Source: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
COORDINATED AGRICULTURAL WATER QUALITY PROGRAMMING FOR THE NORTHERN PLAINS AND MOUNTAINS REGION
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0201384
Grant No.
2004-51130-02248
Project No.
COL0-2004-04643
Proposal No.
2007-04705
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
110.B
Project Start Date
Sep 15, 2004
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2009
Grant Year
2007
Project Director
Waskom, R. M.
Recipient Organization
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
FORT COLLINS,CO 80523
Performing Department
CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Non Technical Summary
The dominant water quality pollutants in the region from agriculture include nutrients, salinity, pesticides, microbial pathogens, and sediment; many of these problems are also coincident with rapid growth and development in the region. Severe drought has affected much of the region during the last four years, further straining resources. Demand on finite water supplies and the risk of adverse impacts on the quality and quantity of those resources steadily increase. This project identifies and utilizes unique state strengths to build capacity across the region; strengthen partnerships with federal, state and local environmental and water resource management agencies to leverage funding; and link university research, education and extension programs with these key partners to help local stakeholders more effectively address water resource problems.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1020210106020%
1030110100015%
1110210106015%
1120330205015%
1330320206020%
4030320202015%
Knowledge Area
133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 103 - Management of Saline and Sodic Soils and Salinity; 111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water; 403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse;

Subject Of Investigation
0330 - Wetland and riparian systems; 0210 - Water resources; 0320 - Watersheds; 0110 - Soil;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 2060 - Geography; 2020 - Engineering; 2050 - Hydrology; 1000 - Biochemistry and biophysics;
Goals / Objectives
2004-04643. This regional project provides a means for channeling and leveraging technical and financial resources of the states to comprehensively address critical water quality and related water quantity issues. To this end, each of the six partner states is committed to providing the leadership and resources to tackle specific, shared water quality problems encountered across the region. This project leverages individual state program efforts to develop and deliver watershed-based water quality and appropriate water quantity research and education. The primary mission is to provide the best available science to help people, industry and governments prevent and solve current and emerging water quality and quantity problems on the local level. The project addresses two key categories for increasing the accessibility of University research, education and extension resources: 1) coordination/facilitation among the six state partners; and 2) implementation of issues-based regional projects.
Project Methods
The project utilizes an interdisciplinary, multi-state approach to develop and deliver watershed-based water quality and water quantity research, education and outreach programs. Each state provides primary expertise and leadership on at least one water resource issue related to the major theme areas identified by the USDA-CSREES National Integrated Water Quality Program. Other states in the region collaborate on these regional projects to take advantage of the unique strengths and resources of each institution. University research and teaching faculty coordinate their programming to provide training for water quality monitoring programs in the states. Water quality and range ecology faculty train conservation districts, watershed groups, volunteer monitoring networks, supporting agencies, and other client groups in classroom and field workshops. The project will build on our successes and lessons learned and expand and improve educational materials and teacher training. We will evaluate and utilize the high quality materials, curricula and teacher training programs already available throughout our Region and will modify these materials as necessary to meet specific state needs.

Progress 09/15/04 to 08/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The USDA-CSREES Northern Plains and Mountains (NPM) Regional Water Program is comprised of professionals from six Land Grant Universities including: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah State Universities, and University of Wyoming in addition to the region's Tribal College communities. A forefront goal of the team is to protect and improve the quality of water resources by facilitating the development, delivery, and implementation of new and existing practices throughout the region. In response to one of the region's high priority issues, rapid energy development and its impact on watersheds, the team responded to stakeholder needs by conducting research to expand our understanding of saline and sodic water impacts and management alternatives on semi-arid landscapes; educating regulatory and natural resource management agency personnel, consultants, scientists, students, and educators; developing, distributing, and educating land owners about natural resource inventory and management tools; and transferring science-based information to the general public, media, landowners potentially impacted by Coal Bed Methane (CBM) extraction, and policy makers. Integrated efforts resulted in the development of a nationally recognized "Land & Water Inventory Guide for Landowners in Areas of CBM Development", which has been used by team members and collaborators to educate landowners concerning CBM issues. This research-based guide assists with monitoring and assessment of CBM impacts to land and water resources and was pilot tested in CO, MT, and WY and served as the centerpiece for a training session in CO. By providing hundreds of landowners with a scientifically formatted manual to collect baseline data prior to and during development, it increased their effectiveness in negotiating surface use agreements with developers. Strong collaboration was established between regional partners by distributing the manual to over 1000 partners, landowners and land managers. The team conducted a survey targeted towards those known to have received the document in basins experiencing CBM development. Results indicate impacts related to behavior and knowledge changes and data collection techniques could be improved through trainings and hands-on instruction. MSU produced Prairies and Pipelines, a documentary that addresses the science and social issues behind CBM recovery and associated water management. It aired on MT PBS and reached an audience of up to 300,000 viewers. The DVD also aired in MSU undergraduate classes, MT Ag Tech Show, SWCS annual meeting, and as a Custer Co. Arts and Heritage Center exhibit. Impacts were assessed by distributing the video and survey to 360 individuals in the four major CBM basins in the West. After viewing the video, all respondents indicated that it was a highly to moderately effective educational resource. In August 2009, an additional 100 copies of the DVD were printed for upcoming distribution throughout the region's states. PARTICIPANTS: Collaboration in this project has brought together water quality coordinators and team support members from MT, WY, CO, and UT and leveraged funds in excess of $2,000,000. Additionally, water quality coordinators from ND and SD have played a valuable role in materials evaluation, critical review, support with identification of key issues needing attention and development of working partnerships outside the coordinator network. Efforts also helped expand collaboration among land-grant universities, private industry, regulatory agencies, natural resource management agencies, and other entities in addressing energy development issues. The projects also created the development of an extensive network of partners across the Powder River Basin (WY), to access CBM wells and disposal ponds for water quality analysis and then develop optimum uses for CBM produced water. The project's education, research, and extension activities are helping landowners, industry, regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA and DEQ Water Quality Division), WY Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey, and bordering states to make informed decisions regarding water chemistry, salinity, sodium adsorption ratio, and trace element impacts on soils, plants, channel sediment, aquatic life, livestock, and wildlife in Rocky Mountain States. Resource guides were funded and co-developed by Region 8 EPA Regional Geographic Initiative, USDA-CSREES NPM Regional Water Program, Prairie County Conservation District (MT), and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (Dept. of Energy) and was awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the American Society of Agronomy. The Prairies and Pipelines documentary was sponsored by the US DOE, MSU Extension Water Quality Program, and the USDA-CSREES NPM Region Water Program and included contributions from BLM, private land owners, industry representatives, regional team scientists and policy-makers. TARGET AUDIENCES: Clientele impacted by the projects' integrated efforts include: policy makers, Tribal leadership, natural resource managers and communities, water association groups, university faculty and students, farmers and ranchers, regulatory agencies and irrigation/conservation districts. The educational materials and workshops are geared towards landowners with CBM development on their property, although they are also appropriate for landowners without CBM and who want to begin a time efficient monitoring program and familiarize themselves with CBM development. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Impacts continue to reach local, regional and national levels with the state of MT, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and EPA adopting surface water quality standards specific to salinity and sodicity. WY is in the process of setting water quality standards and CO is presently investigating rule promulgation and permitting protocols. Overall, WY and MT State Depts. of Env. Quality have modified their water discharge permit reviews intended to be protective of existing beneficial water resource uses. State-of-the-art produced water treatment technologies have been developed along with production of 5 multi-state workshops, field trips, symposia and workgroups. A report on native and culturally significant plants, 11 peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, 2 published articles, 2 book chapters, over 50 presentations, 6 web-based, on-line curriculum modules and 10 electronic fact sheets have generated 83,000 viewings of CBM related information from viewers in North America, Asia, Australia, Western Europe, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Educational impacts include MSU's Land Resources & Environmental Sciences Program with 7 MS degree candidates and 7 degrees earned, UW's Dept. of Renewable Resources with 3 PhD and 4 MS students. Student awards include: Best M.S. Thesis Award for CBM produced water research, Dr. James B. Warner Scholarship Award from American Water Works Assoc. for CBM produced water research, and Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the SRM for CBM produced water research. One of the state water quality coordinators of the regional water quality team has also been actively engaged as an appointee of the National Academy of Sciences in preparation of a peer-reviewed report to U.S. Congress, the Department of Interior, and the EPA on the relationship between CBM development and western U.S. water resources. A major emphasis of this report focuses on the lost and potential beneficial use opportunities associated with water produced as a by-product of CBM gas production in the western U.S.

Publications

  • Akyuz, F. A., T.F. Scherer, D. Morlock. 2008. Automated Irrigation Scheduling Application of the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network. International Conference on Soil Fertility, Land Management, and Agroclimatology. Abstract Book, p 104. Kusadasi, Turkey. October 29-November 1, 2008.
  • Bauder, J. W., L. S. Browning, S. D. Phelps, and A. D. Kirkpatrick. 2008. Biomass production, forage quality, and cation uptake of Quail Bush, Four-Wing Saltbush, and Seaside Barley irrigated with moderately saline-sodic water. Comm. Soil Sci., and Plant Anal. 39 (13-14): 2009-2031.
  • Bauder, J. W., K. R. Hershberger, and L. S. Browning. 2008. Soil solution and exchange complex response to repeated wetting-drying with modestly saline-sodic water. Irrigation Sci. 26:121-130.
  • Bauder, J. W. 2008. Connecting irrigation water conservation to in-stream water quality: a changing paradigm. USDA-CSREES. National Water Conference. Feb 3-7, 2008. John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel Resort 1100 Nugget Avenue Sparks, Nevada.
  • Bauder, J. W., S.Roffe, and K. Pearson. 2005. Assessing Extension program impact: Case study of a water quality program. Abstract and paper by same title published in conference proceedings. USDA-CSREES National Best Education Practices (BEPs) for Water Outreach Professionals: Defining BEPs, Refining New Resources and Recommending Future Actions, June 2004. Madison, WI. 9 pg.
  • Bauder, T.A. and J.P. Schneekloth. 2007 Revision. Irrigated Field Record Book. Colo. State Univ. CE Bulletin XCM 228.
  • Stone, J.J., G.B. Paige, and R.H. Hawkins. 2008. Rainfall intensity dependent infiltration rates on rangeland rainfall simulator plots. Transactions of the ASABE 51(1):45-53.
  • Bauder, T.A and J.S. Schneekloth, Editors. Limited Irrigation Management: Getting the Most Crop per Drop. From the Ground Up, Agronomy News, Spring 2007 Issue.
  • Bauder, T.A, R.M. Waskom, R. Wawryzynski, K. Mauch, and G. Naugle. 2008. Agricultural Chemicals and Groundwater Protection in Colorado: 1990-2006. Colorado Water Resources Research Institute Special Report No. 16.
  • Browing, L.S., K. R. Hershberger, and J. W. Bauder, 2007. Soil water retention at varying matric potentials following repeated wetting with modestly saline-sodic water and subsequent air drying. Comm. Soil Sci., and Plant Anal. 38:1-16.
  • Browning, L. S., J. W. Bauder, and S. D. Phelps. 2006. Effect of irrigation water salinity and sodicity and water table position on water table chemistry beneath Atriplex lentiformis and Hordeum marinum. Arid Land Res. and Mgt. 20: 1-15.
  • Browning, L. S., J. W. Bauder, K. E. Hershberger, and H. N. Sessoms. 2005. Irrigation return flow sourcing of sediment and flow augmentation in receiving streams: A case study. J. Soil and Water Conservation. 60(3):134-141.
  • Carrithers, S., and Wm. A. Sigler and, LRES, (co-directors); Libby White, Film and TV, (producer). Prairies and Pipelines: Issues in Coal Bed Methane Development (Video/DVD: 28:00) 2006. Montana State University Extension Water Quality Program.
  • Jia, X, T.F. Scherer and D.D. Steele, 2007, Crop Water Requirements for Major Crops in North Dakota and its Vicinity Area, Paper RRV-07133, North Central Intersectional Meeting of ASABE, Fargo, ND, 13 pgs. Johns, Mitchell M., and James W. Bauder. 2007. Root zone leachate from high chemical oxygen demand cannery water Irrigation. Soil. Sci. Soc. Am. J. 71: 1893-1901
  • Todd, A., S. D. Cash, L. M. M. Surber, J. W. Bauder, B. Robinson, and J. Pugh. 2006. Forage quality characteristics of barley irrigated with coalbed discharge water. Western Society of Crop Science. June, 2006. Bozeman, MT. (Abstract)
  • Warne, T., Sigler, W.A., and J. W. Bauder. 2007. The WELL EDUCATED Program: Guiding private well owners through testing and interpreting their water quality. USDA-CSREES. National Water Conference. Feb 3-7, 2008. John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel Resort 1100 Nugget Avenue Sparks, Nevada. (Abstract-Poster)
  • Warne, T., W. Sessoms, and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Soil permeability response to acute and chronic exposure to slightly saline, highly sodic water. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Conference, November, 2006. Indianapolis, IN. (Abstract)
  • Clay, D. E., C. Ren, C. Reese, R. Waskom, J. W. Bauder, N. Mesner, G. Paige, K. Reddy, M. Neibauer, and R. Mahler. 2007. Linking public attitudes with perceptions of factors impacting water quality and attending learning activities. J. Nat. Res. and Life Sci. Educ. 36: 36-44.
  • Carrithers, S. J.W. Bauder, L. Browning, A. Sigler, N. Mesner, A. Walker. 2008. A new era of online education: field based, online water quality curriculum for teachers. NACTA/SERD Annual Conference, 3-8 June, 2008. Utah State University, Logan, UT.
  • Carrithers, S., J. W. Bauder, L. S. Browning, Wm. A. Sigler, N. Mesner, and A. Walker. 2006. A new era of online education: Evaluation strategies to enhance a field based, online water quality course. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Conference, November, 2006. Indianapolis, IN. (Abstract/Poster)
  • Drake, V. M., and J. W. Bauder. 2005. Ground water nitrate-nitrogen trends in relation to urban development, Helena, Montana, 1971-2003. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation 25(2): 118-130.
  • Hershberger, K., and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Using a TMDL approach to water quality monitoring on a watershed scale, a case study. USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference. February, 2006. San Antonio, TX. (Abstract)
  • Horsburgh, Jeffrey, A. Spackman Jones, D.K. Stevens, D.G. Tarboton and N.O. Mesner. 2009. A Study of High Frequency Water Quality Observations 2 in the Little Bear River Utah, USA Submitted to Water Resources Research.
  • Horsbugh, Jeff, A. Spackman Jones, D. Stevens, D. Tarboton, N. Mesner. 2009, A sensor network for high frequency estimation of water quality constituent fluxe. Submitted to Environmental Modeling and Software.
  • Jia, X, T.F. Scherer, T. DeSutter and D.D. Steele, 2008, Change of Soil Hardness and Soil Properties due to Tile Drainage in the Red River Valley, Paper 08-4369, ASABE International Conference, Providence RI, 9 pgs.
  • Jones, D., T. F. Scherer, N. Carroll, R. Persyn, J. Frankenberger, G.M. Powell. Private Water Systems Handbook, Fifth Edition, MWPS-14, 2009. Midwest Plan Service, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011-3080. 250 pages.
  • Johnson, R; and T.F. Scherer, 2009 WQ-1341 Drinking Water Quality, Testing and Interpreting Your Results, 8 pgs.
  • Johnson, R; G. Lardy and C. Stoltonow, 2008 AS-954 Livestock and Water, 7 pgs.
  • Johnson, R and T.F. Scherer, 2008 WQ-1352 What is Wrong With My Water Choosing the Right Test, 4 pgs.
  • Keefer, T.O., M.S. Moran and G.B. Paige. 2008. Long-term meteorological and soil-dynamics database WGEW, Arizona, USA. Water Resources Research 44, W05S07, doi: 10.1029/2006WR005702. 8 p.
  • Keith, K., H. Sessoms, M. Neibauer, Q. Skinner, J. Bauder, R. Waskom, and N. Mesner. 2005. Land and water inventory guide for landowners in areas of coal bed methane development. 1st Edition. Montana State University Extension Service, EB166. 77 pg.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., and J. W. Bauder. 2008. Yard and Garden Water Management. Montana State University Extension Service Montguide MT198915AG, revised 5/2008.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., L. S. Browning, J. W. Bauder, R. Waskom, M. Neibauer, G. Cardon. 2006. Irrigating With Limited Water Supplies: A practical guide to choosing crops well suited to limited irrigation. MSU Ext. Service EB169. 29 pg.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., H. Sessoms, and Q. Skinner. 2006. A guide to changing plant communities, with emphasis on salinizing sites in the arid and semi-arid Northern Plains and Mountains Region. MSU Extension Water Quality Program, cooperative with University of Wyoming, Department of Rangeland Sciences and Watershed Management. MSU Ext. Service. EB172. 67 pg.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., and J. W. Bauder. Irrigating with limited water supplies. USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference. February, 2006. San Antonio, TX. (Abstract)
  • Kirkpatrick, A. and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Evaluating constructed wetlands for beneficial use of saline-sodic water. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Conference, November, 2006. Indianapolis, IN. (Abstract)
  • Moran, M.S., R.L. Scott, T.O. Keefer, W.E. Emmerich, M. Hernandez, G.S. Nearing, G.B. Paige, M.H. Cosh and P.E. ONeill. 2009. Partitioning evapotranspiration in semiarid grassland and shrubland ecosystems using time series of soil surface temperature. Agriculture and Forest Meteorology 149:59-72.
  • Moran, M.S., T.O. Keefer, G.B. Paige, R.L. Scott, W.E. Emmerich, M.H. Cosh, P.E. O'Neill. 2006. Partitioning evapotranspiration using diural surface temperature variation. Second Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds. (ICRW) May 17-19, 2006, USDA SRS Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, North Carolina.
  • Mowen, T., Sigler, W.A., and J. Bauder. 2008. The 2008 WELL EDUCATED Program and Case Study: Guiding private well owners through testing and interpreting their water quality. USDA-CSREES. National Water Conference. February 8-12, 2009. Millennium Hotel, St. Louis, MO, (Abstract-Poster)
  • Paige, G.B. and T.O. Keefer. 2008. Field application performance of multiple soil moisture sensors. Journal of American Water Resources Association 44(1):122-135.
  • Paige, G.B. S.N. Miller, T.J. Kelleners and S.T. Gray. 2008. Hydrologic instrumentation and data collection in Wyoming. Proceedings of the Third Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds (ICRW), September 8-11, 2008, Estes Park, CO.
  • Roffe (Carrithers), S., and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Extension education and its evolving role in watershed based organization: a study of the Montana Powder River Basin. USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference. February, 2006. San Antonio, TX. (Abstract/Poster)
  • Scherer, T.F. and L. Cihacek, 2008, AE-1360 Irrigation Water Sample Analysis
  • Scherer, T.F. 2007, AE-966, A Guide to Plugging Abandoned Wells (Revision), 16 pgs.
  • Scherer, T.F., 2006, AE-892, Individual Home Sewage Treatment Systems,28 pgs.
  • Sigler, Wm. A. and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Montana well test program: public water quality programming model. USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference. February, 2006. San Antonio, TX. (Abstract/Oral presentation)
  • Scherer, T.F. and Jia, X, 2009. A Simple Method to Measure the Flow Rate and Volume from Tile Drainage Pump Stations, Paper 09-6997, ASABE International Conference, Reno, NV, 9 pgs.
  • Scherer, T.F. and D.J. Morlock, 2008. A Site-Specific Web-based Irrigation Scheduling Program, Paper 08-3589, ASABE International Conference, Providence, RI, 13 pgs.
  • Sessoms, H., and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Land and water inventory guide for landowners in areas of coalbed methane development. USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference. February, 2006. San Antonio, TX. (Abstract)
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Assessing In-Stream Bacteria (E. coli) Concentrations Associated with Animal Feeding Operations. Soil and Water Conservation Society. 2006 Annual Conference. Jul. 22-26, 2006, Keystone, CO. (Abstract)
  • Sigler, Wm. A., and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Using buffer strips to mitigate water quality impairment from animal feeding operations. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Conference, November, 2006. Indianapolis, IN. (Abstract)
  • Spackman Jones, Amber, D. Stevens, J. Horsbugh and N. Mesner. 2009. Surrogate Measures for Providing High Frequency Estimates of Total Suspended Solids and Total Phosphorus Concentrations. Submitted to Water Research.
  • Spackman Jones, Amber, N.O. Mesner, J. Horsburgh, R. Ryel, and D. Stevens. 2009. Impact of Sampling Frequency on Annual Load Estimation of Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended `Solids. Submitted to Water Research.


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The USDA-CSREES Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Program team is comprised of professionals from Land Grant Universities including: Colorado State University, University of Wyoming, Utah State University, Montana State University, South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University as well as the region's Tribal College communities. One goal of the team is to protect and improve the quality of water resources by facilitating the development, delivery and implementation of new and existing practices throughout the region. In response to one of the regions high priority issues, rapid energy development and its impact on watersheds, the team responded to stakeholder needs by conducting research to expand our understanding of saline and sodic water impacts and management alternatives on semi-arid landscapes; educating regulatory and natural resource management agency personnel, the litigants and attorneys, consultants, scientists, students, and educators; and transferring science-based information to the general public, media, landowners potentially impacted by CBM extraction, and policy makers. Significant impacts included policy changes in water quality standards, providing landowners with new tools to protect their resources, and assisting tribes with the protection of native and culturally significant plant species. The development of comprehensive integrated research, education and extension efforts has resulted in providing numerous land owners within the NPM Region the tools to institute science-based natural resource monitoring programs to better manage produced and impaired waters from energy development and address the potential short and long-term impacts of CBM discharge water to soil, vegetation and water resources. PARTICIPANTS: Collaboration in this project has brought together water quality coordinators and team support members from MT, WY, CO, and UT and leveraged funds in excess of $100,000. Additionally, water quality coordinators from ND and SD have played a valuable role in materials evaluation, critical review, support with identification of key issues needing attention and development of working partnerships outside the coordinator network. Efforts also helped expand collaboration among land-grant universities, private industry, regulatory agencies, natural resource management agencies and other entities in addressing energy development issues. The projects also created the development of an extensive network of partners across the Powder River Basin (WY), to access CBM wells and disposal ponds for water quality analysis and then develop optimum uses for CBM produced water. The projects' education, research, and extension activities are helping landowners, industry, regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA and DEQ Water Quality Division), WY Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey, and bordering states to make informed decisions regarding water chemistry, salinity, sodium adsorption ratio, and trace element impacts on soils, plants, channel sediment, aquatic life, livestock, and wildlife in Rocky Mountain States. Resource guides were funded and co-developed by Region 8 EPA Regional Geographic Initiative, USDA-CSREES Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Program, Prairie County Conservation District (MT), and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (Dept. of Energy) and was awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the American Society of Agronomy. The Prairies and Pipelines documentary was sponsored by the US DOE, MSU Extension Water Quality Program and the USDA-CSREES NPM Region Water Program and included contributions from BLM, private land owners, industry representatives, regional team scientists and policy-makers. TARGET AUDIENCES: Clientele impacted by the projects' integrated efforts include: policy makers, Tribal communities, water association groups, university faculty, regional farmers and ranchers, regulatory agencies and irrigation /conservation districts. The educational materials and workshops are geared towards landowners with CBM development on their property, but they are also appropriate for landowners without CBM and who want to begin a time efficient monitoring program and familiarize themselves with CBM development. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None

Impacts
Integrated efforts resulted in the development of a nationally recognized "Land & Water Inventory Guide for Landowners in Areas of CBM Development", which has been used by team members and collaborators to educate landowners concerning CBM issues. This research-based guide assists with monitoring and assessment of CBM impacts to land and water resources and was pilot tested in MT, CO and WY and served as the centerpiece for a training session in CO. By providing hundreds of landowners with a scientifically formatted manual to collect baseline data prior to and during development, it increased their effectiveness in negotiating surface use agreements with developers. Strong collaboration was established between regional partners by distributing the manual to over 1000 partners, landowners and land managers. The team conducted a survey targeted towards those known to have received the document in basins experiencing CBM development. Results indicate impacts related to behavior and knowledge changes and data collection techniques could be improved through trainings and hands-on instruction. MSU produced Prairies and Pipelines, a documentary that addresses the science and social issues behind CBM recovery and associated water management. It aired on MT PBS and reached an audience of up to 300,000 viewers. The DVD also aired in MSU undergraduate classes, MT Ag Tech Show, SWCS annual meeting, and as a Custer Co. Arts and Heritage Center exhibit. Impacts were assessed by distributing the video and survey to 360 individuals in the 4 major CBM basins in the West. After viewing the video all respondents indicated that it was a highly to moderately effective educational resource. Impacts continue to reach local, regional and national levels with the state of MT, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and EPA adopting surface water quality standards specific to salinity and sodicity. WY is in the process of setting water quality standards and CO is presently investigating rule promulgation and permitting protocols. Overall, WY and MT State Depts. of Env. Quality have modified their water discharge permit reviews intended to be protective of existing beneficial water resource uses. State-of-the-art produced water treatment technologies have been developed along with production of 5 multi-state workshops, field trips, symposia and workgroups. A report on native and culturally significant plants, 11 peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, 2 published articles, 2 book chapters, over 50 presentations, 6 web-based, on-line curriculum modules and 10 electronic fact sheets have generated 83,000 viewings of CBM related information from viewers in North America, Asia, Australia, Western Europe, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Educational impacts include MSU's Land Resources & Environmental Sciences Program with 7 MS degree candidates and 7 degrees earned, UW's Dept. of Renewable Resources with 3 PhD and 4 MS students. Student awards include: Best M.S. Thesis Award for CBM produced water research, Dr. James B. Warner Scholarship Award from American Water Works Assoc. for CBM produced water research, and Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the SRM for CBM produced water research.

Publications

  • Bauder, J. W., L. S. Browning, S. D. Phelps, and A.D. Kirkpatrick. 2008. Biomass production, forage quality, and cation uptake of Quail bush, four-wing saltbush, and seaside barley irrigated with moderately saline-sodic water. Comm. In Soil Sci. and Plant Anal. 39:1-23.
  • Clay, D. E., C. Ren, C. Reese, R. Waskom, J. W. Bauder, N. Mesner, G. Paige, K. Reddy, M. Neibauer, and R. Mahler. 2007. Linking public attitudes with perceptions of factors impacting water quality and attending learning activities. J. Nat. Res. and Life Sci. Educ. 36: 36-44.
  • Keith, K., H. Sessoms, M. Neibauer, Q. Skinner, J. Bauder, R. Waskom, and N. Mesner. 2006. Land and water inventory guide for landowners in areas of coal bed methane development. 1st Edition. Montana State University Extension Service, EB166. 77 pg.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., H. Sessoms, and Q. Skinner. 2006. A guide to changing plant communities, with emphasis on salinizing sites in the arid and semi-arid Northern Plains and Mountains Region. MSU Extension Water Quality Program, cooperative with University of Wyoming, Department of Rangeland Sciences and Watershed Management. MSU Ext. Service. EB172. 67 pg.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of The Northern Plains and Mountains Region Water Quality Program is to protect and improve the quality of water resources by facilitating the development, delivery and implementation of new and existing practices throughout the Region. Water quality is an important issue and the study of water quality is highly multidisciplinary in nature, encompassing areas of biology, ecology, hydrology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, agronomy, and soil civics. To address water quality issues and education, the regional water project generated outputs aimed at watershed management through research, monitoring, best management practices, and education. These outputs include the development of Stream Side Science Initiative which works to develop training materials that detect and quantify real changes in water quality, as well as increase knowledge about the human dimensions of watershed management. Led by Utah State University, the region has been using stream monitoring techniques for several years to teach about NPS pollution and watershed functions, reaching on average over 5000 youth each year. A major component of this effort has been the development of the Stream Side Science curriculum, consisting of a series of 11 lesson plans covering stream and wetland monitoring education activities. Stream Side Science courses replace traditional teacher-focused lectures with student-centered and student-driven study, field experiences, and discussions. Skills and information presented to teachers in this course are fully transferable to secondary students. In support of the curriculum, the Stream Side Science program provides 8-hour teacher training workshops that cover background information, hands-on training and experience with the water testing techniques. Based on the success of the Stream Side Science Curriculum, an online course was offered to secondary science teachers and upper-division college science education majors within Montana State University's Master of Science in Science Education program. This Stream Side Science online course was developed by the land grant universities in Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Furthermore, thirty workshops were offered - reaching 392 teachers and 58 non-formal teachers. In addition, an 8-week field-based course provided teacher training involving comprehensive, standards-based, science-based stream monitoring education with strong connections to local, regional, national, and global water quality issues. This project distributed 200 additional Stream Side Science Curriculum guides and coordinated with Hopa Mountain College, Blackfeet Community College, and Native Science Field Centers to develop and teach 5-12 grade students environmental science lessons. The project also developed and distributed 40 Jordan River Supplement Manuals for the SSS manual and held 4 teacher trainings, as well as a field day using the Jordan River Supplement activities - reaching 8 formal teachers, 2 non-formal teachers, 4 non-educators and 30 students. The project also trained 70 teachers in GIS/GPS techniques related to water quality and over fifty 5-12 grade students concerning water born bacteria. PARTICIPANTS: The Stream Side Science Curriculum was developed by Utah State University and the corresponding online course was developed by Montana State University. USDA-CSREES partners from Colorado State University and the University of Wyoming provided evaluative input during SSS curriculum development and critiqued general online course content. These specific evaluations were intended to ensure integrity of content, while keeping curriculum focused on the field-based issues in watershed science. SSS curriculum was also used during the spring of 2007 at the Blackfeet reservation in Browning, Montana. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences for the Stream Side Science Initiative include secondary science teachers, upper division college science education majors, regional tribal college teachers/students and Extension personnel.

Impacts
This Stream Side Science (SSS) Initiative has enabled over 200 educators to increase the knowledge base of approximately 8000 students in areas of watershed and water quality science. Over 500 copies of the SSS curriculum have been distributed nation-wide and it was awarded the 2005 Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals Gold Award in the Long Publication Category. The SSS Initiative has also increased the knowledge of 70 teachers pertaining to GPS/GIS techniques in relation to water quality. Related SSS workshops have increased the knowledge of over 390 teachers concerning watershed and water quality. In the fall of 2007, previous SSS students who participated in the Montana State University Master of Science in Science Education program were asked to complete an online survey to identify impacts the course may have had on classroom curriculum, teaching methods (pedagogy), and situations outside of the classroom. Sixteen of 23 (70%) students who enrolled and completed SSS responded to the survey; 44% from the 2006 class and 56% from the 2007 class. Half of the respondents had been teaching 5-10 years, with the majority of the remaining half (38%) having taught ten years or more. Over half the respondents (63%) taught 10th grade or higher with between 56 -69% teaching Biology, Chemistry, or a combination of both. 81% of respondents have incorporated knowledge, skills or activities from SSS into their classrooms; primarily (93%) in science curriculum. Thirteen teachers stated they taught SSS content in their classrooms, including one or a combination of the following: chemical and physical parameters (69%), stream monitoring (38%), and macro invertebrate counts (31%). Eight respondents said they have exposed over fifty students to SSS content or concepts. Half of the respondents indicated their teaching methods had changed as a result of SSS. The primary change in pedagogy included incorporation of more hands-on lab activities inside and outside of the classroom. Those who did not feel their methods had changed, indicated they had either always incorporated similar activities in their classrooms or that SSS did not inspire them to change their current teaching methods. 75% of respondents indicated they have used SSS content or principles outside of the school setting. Primary settings include one or a combination of the following: family activities (62%), community events (31%), and teaching conferences (23%). Overall, the SSS Initiative has leveraged over $1.7 million to develop online watershed information and outreach, research changes in water quality and sediment transport, develop environmental observatory tools, and enhance water quality Extension efforts.

Publications

  • Ellison, C.A. and Q.D. Skinner, 2006. Use Attainability Analysis, Red Cloud Slough, Goshen County Conservation District, 20 pp.
  • Ellison, C.A. and Q.D. Skinner, 2006. Use Attainability Analysis, Sage Creek, Goshen County Conservation District, f24 pp.
  • Ellison, C.A. and Q.D. Skinner. 2006. Trends in surface water quality of the lower Muddy Creek Basin, Carbon County, WY., Little Snake River Conservation District, 65 pp.
  • Ellison, C.A., Q.D. Skinner, and K.J. Reddy. 2006. Stream discharge and suspended sediment concentration in a Wyoming stream. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 42:55 68.
  • Schuck, E., R. Proft, and Reagan Waskom. Evaluating Non-Price Water Demand Policies During Severe Droughts. Current Agricultural, Food and Resource Issues. Volume 7 (2006), pp.44-55.
  • Hershberger, K.R., and J.W. Bauder. 2006. Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District Baseline Soil Sampling Inventory Phase III 2006. Submitted Sept. 2006 to Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District, Terry, MT.
  • Hershberger, K.R., and J.W. Bauder. 2006. Flow and sediment sourcing inventory for Muddy Creek, Big Coulee, and Sun River. Sun River Watershed Group x Cascade-Teton Conservation Districts. 40 pgs.
  • Hershberger, K.R., H. Sessoms, and J.W. Bauder. Freezout Wildlife Management Area Water Quality Monitoring 2006. Progress report submitted to Sun River Watershed Group and DEQ, 32 pgs.
  • Hershberger, K. E., and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Muddy Creek and perennial tributary flow and sediment assessment 2006. Submitted January, 2007 to Sun River Watershed Group, Great Falls, MT.
  • Hershberger, K. E., H. Sessoms, and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Freezout Wildlife Management Area water quality monitoring investigation 2006. Submitted to Montana Department of Enironmental Quality, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Sun River Watershed Group, Great Falls, MT.
  • Hershberger, K. E. and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Sun River watershed water quality monitoring oversight and analyses report. Submitted to Sun River Watershed Group, Great Falls, MT.
  • Hershberger, K. E. and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Freezout WMA Monitoring 2007: Assessment of seepage losses from GM4711, a water conveyance ditch of Greenfields Irrigation District. Submitted to Sun River Watershed Group, Great Falls, MT. and Greenfields Irrigation District Board of Directors, Fairfield, MT.
  • Hershberger, K. E. and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District baseline soil sample and analyses summary report. Submitted to Buffalo Rapids Irrigation District Board of Directors, Terry, MT, and USDI-Bureau of Reclamation Upper Missouri Division, Billings, MT.
  • Hershberger, K. E. and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Report of Big Coulee flow and sediment sourcing investigations, Cascade and Teton Counties, MT. Submitted to Sun River Watershed Group, Great Falls, MT, and Greenfields Irrigation District Board of Directors, Fairfield, MT.
  • Horvath, D.P., R. Gulden, and S.A. Clay. 2006. Microarray analysis of late season velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) impact on corn. Weed Sci. 54:983-994.
  • Jackson, R.E., and K.J. Reddy. 2007 Geochemistry of CBNG produced water in Powder River Basin: Salinity and Sodicity. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. DOI:10.1007/s11270-007-9398-9,May 3rd, 2007.
  • Johns, Mitchell M., and James W. Bauder. 2007. Root zone leachate from high chemical oxygen demand cannery water Irrigation. Soil. Sci. Soc. Am. J. 71: 1893-1901.
  • Johnson, R., Scherer, T. 2007. Septic System Records. Information and Guidelines for Your Septic System; November; NDSU Extension; Fargo, North Dakota.
  • Johnson, R., Scherer, T. 2007. Water Well Records. Information and Guidelines for Your Water Well; November; NDSU Extension; Fargo, North Dakota.
  • Johnson, R., Scherer, T. 2007. Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results; WQ-1341; Sept; NDSU Extension; Fargo, North Dakota.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Warm Springs Creek flow and sediment sourcing investigations, project completion report. Submitted to USDI-Bureau of Reclamation Upper Missouri Division, Billings, MT., and Tosten Irrigation District (Crow Creek Pump project), Tosten, MT.
  • Clay, D.E*, C.E. Clapp, C. Reese, Z. Liu, C. G. Carlson, H. Woodard, and A. Bly Clay, D.E., C.E. Clapp, J. Kleinjan, and H. Woodward. 2007. 13C fractionation of relic soil organic C during mineralization effects calculated half-lives. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. (In press).
  • Clay, D.E. N. Kitchen, J. Kleinjan, and C.G. Carlson. 2007. Using historical management areas to reduce soil nutrient sampling error. GIS in Agriculture, CRC Press.
  • Clay, D.E., C.G. Carlson, S.A. Clay, C. Reese, Z. Liu, and M.M. Ellsbury. 2006. Theoretical Derivation of New Stable and Non-isotopic Approaches for Assessing Soil Organic C Turnover. Agron. J. 98:443-450.
  • Clay, D.E., C.L. Reese, Ki-In Kim, C.G. Carlson, and S.A. Clay. 2006. The influence of soil yield zone on N mineralization and fertilizer response in corn. Proceedings of the 8th International Precision Farming Conference, July 23-26, Minneapolis MN.
  • Clay, D.E., Ki-In Kim, J. Chang, S.A. Clay, and K. Dalsted. 2006. Characterizing water and Nstress in corn using remote sensing. Agron. Journal. 98:579-587.
  • Clay, D.E., N.R. Kitchen, C.G. Carlson, and J.L. Kleinjan. 2006. The First Step in Precision Agriculture: Sampling Old Farmsteads Separately from the Rest of the Field. SSMG 43. In Clay et al. (Ed) Site Specific Management Guidelines. Potash and Phosphate Institute. Norcross, GA.
  • Kleinjan, J.L., D. E. Clay, C. G. Carlson and S. A. Clay. 2007. Developing productivity zones from multiple years of yield data. SSMG 45. In Clay et al. (Ed) Site Specific Management Guidelines. Potash and Phosphate Institute. Norcross, GA.
  • Milligan C. L., and K.J. Reddy. 2007. Monitoring of Trace Elements in CBNG Disposal Ponds Across the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. In Proceedings of Thirty Years of SMRCA and Beyond, National Meetings of American Society of Mining and Reclamation, 3134 Montavesta Road, Lexington, Kentucky, 40502. (In press).
  • Roth, T.R., and K.J. Reddy. 2007. Arsenic in Drinking Water: An introduction to a novel filtration method. Book Chapter (x). In Bundschuh et al., (ed.) Natural Arsenic in Groundwaters of Latin America, As-2006 International Conference. (in press)
  • Seelig, B, and S. DeKeyser, 2006. Water Quality and Wetland Function in the Northern Prairie Pothole Region, WQ-1313, NDSU Extension Service.
  • Kleinjan, J, D.E. Clay, C.G. Carlson, and S.A. Clay. 2007. Developing productivity zones from multiple years of yield monitor data. GIS in Agriculture, CRC Press
  • Sessoms, H., K. R. Hershberger, and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge Salt Management Impact Review. Montana State University Extension Water Quality Program. Submitted to Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Reserve Water Rights Compact Commission x Interagency Task Force. 160 pgs.
  • Sessoms, H., T. Warne, and J. W. Bauder. 2006. Beaverhead River East Bench Unit water budget and canal efficiency study 2006. Progress report USBR cooperative agreement no. 06FC602128. Submitted to USBR Great Plains Region, 30 pgs.
  • Scherer, T., Johnson, R. 2007. A Guide to Plugging Abandoned Wells; AE-966; Sept. NDSU Extension; Fargo, North Dakota.
  • Sigler, A. and J.W. Bauder. 2006. Assessing water quality impacts from animal feeding operations (AFOs) and best management practice (BMP) implementation 2006 annual report. Submitted Dec. 2006 to MT Natural Resource Conservation Service, Bozeman, MT.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, and J. W. Bauder. 2007. Assessing water quality impacts from animal feeding operations (AFOs) and NRCS best management practice (BMP) implementation. Submitted to USDA-NRCS, Montana State Office, Bozeman, MT.
  • Sigler, W. A. and Carrithers, S. 2007. Proper well maintenance helps ensure a good water supply. Barnyards& Backyards. University of Wyoming.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Alkalinity, pH, and total dissolved solids fact sheet. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted to MSUEWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Antimony, barium, beryllium, chromium, mercury, and thallium fact sheet. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted\ to MSUEWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Arsenic, cadmium, and selenium fact sheet. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted to MSUEXWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Copper and lead fact sheet. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted to MSUEWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Corrosivity and hardness fact sheet. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted to MSUEWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Iron fact sheet. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted to MSUEWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Suitability of water for livestock fact sheet. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted to MSUEWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Sigler, W. Adam, J. W. Bauder. 2006. Understanding your test results: lab report interpretive guide. Fact sheets were inserted in well test program participant packets and posted to MSUEWQ web page, http://waterquality.montana.edu/.
  • Clay, S.A., B. Kreutner, D.E. Clay, and C. Reese. 2006. Spatial distribution, temporal stability, and yield loss estimates for annual grasses and common ragweed in corn/soybean production field over nine years. Weed Sci. 54:380-390.
  • Clay, S.A., J. Kleinjan, and D.E. Clay. 2006. Weed emergence by landscape position. Proceedings paper. Eighth International Precision Ag. Conference. Minneapolis, MN July 2006.
  • Clay, S.A., K.R. Banken, F. Forcella, M.M. Ellsbury, D.E. Clay, and A.E. Olness. 2006. Influence of yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila) on corn (Zea mays). Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 37:1421-1435.
  • Ellison, C.A. and Q.D. Skinner, 2006. Use Attainability Analysis, Deer Creek. Goshen County Conservation District, 17pp.
  • Ellison, C.A. and Q.D. Skinner, 2006. Use Attainability Analysis, Jay Em Creek, Goshen County Conservation District, 18pp.
  • Ellison, C.A. and Q.D. Skinner, 2006. Use Attainability Analysis, Little Cottonwood Creek,Goshen County Conservation District, 13 pp.
  • Ellison, C.A. and Q.D. Skinner, 2006. Use Attainability Analysis, Negro Baby Creek, Goshen County Conservation District, 118 pp.
  • Adamchuk, V.I. 2006. Characterizing Soil Variability Using On-the-Go Sensing Technology, SSSMG 44. In Clay et al. (Ed) Site Specific Management Guidelines. Potash and Phosphate Institute. Norcross, GA.
  • Bauder, J. W., K. R. Hershberger, and L. S. Browning. 2007. Soil solution and exchange complex response to repeated wetting-drying with modestly saline-sodic water. Irrigation Sci. 0342-7188 (Print) 1432-1319 (Online).
  • Bauder, T. and J. Schneekloth. 2007. Irrigated Field Record Book. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin XCM 228 revised. Bauder T. A. and J.S. Schneekloth. 2007. FROM THE GROUND UP, Agronomy News, Limited Irrigation Management Getting the Most Crop per Drop. Volume 26 issue 1.
  • Bauder, T.A., S. McDonald, and M.J. Vestal. 2006. Pesticide Record Book for Private Applicators Microsoft Excel version. Available for download at www.csuwater.info.
  • Browning, L.S., J.W. Bauder, and S. D. Phelps. 2006. Effect of irrigation water salinity and sodicity and water table position on water table chemistry beneath Atriplex lentiformis and Hordeum marinum. Arid Land Res. and Mgt. 20: 1-15.
  • Browning, L.S., K.R. Hershberger, and J.W. Bauder. 2007. Soil solution and exchange complex response to repeated wetting-drying with modestly saline-sodic water. Accepted for publication in Irrigation Science.
  • Browing, L.S., K. R. Hershberger, and J. W. Bauder, 2007. Soil water retention at varying matric potentials following repeated wetting with modestly saline-sodic water and subsequent air drying. Comm. Soil Sci., and Plant Anal. 38:1-16.
  • Cagney, J., B. Budd, J. Forster, and Q.D. Skinner. 2006. North Tongue Technical Review Team Report, submitted by Grant Stumbough, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, 62 pp.
  • Cagney, J., P. Meiman, Q.D. Skinner, M.A. Smith, and A. McIntosh. 2006. Sandstone Technical Review Team Report, 32 pp.
  • Carrithers S., A. Bamber, A. Kirkpatrick, & J. Bauder. 2007. Pesticide and fertilizer uses around the home: alternatives to chemical controls.
  • Carrithers, S., A. Sigler, L. White & J. Bauder. 2006. Prairies & Pipelines: Issues in coal bed methane development. MSU Extension DVD 001.
  • Carrithers, S., J.W. Bauder, L. Browning, and A. Sigler. 2006. Montana State University Extension Water Quality Programs response to multiple needs assessments. Submitted July 2006. CSREES National Review Committee, Park City, UT. 10 pgs.
  • Chang, J., and D.E. Clay. 2006. Identifying factors for yield prediction models and evaluating model selection methods. Korean Crop Sci. Soc. J. Korean J Crop Science 50:268-275.
  • Clay, D., C. Ren, C. Reese, R. Waskom, J. Bauder, N. Mesner, B. Seelig, G. Paige, K. Reddy, M.Neibauer and R. Mahler. 2007. Water Quality Learning Opportunities in S. Dakota, Montana, N. Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. J. Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education Volume 36, 2007.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
The dominant water quality pollutants in the Northern Plains and Mountains (NPM) Region from agriculture include nutrients, salinity, pesticides, microbial pathogens, and sediment; many of these problems are also coincident with rapid development in the region. Severe drought has affected much of the region during the last five years, further straining resources. Demand on finite water supplies and the risk of adverse impacts on the quality and quantity of those resources steadily increase. This project identifies and utilizes unique state strengths to build capacity across the region; strengthen partnerships with federal, state and local environmental and water resource management agencies to leverage funding; and link university research, education and extension programs with these key partners to help local stakeholders more effectively address water resource problems. One significant issue in our region concerns domestic supplies of fossil fuels which are critical to the U.S. economy, but whose development often produces considerable volumes of water with impaired quality. In response to rapid energy development and growth in the Intermountain West, this team responded to stakeholder needs by establishing a Water Management for Energy Development Project for 1) conducting research to expand our understanding of saline and sodic water impacts and management alternatives on semi-arid landscapes; 2) educating regulatory and natural resource management agency personnel, the litigants and attorneys, consultants, scientists, students, and educators; and 3) transferring science-based information to the general public, media, landowners potentially impacted by coal bed methane extraction, and policy makers. This project brought together water quality coordinators and team support members from Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. Additionally, water quality coordinators from North and South Dakota have played a valuable role in materials evaluation, critical review, support with identification of key issues needing attention and development of working partnerships outside the coordinator network. Efforts of this project also helped expand collaboration among land-grant universities, scientists, policy makers, land and mineral owners, tribal constituents, consultants, natural resource conservation groups, educators, private industry, regulatory agencies, natural resource management agencies and other entities involved in addressing produced water management issues. The Water Management for Energy Development Project is directed at protecting native and culturally significant plant species of tribal lands, providing management resources to assist surface land owners, and defining beneficial uses of a previously considered waste product. The development of this comprehensive integrated research, education and extension project has also resulted in providing numerous land owners within the Northern Plains and Mountains Region the tools to institute science-based natural resource monitoring programs to better manage produced and impaired waters from energy development.

Impacts
While the NPM Regional Water Program has a number of ongoing water resource projects, the following summary details the impacts that the Water Management for Energy Development Project has had at local, regional, and national levels. A significant impact of this project is the adoption of promulgated surface irrigation water quality standards, specific to salinity and sodicity, by the state of Montana, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and US EPA. Wyoming and Colorado are also currently reviewing potential options to establish similar water quality standards. In addition to leveraging over $2.6 million, the project developed of an extensive network of partners to access CBM wells and disposal ponds for water quality analysis and to develop optimum uses for CBM produced water. The project has produced and distributed a Land and Water Inventory Guide for Landowners in Areas of Coal Bed Methane Development to over 1000 regional partners, landowners, and land managers throughout the region - awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the American Society of Agronomy. This effort resulted in the education of hundreds of landowners in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming to increase their effectiveness in negotiating surface use agreements with oil and gas developers by providing them with a scientifically formatted manual to collect baseline natural resource data on their property prior to and during oil/gas development. Furthermore, the project facilitated the development of state-of-the-art produced water treatment technologies and produced 10 graduate and 7 undergraduate degrees.

Publications

  • Bauder, J. W., and T. A. Brock. 2001. Irrigation water quality, soil amendment, and crop effects on sodium leaching. Arid Land Research and Management. 15: 101-113.
  • Bauder, T.A, K.A. Barbarick, J.A. Ippolito, J.F. Shanahan, and P.D. Ayers. 2005. Soil properties affecting wheat yields following drilling-fluid application. J. Environ. Qual. 34:1687-1696.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., L. Browning, J. W. Bauder, R. Waskom, M. Neibauer, G. Cardon. 2006. Irrigating with limited water supplies. Montana State University Extension Water Quality Bulletin EB169.
  • Kirkpatrick, A., H. Sessoms, and Q. Skinner. 2006. A guide to changing plant communities, with emphasis on salinizing sites in the arid and semi-arid Northern Plains and Mountains Region. Montana State University Extension Water Quality x University of Wyoming Department of Rangeland Sciences and Watershed Management. Bulletin EB 172.
  • Patz, M.J., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2004. Chemistry of coalbed methane discharge water interacting with semi-arid ephemeral stream channels. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 40:1247-1255.
  • Patz, M.J., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2006. Trace elements in coalbed methane discharge water interacting with semi-arid ephemeral stream channels. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. 17:55-67.
  • Schuck, E., R. Proft, and R. Waskom. 2006. Evaluating Non-Price Water Demand Policies During Severe Droughts. Current Agricultural, Food and Resource Issues. Volume 7: 44-55.
  • Reddy. K.J (co-author with M. Benson, H. Bergman, A. Boelter, R. Coupal, D. Hulme, N. Korfanta, S. Lieske, J. Lovato, S. Miller, L. Munn, and J. Oakleaf) 2005. Water production from Coalbed Methane Development in Wyoming: A summary of quantity, quality, and management options. The Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, 60pp.
  • Reddy, K.J., Q.D. Skinner, and B.H. Hulin. 2006. (Invited) Geochemical processes governing trace elements in colabed methane natural gas produced water, pp125-146. Book Chapter 8. In: M.N.V. Prasad et al., (ed.) Trace Elements in the Environment: Biogeochemistry, Biotechnology, and Bioremediation, Taylor and Francis, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
  • Bauder, T.A. and S. McDonald. 2005. Pesticide Record Book for Private Greenhouse Applicators. Colo. Colorado Environmental Pesticide Program
  • Bauder, T. A. and R. Waskom. 2005. Survey of Irrigation, Nutrient and Pesticide Management Practices in Colorado. Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin TB05-07. http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/AES/Pubs/pdf/tr05-07.pdf
  • Browning, L. S., J. W. Bauder, and S. D. Phelps. 2006. Effect of irrigation water salinity and sodicity and water table position on water table chemistry beneath Atriplex lentiformis and Hordeum marinum. Arid Land Research and Management. 20:101-115.
  • Jackson, R.E., and K.J. Reddy. 2006. Geochemistry of CBNG produced water in Powder River Basin: Salinity and Sodicity. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. (Accepted)
  • Jackson, R.E., and K.J. Reddy. 2006. Geochemistry of CBNG produced water trace elements in semi-arid environments. Environmental Science and Technology (In review)
  • Keith, K., H. Sessoms, M. Neibauer, Q. Skinner, J. Bauder, R. Waskom, and N. Mesner. 2005. Land and water inventory guide for landowners in areas of coal bed methane development. Montanan State University Extension Service EB166.
  • Waskom, R., J. Pritchett and J. Schneekloth. 2006. Outlook on the High Plains Aquifer. 2006 Great Plains Soil Fertility Conference Proceedings, Vol. 11: 122- 128.
  • Waskom, R. and T. Bauder. 2005. Protecting your private well. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin XCM-179.
  • Waskom, R. 2006. Emergency Water Supplies and Treatment. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension factsheet 6.704.


Progress 09/15/04 to 09/14/05

Outputs
In the Northern Plains and Mountain Region, management of water quantity and quality will always be of the highest priority in this region and other Western states. New demands on the natural resource base, changes in agricultural production methods, and increasing in-migration, require new responses in water resource management. The Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Program is impacting the region through research, education and outreach in the following ways: Educating landowners on ways to monitor their land and water resources in areas of coal bed methane development with a recently published resource monitoring manual Better management systems for irrigated and rainfed lands involved in crop and animal production Implementation of best management practices regarding the use of fertilizers and pesticides and salinization of crop lands Participatory research educating agricultural producers on the most effective use of water on irrigated lands and in the handling of AFO/CAFO residuals Applying new technologies of GPS/GIS designed to improve water and land management Educating small acreage landowners on ways to preserve the quantity and quality of local and regional water resources

Impacts
The Stream Side Science Curriculum is a set of 11 water related activities and lesson plans correlated directly to the 9th grade Earth Systems Science Core. This curriculum was a collaborative effort involving Utah State University, the Utah State Office of Education, and Governor Walkers Watershed Initiative. These activities have been extensively tested in the classroom and modified according to teacher feedback. To further this mission of stream side science education, Utah has collaborated with Montana State University which currently offers two online courses, Water Quality and Twelve Principles of Soil Science. Furthermore, MSU is offering a new course, Stream Side Science - An Online Approach to Field-based Education. Overall, these programs help students and teachers understand how streams and lakes function within watersheds and how activities and changes in the watershed affect the health of water bodies. Since 2001, these programs have reached over 14,000 youth. In the past four years, over 1,200 teachers have learned about water quality and watershed functions.

Publications

  • Miller, S., Q.D. Skinner, and K.J. Reddy. 2004. Stream assessments using biotic indices: Response to physicochemical variables. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 40(5), (12 pages galley proof, in press).
  • Smith, M.A. and Q. D. Skinner. 2004. Monitoring: A link between managers and grazing permittees, Reflections, College of Agriculture, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. p 42-44.
  • Bauder, J.W., S.R. Roffe. 2004. Montana State University Water Quality Program: An Overview. Montana State University SPLICE Conference.
  • Ellison, C.A., Q.D. Skinner, and K.J. Reddy. 2004. Discharge and suspended sediment patterns of an intermittent cold desert stream, Journal of American Water Resources Association. (Invited and in review).
  • Patterson, M.M., K.J. Reddy, R.E. Jackson, and J.D. Rodgers. 2004. Accumulation and distribution of fluoride in Wyoming big sagebrush and western wheatgrass near a phosphate fertilizer facility in southwest Wyoming. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. (In review), pp23.
  • Patz, M.J., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2004. Chemistry of coalbed methane discharge water interacting with semi-arid ephemeral stream channels. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 40(5), (9 pages galley proof, in press).
  • Roffe, S.R., J.W. Bauder. 2004. Assessing Extension Program Impact: Case Study of a Water Quality Program. Wisconsin Best Educational Practices Conference Paper Presentation.
  • Roffe, S.R., J.W. Bauder. 2004. Crossing Boundaries: Using Online Instruction to Regionally Address NonPoint Source Water Quality Issues. Utah Non-Point Source Conference Presentation.
  • Clay, S.A., J. Kleinjan, D.E. Clay, F. Forcella, and W. Batchelor. 2005. Growth and fecundity of weed in species in corn and soybean. Agron. Journal. (In press)
  • D.E. Clay, C.G. Carlson, S.A. Clay, C. Reese, Z. Liu, and M.M. Ellsbury. 2005. Landscape position influences soil organic C maintenance rates in the northern Great Plains. Journal Environ. Qual. (In review).
  • Clay, S.A., D.E. Clay, and T.B. Moorman. 2004. Comparison of atrazine and alachlor sorption, mineralization and degradation potential in surface and aquifer sediments.p 199-212 In Gan et al. (ed.) ACS Symposium Series, Pesticide 863 Pesticide Decontamination and Detoxification, American Chemical Society.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The dominant water quality pollutants in the region from agriculture include nutrients, salinity, pesticides, microbial pathogens, and sediment; many of these problems are also coincident with rapid growth and development in the region. Severe drought has affected much of the region during the last four years, further straining resources. Demand on finite water supplies and the risk of adverse impacts on the quality and quantity of those resources steadily increase. This project identifies and utilizes unique state strengths to build capacity across the region; strengthen partnerships with federal, state and local environmental and water resource management agencies to leverage funding; and link university research, education and extension programs with these key partners to help local stakeholders more effectively address water resource problems. OBJECTIVES: This regional project provides a means for channeling and leveraging technical and financial resources of the states to comprehensively address critical water quality and related water quantity issues. To this end, each of the six partner states is committed to providing the leadership and resources to tackle specific, shared water quality problems encountered across the region. This project leverages individual state program efforts to develop and deliver watershed-based water quality and appropriate water quantity research and education. The primary mission is to provide the best available science to help people, industry and governments prevent and solve current and emerging water quality and quantity problems on the local level. The project addresses two key categories for increasing the accessibility of University research, education and extension resources: 1) coordination/facilitation among the six state partners; and 2) implementation of issues-based regional projects. APPROACH: The project utilizes an interdisciplinary, multi-state approach to develop and deliver watershed-based water quality and water quantity research, education and outreach programs. Each state provides primary expertise and leadership on at least one water resource issue related to the major theme areas identified by the USDA-CSREES National Integrated Water Quality Program. Other states in the region collaborate on these regional projects to take advantage of the unique strengths and resources of each institution. University research and teaching faculty coordinate their programming to provide training for water quality monitoring programs in the states. Water quality and range ecology faculty train conservation districts, watershed groups, volunteer monitoring networks, supporting agencies, and other client groups in classroom and field workshops. The project will build on our successes and lessons learned and expand and improve educational materials and teacher training. We will evaluate and utilize the high quality materials, curricula and teacher training programs already available throughout our Region and will modify these materials as necessary to meet specific state needs.

Impacts
The Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Quality Program has integrated a number of highlighted projects with a research-oriented focus, including: The discovery of a natural mineral (ARTI-64) by the University of Wyoming that removes arsenic from water. The method is rapid, inexpensive, does not require pH adjustments, is not affected by the presence of most other components found in water, and produces no harmful byproducts. This finding will significantly improve the health of many people worldwide by improving drinking water quality. South Dakota led the region with projects involving research activities conducted on farm fields, allowing producers to take ownership and make presentations on the projects implemented on their farms. A Site-Specific Farming Guidelines manual was developed and used by teachers, production agronomists, and scientists for problem solving. Coal-bed Methane research has resulted in the revision of standards and regulations for the permitting of impoundments and discharge of CBM produced water in Montana and Wyoming. A practical guide has been developed to help landowners monitor CBM impacts on their land. Development of a Master of Science Program in Science Education for secondary teachers in water quality, through a partnership of the Montana State University Water Quality team and the Utah Water Quality Extension Program. Development of a Stream Side Science manual of water science related activities linked to the Utah State Core Curriculum and written by the Utah State University Water Quality team.

Publications

  • Waskom, R. 2004. Bacteria in Water Wells. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension fact sheet no 6.703.
  • Ceplecha, Z.L., R.M. Waskom, T.A. Bauder, J.L. Sharkoff and R. Khosla. 2004. Vulnerability assessments of Colorado ground water to nitrate contamination. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 159 (1): 373-394.
  • Schuck, Eric, Rebecca Proft and Reagan Waskom. 2004. Evaluating Non-Price Water Demand Policies During Severe Droughts. J. Am. Water Resources Assoc. (In review).
  • Schuck, Eric, Rebecca Proft and Reagan Waskom. 2004. Evaluating Municipal Drought Management Strategies in Colorado. Paper presented at American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, August 1-4, 2004, Denver, CO. Bauder, Troy, Jan Cipra, Reagan Waskom and Michael Gossenauer. 2004. Center Pivot Irrigation in Colorado as Mapped by Landsat Imagery. Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin TB04-04. http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/AES/Pubs/pdf/tb04-4.pdf
  • Waskom, R.M., T.A. Bauder and J.G. Davis. 2004 Reducing urban phosphorus runoff from lawns. SERA-IEG 17 Factsheet.
  • A.L. Elliott, R.S. Schierer, J.G. Davis, R.M. Waskom, and A.J. Schlegel. 2004. Soil test p and p source impacts on p runoff from calcareous soils. Great Plains Soil Fert Conf Proc. p 35- 39.
  • Neibauer, M. and R. Waskom. 2004. Evaluation of web-based training on water resources for extension professionals. Proc. 2004 USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference.
  • Bauder, Troy, and Reagan Waskom. 2004. Tools for prioritizing ground water protection in Colorado. Proc. 2004 USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference.
  • Barta, R., I. Broner, J. Schneekloth and R. Waskom. 2004. High Plains Irrigation Practices Guide: Water Saving Options for Irrigators in Eastern Colorado. Colorado Water Resources Research Institute Special Report 14.
  • Bauder, T.A., I. Broner and R.M. Waskom. 2004. Nitrogen and Irrigation Management. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension fact sheet no 0.514. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/crops/00514.html