Forest Conservation

Project Leader: Paul Catanzaro

Project Year: 2009

This project is part of the Natural Resource & Environmental Conservation program

Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership

Project Leader: Jerome Schoen

Project Year: 2009

Water is a primordial resource that must be protected to provide clean drinking water, support viable terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystems, serve as an essential resource for businesses, and provide recreational opportunities. Historically in our region, water supply has been adequate, and point source pollution is now mostly under control. Increases in human population and changes in lifestyles, however, are creating new problems around water quantity and quality. Water withdrawals result in dry river beds and water consumption advisories, and polluted storm water has become a major concern for surface water bodies and wetlands. New pollutants are also discovered that need to be mitigated.

It is ultimately the state's responsibility to ensure safe and adequate water supply. In turn, the state relies on University-based research to investigate new threats, new treatment technologies, restoration principles, best management practices and effective policy steps to guide decision-makers. UMass Extension can bridge the gap between academic research and practices to apply that research. Municipal and regional government needs direction and practical examples to solve local water resource problems. Natural resources-based businesses need guidance to conduct business in an economically viable, environmentally conscious way. Other entities (agencies, non-profit organizations) need information to help educate the public on what steps they can take to protect the water resources they use. The Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership (MassWWP) provides training and other technical assistance to citizen organizations who conduct water quality monitoring programs on the lakes, rivers, and estuaries of Massachusetts.

In FY 2009, MassWWP will play a lead role in the planning and coordination of the 2009 WRRC Conference, which brings together water resources educators and professionals from across New England to explore the abovementioned issues.  MassWWP will also collaborate with UMass faculty/Extension staff and with staff of MA DEP and US EPA Region I to discuss integrated strategies for expanding current stormwater related research and outreach programs. MassWWP staff will complete and distribute a report that was begun in FY 2007, analyzing pollution levels, land use and potential nonpoint pollution sources in the Blackstone Watershed.

This project is part of the Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation program

Land Protection and Community Preservation

Project Leader: Robert Levite

Project Year: 2009

The extremely high population density and the dwindling natural resources of the Commonwealth demand that we look at new and better methods for developing land and growing our economy in ways that preserve the long term health and vitality of our, towns, communities and citizens.  To do this, we must design approaches and technologies that support sustainable growth.  The Land Protection and Community Preservation project encourages sustainable growth by providing the residents of the northern towns of the Quinebaug Shetucket watershed corridor with outreach, education and facilitation that will encourage capacity building and the consideration of land, water and sustainability issues in the day to day decision making processes of the towns and the region.

This project is a part of the Natural Resource & Environmental Conservation program

Fish, Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation

Project Leader: Scott Jackson

Project Year: 2009

Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the nation. The rate of land consumption for residential development is steadily increasing far out of proportion to its population growth. Haphazard growth has impacted water resources, natural resource-based enterprises, open space, wildlife habitat, and community character. Nearly half the state's communities lack professional planning staff, while volunteer boards struggle with increasing levels of responsibility, liability, time demands and public mistrust.

The Fish, Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation Project addresses these concerns through related initiatives that focus on habitat loss and fragmentation, establishing priorities for ecological restoration and mitigating development impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.

This plan is a part of the Natural Resource & Environmental Conservation program

Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services

Project Leader: Bess Dicklow

Project Year: 2009

Maintaining a healthy local economy is a major concern for many communities in Massachusetts.  The success of the Environmental Horticulture industry - also known as the “Green Industry” is important to the health of many local economies across the state. Reliable information is the backbone of best management practices in the Green Industries. Landscapers, turf managers, the floriculture industry and vegetable growers rely on diagnostic tools to remain competitive and prevent unnecessary risks.

UMass Extension Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services provide accurate identification of pest, disease, and weed problems. The program also provides analysis of soil and tissue nutrient levels which leads to precision fertilizer applications. Fertilizer applications based upon soil and tissue analysis prevent unnecessary applications of fertilizers which have the potential to negatively impact water resources. Diagnostic analyses also determine nutrient toxicities and deficiencies that can negatively impact plant growth and performance.  In addition to providing these technical services, diagnostic staff also work educate the horticultural industry through presentations at grower meetings, invited presentations, participation in UMass Green School and Winter School for Turf Managers, and by contributing to an array of publications, newsletters and technical manuals.

This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Sustainable Landscape Management and Nursery Production

Project Leader: Kathleen Carroll

Project Year: 2009

According to a 2005 economic study by the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee, the nationwide boom in housing and other construction associated with urban development is driving one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture. The $147 billion environmental horticulture industry - also known as the “Green Industry" - is not only one of the nation's fastest-growing businesses, but according to University of Florida economist Dr. Alan Hodges, continues to expand even during recessionary periods.

Locally, the Green Industry is a major sector of agriculture in Massachusetts.  According to a 2006 survey conducted by the New England Nursery Association, in Massachusetts, there are more than 4,520 firms involved in production (nurseries, greenhouses, herbs, cut flowers, turfgrass) retail, (garden center florists), and landscape services (landscape design, installation, maintenance, lawn care, tree care) with an estimated value of $2.2 billion in gross income for 2004.  At least 58,800 people are employees in these industries in Massachusetts and an additional 13,000 are needed. This industry is helping to keep more than 79,000 acres in agriculture, of which 58 percent is open space and 29 percent is in land preservation programs. The majority of income (85 percent) comes from in-state sales and services. Businesses in this industry paid almost $190 million in taxes in 2004. 

To foster and prolong the growth of the industry in Massachusetts, the Sustainable Landscape Management and Nursery Production project teaches integrated pest management practices and environmental stewardship strategies to municipal and private landscape professionals, nursery growers and home gardeners.  Participants learn to be responsive to client horticultural problems and to collaboratively find workable short and long term solutions to pressing problems. Participants will also understand their role as environmental stewards focused on reducing negative environmental impact by using best management practices. 

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program