Buckeye Basins Newsletter:  Summer 2006

Buckeye Basins is produced by the Ohio State University Extension, Watershed Team. It is compiled quarterly for watershed coordinators, Extension specialists, and natural resource professionals to include within their newsletters, programs, or however they see fit. Please feel free to ask questions, share ideas, or provide feedback.

In This Issue:

• Welcome
• Using Soft Science to Manage watersheds
• Ohio Watershed Leaders (OWLS) Conference
• How Large Is Your Water Footprint?
• US EPA Issues New Guidance on Watershed Planning
• NACD Launches New Electronic Urban Conservation Network
• Floodplains Riparian Zones and Buffer Strips Conference

Using Soft Science to Manage Watersheds
Dana Oleskiewicz
Extension Educator, Watershed Management
 

Scientific disciplines such as chemistry, biology, and hydrology, along with engineering principles, have long been the approach taken to manage watersheds. The Best Management Practices (BMPs) employed are typically on-the-ground techniques to reduce non-point source pollution into waterways or mitigate existing problem. More recently, however, practitioners are recognizing the need to pay attention to the soft sciences such as sociology, economics, and politics.

Water management is a community issue that needs resolution. It is not just a scientific or engineering problem that simply requires a technical solution1. Resolution of management issues means addressing the social, economic, and political ramifications of land use decisions. Humans must be treated as part of the equation for successful and sustainable management efforts.

Interdisciplinary study is essential. The ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ sciences must come together collaboratively as management issues are explored for resolution. This results in an integration of the biological, physical, and social aspects in a community and, ultimately, to sustained water protection…a.k.a. community-based watershed management.

According to Thornton and Laurin (2005)1, interdisciplinary research has changed how we view environmental science. It is more applied and relevant to public policy than one-sided disciplinary research. The social sciences are a strong component for sustained results. If humans aren’t considered, than technically sound practices, or BMPs, may not be adequately adopted. This is why it is so important to incorporate stakeholder input and communication, even if this approach takes longer to accomplish.

In essence, a social change approach to addressing management issues is advocated. This can happen through social marketing similar to commercial marketing. Social marketing is a continual process if long-term watershed management is to take place. People, and institutions, are encouraged to adopt certain actions that will protect their water resources, for the good of themselves and humanity. The goal is to move from an awareness of environmental issues to empowerment that will result in stewardship behavior2.

Water resource protection has long been dominated by technical topics offered by hard science. Soft science has now found its rightful place on agendas, and thus in the conversations and work efforts to protect our valuable waterways.

 

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Ohio Watershed Leaders (OWLS) Conference

When: August 31-September 1, 2006

What: An informal hands-on workshop for watershed coordinators, agency professionals, watershed partnerships, and interested citizens. This event will consist of field-oriented training while at the same time providing an opportunity to foster new relationships in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Where: The 2006 OWLS Workshop will be held at Camp Akita in Sugar Grove, OH near Logan. Participants will be staying in the main lodge. Participants will need to bring their own bedding or sleeping bag, towels, and toiletries. You may access more information regarding the facilities at: http://www.campakita.org

The cost of reservation is $60.00 per person, which covers instructional materials, meals, lodging and a t-shirt. Registration is limited to the first 60 respondents and registration forms must be received by August 14, 2006. To access the workshop website please follow the link below. See you in late August.

http://ohiowatersheds.osu.edu/2006owls.html


OWLS Sponsors:
Ohio State University Extension
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

Contact information:
 

J.P. Lieser
OSU Extension
16714 SR 215
Caldwell, OH 43724
(740) 732-2381
lieser8@ag.osu.edu

Jerry Iles
OSU Extension
1864 Shyville Rd
Piketon, OH 45661
(740) 289-2071
jiles@ag.osu.edu

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How Large Is Your Water Footprint?

Submitted by Jerry Iles Extension Educator - Watershed Management OSU South Centers

The water footprint of an individual, business or nation is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the foods and services consumed by the individual, business or nation. A water footprint is generally expressed in terms of the volume of water use per year.

Since not all goods consumed in one particular country are produced in that country, the water footprint consists of two parts: use of domestic water resources and use of water outside the borders of the
country. The water footprint includes both the water withdrawn from surface and groundwater and the use of soil water (in agricultural production).

Virtual water is the water 'embedded' in commodities. Producing goods and services requires water; the water used to produce agricultural or industrial products is called the virtual water of the product.

The global volume of virtual water flows related to the international trade in commodities is 1,600 Km3/yr. About 80% of these virtual water flows relate to the trade in agricultural products, while the remainder is related to industrial product trade.

The production of 1 kilogram of:
rice requires 3,000 litres of water
maize requires 900 litres of water
wheat requires 1,350 litres of water
beef requires 16,000 litres of water

140 litres of water are needed to produce 1 cup of coffee while the production of 1 litre of milk requires 1,000 litres of water.

Globally, water is saved if agricultural products are traded from regions with high water productivity to those with low water productivity. At present, if importing countries produced all imported agricultural products domestically, they would require 1,600 Km3 of water per year; however, the products are being produced with only 1.200 Km3/yr in the exporting countries, saving global water resources by roughly 400 billion m3/yr.


The per capita consumption of virtual water contained in our diets varies according to the type of diet, from 1 m3/day for a survival diet, to 2.6 m3/day for a vegetarian diet and over 5 m3 for a United States style meat based diet.

Only about 7% of the Chinese water footprint of 700 m3 per capita per year (m3/cap/yr) falls outside of China, whereas 65% of Japan's total water footprint of 1150 m3/cap/yr is external.

The United States appears to have an average water footprint of 2,480 m3/cap/yr, while the global average water footprint is 1,240 m3/cap/yr.

Information from the 2nd United Nations World Water Development Report, 'Water, a shared responsibility'
(http://www.unesco.org/water/wwap/wwdr2/) and from the UNESCO-IHE

Institute for Water Education's 'Water footprint' website (http://www.waterfootprint.org/).

PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO WATER FOOTPRINTS AND VIRTUAL WATER

'Water Footprints of Nations'
By A.K. Chapagain and A.Y. Hoekstra, (c) UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water
Education, 2004.

The internal water footprint of a nation is the volume of water used from domestic water resources to produce the goods and services consumed by the inhabitants of the country. The external water footprint of a country is the volume of water used in other countries to produce goods and services imported and consumed by the inhabitants of the country. The study aims to calculate the water footprint for each nation of the world for the period 1997-2001.

:: Access Volume I (Main Report) [PDF format - 2.5 MB]
http://www.waterfootprint.org/Reports/Report16Vol1.pdf
:: Access Volume II (Appendices) [PDF format - 1.4 MB]
http://www.waterfootprint.org/Reports/Report16Vol2.pdf


LINKS ABOUT WATER FOOTPRINTS
Virtual Water Trade Research Programme (UNESCO-IHE)
http://www.ihe.nl/vmp/articles/Projects/PRO-Virtual_Water_Trade.html
This UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education website explains the objectives of this research programme on Virtual Water Trade and what virtual water is. It also contains downloadable publications related to this topic.

Water footprint (UNESCO-IHE)
http://www.waterfootprint.org/
This website made by the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education is dedicated to questions such as: How much water is required to sustain our consumption pattern? What is the impact of our diet on the globe's
water resources? How to reduce our individual 'water footprint'? The website provides definitions of concepts, research results, downloadable publications and links to other relevant websites. A 'water footprint
calculator' is available, to enable people to estimate their own water footprint.

Virtual Water (World Water Council)
http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/index.php?id=866
This section of the World Water Council website explains what virtual water is, the objectives of the Virtual Water Programme and its outcomes. It also includes links to publications, conference papers and proceedings, and an email discussion on the concept of virtual water.

Virtual Water Flows (IUCN)
http://www.iucn.org/themes/wani/eatlas/html/gm19.html
This webpage, a section of the IUCN website, has maps showing virtual water flows in terms of cereal trade.

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US EPA Issues New Guidance on Watershed Planning

Submitted by Anne Baird

Extension Educator – Watershed Management

 

US EPA addressed common questions and difficulties regarding watershed planning at a webcast on their new draft document: "Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters" on Jan. 18, 2006. The goal of the document is to assist watershed planners in developing effective plans that will provide a framework to restore water quality in impaired waters and protect threatened waters.

The handbook is not meant to replace existing US EPA guidance on various elements of watershed planning and/or management (e.g., "Getting In Step: A Guide to Effective Watershed Outreach in Your Watershed") but to be used with existing guidance. This handbook is more specific than other guides on quantifying existing pollutant loads, load reduction estimates, effective management strategies, and documenting progress once plan is underway.

The handbook has a number of worksheets that can be photocopied and used with your planning group. For example one worksheet addresses the question of stakeholder involvement. Some of the questions on this worksheet include:

1) Who is responsible for implementation?
2) Who is affected?
3) Who has information?
4) Who can provide technical and financial support?

The handbook also includes a number of links and resources on models and best management practices. Specific topics include: a screening tool for candidate practices most likely to succeed, urban stormwater BMP performance and monitoring, and information on model selection.

Questions to ask regarding BMP's include:
1) What's been done?
2) How well has it worked?
3) Can we do it here?
4) When can we start?

Definitions and examples of targets and indicators are included that address environmental, social, and programmatic aspects of watershed plans.

To order a free copy of the handbook or view it on line go to: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/watershed_handbook/

To join a discussion group with threads on watershed planning tools go to:
http://www.epa.gov/watershedforum/

 

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NACD Launches new Electronic Urban Conservation Network

Submitted by Robert McCall, Extension Educator -Watershed Management

PURPOSE: The purpose of the National Association of Conservation Districts' Urban and Community Conservation Network is to enhance communications and interactions among conservation districts and others on urban and community conservation issues and activities, including but not limited to: erosion and sedimentation control, stormwater management, urban forestry, and riparian and other restorations. NACD receives many requests for ideas and information from districts that serve growing communities, and we know the best answers come from other districts that have experienced the similar challenges. In addition, there are a multitude of government agencies, private organizations, and others who can provide information and resources that can assist districts with their urban and community conservation goals. This Network can help facilitate these valuable exchanges.

BACKGROUND: NACD launched the Urban and Community Conservation Network in January 1996 in response to members' many requests for information. Each state was invited to designate one person who would serve as a liaison to NACD on urban and community conservation issues. Thirty-eight states responded. Information packets on activities and opportunities were mailed to these contacts on a bimonthly basis. They were also asked to share news about activities in their states, and to respond to requests for information.

NETWORKING INTO THE 21ST CENTURY -
E-MAIL DISCUSSION GROUP: Many of the current Network members already have access to on-line services and more are signing up. Therefore, this Network was reshaped into an on-line open and unmoderated e-mail discussion group. This allows anyone with interest in urban and community conservation issues to participate. Read the following announcement for directions on how to sign up.
 

WHAT: The NACD Urban, Community and Coastal Resources Committee announces the premiere of an electronic discussion group.
 

WHEN: The discussion group will be a continuing dialogue which will take place by Internet e-mail.
 

WHO: All interested persons are eligible to participate.
 

WHY: The purpose of this discussion group is to foster development of information, communication and cooperation in promoting and facilitating implementation of urban, community and coastal conservation programs and services at the local level. For example, districts just beginning to assume urban erosion control and/or stormwater management services may solicit and discuss ideas and models from districts in state that have been involved in this area for many years.
 

HOW: Participants subscribing to this electronic discussion group will receive e-mail messages that are posted by other subscribers. Participants will be able to solicit information from, and share ideas with, other subscribers. Since the discussion will take place through the use of e-mail, subscribers will be able to participate as much or as little as they want.
Participants must have an Internet e-mail account.
 

To subscribe simply send a message from your computer with the word "subscribe" in the Subject: field to NACDUrban-request@nacdnet.org or click on the link below and send the message.
 

As in: To: NACDUrban-request@nacdnet.org
Subject: subscribe
 

When you change your e-mail address Please unsubscribe the old address and subscribe your new address.
To unsubscribe simply send a message with the word "unsubscribe" in the Subject: field to NACDUrban-request@nacdnet.org
 

As in: To: NACDUrban-request@nacdnet.org
Subject: unsubscribe
 

Once you subscribe, messages intended for the whole list should be sent to NACDUrban@nacdnet.org
If you want to reply privately to a member, address your reply directly to him/her.
When you change you e-mail address Please unsubscribe the old address and subscribe your new address.
 

NETWORK FACILITATOR
For more information, contact the NACD Urban and Community Conservation Network facilitator:
Debra A. Bogar
National Association of Conservation Districts
9150 W. Jewell Avenue, Suite 105
Lakewood CO 80232
Phone: 303-988-1893
Fax: 303-988-1896
Email: Deb-Bogar@nacdnet.org
 

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Floodplains, Riparian Zones, and Buffer Strips:

Key Components to
Aquatic Life Use Attainment and Self-Sustaining Stream and Watershed
Systems

Sponsored by The Ohio State University and the All-Ohio Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (University Plaza Hotel, Columbus, OH) September 5 - 8, 2006

This event, centered around the theme "Celebrating 50 Years and Beyond", will include 1 day of technical tours; an evening reception for all participants; a 50th Anniversary Banquet; 1 day of invited
presentations and panel discussions by recognized experts in the field of soil and water conservation and stream restoration. We will also hold two days of the following technical workshops:

Workshop 1: AutoCAD use for Stream Monitoring and Restoration. (4-day workshop taught by Dave Bidelspach, NC State. Size limited to 10-15 participants).

This four-day course is designed to for engineers and designers to gain familiarity with AutoCAD as a stream monitoring and restoration design tool. Students will explore the features of the Land Desktop
and Civil Series extensions of AutoCAD and learn how to apply these tools to stream monitoring and restoration design projects. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to evaluate and
graphically design a stream restoration project using their newly acquired skills. Each student will have access to a computer for use during the course.

Workshop 2: CPESC, Inc. Certification Review Course
(1 day taught by Dan Ross, NRCS)

Participants will review proper installation, maintenance, and inspection, of erosion prevention and sediment control measures at construction sites in preparation for the CPESC certification examination (www.cpesc.net). Register for the workshop via the conference registration form. Class size is limited to 40
participants. Priority will be given to those taking the certification examination on September 8. Conference discounts do apply.

Workshop 3: Understanding the Geomorphology and Ecology of Stream Systems. (1 day, taught by EdHerricks of University of Illinois, and Lance Williams and Andy Ward of Ohio State)

This 1-day workshop will use a student-centered learning approach combined with real world problem solving and group interaction to learn: how channel dimensions are related to bankfull discharge,
sediment transport, and land use; how functional ecology of fish and macroinvertebrate communities is influenced by in-stream habitat and land use; how to apply this type of knowledge to stream design and
management.

Workshop 4: Introduction to RIVERMorph (1 day, taught by George Athanasakes of Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott & May Engineers, Inc )

This 1-day workshop will focus on procedures for processing geomorphic data and performing Natural Channel Design using the RIVERMorph Software. Participants will gain an understanding of
geomorphic data which must be obtained to properly evaluate a stream system, will be given a review of geomorphic data collection techniques and will learn how to process and interpret geomorphic
data through hands-on exercises using the RIVERMorph Software.

Workshop 5: How to Design Natural Channels Using Principles of Geomorphology (1 day, taught by George Athanasakes and Alan Schlindwein, Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott & May Engineers, Inc )

A very popular method for designing natural stream channels consists of measuring geomorphic parameters from a reference reach and then applying the reference reach parameters to the design reach through
the use of dimensionless ratios. This course will provide an overview of stream restoration and will focus on the procedures necessary to design a stream using Natural Channel Design techniques. Participants will:

Learn the basic design process for developing a natural channel design using a geomorphic approach.
Develop an understanding of how to identify streams with high restoration potential that will be cost effective to restore. Learn how to manage a stream restoration design and what deliverables are necessary to ensure that proper design techniques were followed. Learn how to reduce project costs, while increasing stream function and diversity.
Workshop 6: Meeting Water Quality Standards with Stream Restoration
(1 day, taught by Ed Rankin, Midwest Biodiversity Institute)

This 1-day workshop will demonstrate how to meet Water Quality Standards by incorporating bioassessement tools into stream restoration design.

Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) Certification Examination. (8:00 - 5:00 pm, Proctor Dan Ross; NRCS)

A written examination for ONLY those who have already passed CPESC, Inc. certified training classes or meet eligibility requirements for sediment and erosion control certification. Application must be made
45 days prior to the examination date through CPESC, Inc., www.cpesc.net. If you are already approved to take the exam through CPESC, Inc. you may register to sit for this exam through the conference registration form. Please notify Holly Bartholomew by August 31, 2006 to indicate that you intend to sit for the exam.
Conference discounts do not apply.

Please visit http://streams.osu.edu/conf.php for the full program and
registration details. Those registering for the conference on or
before July 28 will receive a $25 early-bird discount and a
complimentary black canvas briefcase.

If you have questions regarding specifics to the conference, please
contact:

Jessica D'Ambrosio, Program Coordinator
Email: dambrosio.9@osu.edu
Phone: (614) 688-4438
 

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Contact Buckeye Basins:

J.P. Lieser (Editor)
OSU Extension, East District
16714 SR 215
Caldwell, OH 43724
(740) 732-2381 fax (740) 732-5992
lieser8@ag.osu.edu