Project Number: 1265-12130-002-04
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jun 15, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2008

Objective:
Establish benchmark assessment of NRCS/FSA Conservation Programs for application of REMM and SWAT models to provide watershed-scale assessment of conservation practices in the Choptank River Watershed. Establish contacts and carry out regular information sharing opportunities with poultry producer groups within the Choptank River Watershed.

Approach:
This project combines the use of historical water quality databases that exist for the Choptank River Watershed with current monitoring within specific sub-watersheds with varying percentages of CRP and CREP installations. This data will be used to build a functioning watershed model to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation practices such as CRP and CREP. A set of 15 subwatersheds (a series of 2nd and 3rd order streams) will be monitored under base flow and storm conditions for nutrients and other water quality indicators. Partnerships will be sought with producer groups in order to communicate with producers in the watershed to obtain information on current nutrient management practices. GIS maps with high resolution datasets for land use, soil types, and other related water quality measurable endpoints will be used to construct the model. Preliminary results of the assessment will be made available to the producers and other customer groups throughout the two-year period as datasets are developed and interpreted using venues that are appropriate and convenient for the customers.