Overview

What is RSS? |

Cities, communities, and rural areas across the nation depend on a safe, reliable, healthy supply of water for human consumption; the production of food, fiber, and other products; and sustaining aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The science and management of water requires consideration of both the quantity and quality of water resources and the land management activities that affect these water resources. CSREES efforts cover a broad range of activity in this area. Research funded by CSREES provides the basic knowledge needed to address water quality and quantity issues in rural and agricultural watersheds. Extension and other outreach programs apply this knowledge to protect and improve water quality and assure the continued supply of safe and healthy water resources to communities across the nation. Education activities provide state-of-the-science learning opportunities for future leaders addressing water resource issues.

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In Focus

• USDA is the lead agency for U.S. Climate Change Science Program report on Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land and Water Resources, and Biodiversity.
• Mid-Atlantic Region Water Program water quality trading and agriculture article receives national recognition from American Agricultural Economics Association.
• CSREES has solicited research and extension projects to improve grazingland watershed health and help evaluate impacts of conservation projects and programs.
• CSREES awards $5.2 million to 14 universities and the EPA to conduct research aimed at improving and maintaining healthy watershed habitats and water supplies.
• CSREES National Integrated Water Quality Program requested projects to improve surface and groundwater resources quality in agricultural and rural watersheds.
• CSREES and USDA lead efforts to assess the environmental effects of conservation practices.


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Partnerships

• CSREES partners with other USDA agencies to assess the water quality effectiveness of conservation practices.
• CSREES works with the Interim National Drought Council to coordinate drought preparedness and mitigation programs.
• The Committee for Shared Leadership for Water Quality comprises state, regional, and federal CSREES partners.


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Events

• Competitive Grants Grantsmanship Workshops, Washington, DC/Salt Lake City, UT, September/October, 2008.
• Galaxy III Conference: "Celebrating the Extension System: Strengths, Diversity, and Unique Qualities," Indianapolis, IN, September 15-19, 2008.
• International Conference on Nonrenewable Ground Water Resources, Portland, OR, October 13-14, 2008.

Selected Results and Impacts

• Using a CSREES grant, North Carolina researchers are working to improve understanding of how conservation benefits watersheds.
• CSREES funds help Delaware researchers show how modifying chicken diets can reduce waterway pollution.
• With a CSREES small business grant, a Washington company created an environmentally-friendly solution to the problem of soil erosion.


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Resources

• CSREES Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring National Facilitation Project. Project descriptions, topic guides, news, events, and other online resources.
• CSREES Water Outreach Education--Facilitating Access to Resources and Best Practices. Project background and descriptions, products, and current activities.
• Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Online tools for planning for, monitoring, understanding, and mitigating drought.


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Contacts

Michael P. O'Neill

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