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

Sustainable Greenhouse Management

Project Leader: Tina Smith

Project Year: 2009

According to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, nursery and greenhouse production is ranked first among the state’s agricultural commodities. The industry consists of wholesale growers and grower retailers, including a rising number of diversified farms that are adding greenhouse crops to their businesses strategies. Plant production is also the basis for many associated horticultural industries such as plant and seed propagators, product suppliers and service industries. Combined, these companies provide a considerable economic and environmental impact to Massachusetts.

The Extension Floriculture Team provides research and educational opportunities for best management and sustainable practices for the greenhouse industry in Massachusetts. The goals of the program are to maintain economic viability for the Green Industries while reducing environmental impacts. Programs on greenhouse crop production, integrated pest management, water and nutrient management, waste management (cranberry pomace) and energy are delivered through a variety of educational opportunities that include newsletters, websites and blogs, publications, workshops, conferences, training programs, diagnostic services and research.
 

This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Sustainable Turf Management

Project Leader: Mary Owen

Project Year: 2009

In the highly populated northeastern United States, turf-covered surfaces collectively comprise an integral part of our communities. Turf management practices have broad implications for water resources, property values, the safety of youth and adult sports participants and the economic viability of businesses and communities. In addition, turf management materials present potential risks from human and non-target exposure. Professional turf managers in all segments of the turf industry are challenged to meet shifting customer demands while meeting safety and quality expectations and protecting the environment. The development, communication and adoption of best management practices are critical for maintaining the quantity and quality of open space and can positively impact ecosystem integrity in Massachusetts.

The UMass Extension Sustainable Turf Management Project helps turf managers and other interested individuals, organizations and communities meet these challenges by providing research based information disseminated through a comprehensive array of workshops, courses, newsletters, websites, educational presentations, field days, and site consultations.  These activities serve to convene state and regional partners to focus on building the skills and knowledge that are needed for maintaining and enhancing turf landscapes, while protecting human health and conserving water and other natural resources.  

This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program

Nutrient Management: Livestock and Crops

Project Leader: Masoud Hashemi

Project Year: 2009

The crops, dairy, livestock, and equine industries are important economic contributors to the Massachusetts economy, both directly and indirectly through the services and industries they support. Together the dairy and livestock farmers manage more than 130,000 acres of hay, pasture and corn, contributing to open space that is important to both non-farm residents and tourism. Massachusetts also has a sizable equine industry with a horse population of more than 45,000, with more than 10,000 horse owners. The UMass Extension Nutrient Management: Livestock and Crops Project provides educational opportunities to farmers, livestock producers and horse owners to increase their knowledge of environmental issues and their ability to reduce the threat of pathogens and nutrient loss from barns, stables, fields and pastures.

The project focuses on reducing the risk of non-point source pollution from all crop, livestock, and horse farms through the development and voluntary adoption of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans and principles by farmers. An additional goal is finding management alternatives that, when implemented, help to ease the burden of increased prices of grains and nitrogen fertilizer. Educational activities include: on-farm demonstrations, field meetings, workshops, facts sheets, and consultation. Animal operation farms, including beef cattle, dairy, goat, hog, horse, and sheep, occur in almost all watersheds. The project therefore also has potential to reduce the threat to water quality in many communities.

This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape 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