modeling, and over 50 on-farm demonstrations. Research and demonstrations addressed questions raised in the educational program. Empowered by their participation in research, education and extension, the citizens’ councils facilitated by the project have taken a proactive role in watershed management. They are voluntarily engaged in studying watershed impairments. They have recommended and are promoting locally-appropriate management solutions. Their cooperation with applied watershed modeling is an innovative contribution to the practical use of computer models to determine the cost effectiveness and environmental impact of best management practices for crop and manure nutrients under local conditions. Numerous partner organizations have contributed to the successful implementation of this stakeholder process. The lessons learned are applicable to