COORDINATION OF WATER QUALITY EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

COORDINATION OF WATER QUALITY EXTENSION AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Sponsoring Institution

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Project Status

TERMINATED

Funding Source

OTHER GRANTS

Reporting Frequency

Annual

Accession No.

0186622

Grant No.

00-51130-9726

Project No.

IDA00009-CG

Proposal No.

2003-05065

Multistate No.

(N/A)

Program Code

(N/A)

Project Start Date

Sep 15, 2000

Project End Date

Sep 14, 2005

Grant Year

2003

Project Director
Mahler, R. L.

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF IDAHO
875 PERIMETER DRIVE
MOSCOW,ID 83844-9803

Performing Department
PLANT SOIL & ENTOMOLOGICAL SCI

Non Technical Summary
Water is the most important natural resource in the Pacific Northwest; however, resources are too thinly stretched for individual land-grant universities in each of the four Pacific Northwestern states to meet education and research needs of the public. The purpose of this project is to coordinate the water expertise of the northwestern land grant institutions so that water quality needs can be addressed effectively on a regional basis. Coordination will occurr on a regional basis between educational institutions and with federal and state environmental agencies.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

30%

Developmental

70%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
112	0320	1070	40%
112	0330	1070	10%
112	0860	1070	10%
133	0320	1070	10%
133	0330	1070	10%
133	0860	1070	10%
403	0320	1070	10%

Knowledge Area
133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse;

Subject Of Investigation
0330 - Wetland and riparian systems; 0320 - Watersheds; 0860 - Endangered species;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;

Goals / Objectives
2001-05782. 1. Coordination of land grant institutions (UI,OSU,WSU,UA) water quality Extension, Research and Education efforts with EPA Region 10, USDA agencies and resprective State agencies. 2. Development and implementation of a watershed-based evaluation and reporting system that will measure and report CSREES and partner organization accomplishments each year in a consistent manner. 3. Implementation of a coordinated extension and research programming effort in animal waste management that will effectively address animal and nutrient issues associated with water quality. 4. Implementation of a coordinated extension and research programming effort that will address water resource issues directly related to the Clean Water Act (Clean Water Action Plan) and the Endangered Species Act listing of trout and salmon in the Pacific Northwest. 5. Implementation of a coordinated extension, education and research BMP effectiveness evaluation program for TMDL implementation. 6. Implementation of a coordinated extension and research water quality progress and needs evaluation program.

Project Methods
Establishment of a regional water quality coordinating team that will consist of the following seven individuals: (1-4) water quality coordinators of the University of Idaho, University of Alaska, Oregon State University, Washington State University; (5) Agricultural team leader from EPA Region 10; (6) USDA-NRCS liaison to EPA Region 10; and (7) CES liaison located in EPA Region 10 office. These seven individuals will function as a team which will meet at least six times a year in Seattle (at EPA Region 10 headquarters). In addition a representative from the Water Research Institutes will be invited to all meetings. As a group the CES water quality coordinators will function as a coordinating unit and mechanism and will guide the activities of the CES liaison. The water quality coordinators from each state (ID,OR,WA,AK) will serve as coordinators and liaisons with environmental and agricultural agencies (state, federal, local) within their respective states. This team will develop extension and research programming for public in the Pacific Northwestern states in the following high priority water quality areas: (1) water resource issues directly related to the Clean Water Act (Clean Water Action Plan) and the Engangered Species Act listing of trout and salmon in the PNW, (2) animal waste management, and (3) best management practice (BMP) implementation in TMDL prioritized watersheds. In addition, this team will assess public views of water quality accomplishments and perceived failures within the region. We will use public generated priorities (through the use of surveys) to target our programming efforts.

Progress 09/15/00 to 09/14/05

Outputs
The Pacific Northwest regional water quality coordinating team has been active for 60 months. We have developed a tradition of working together well. We realize that as individual states we cannot meet all the water research, extension and educational needs that exist. Each state has lost several water-related positions in the last 15 years. However, working as a region we can pool our efforts, minimize redundancies, set regional priorities based on thematic areas, and efficiently and effectively meet the needs of people in the region. Our regional team has forged a strong working relationship with EPA Region 10 and improved working relationships with USDA-NRCS, state and local agencies. Perhaps our most important accomplishment is that we think as a region instead of as separate states when it comes to extension water quality programming. In the research area we are beginning to think more like a region -- much more so than before this project began. From an academic standpoint we have started to investigate cross listing our water-based distance education classes between the land grant institutions. Each water quality coordinator is responsible for communication within the land grant institution they represent. We have forged a strong partnership with EPA Region 10. Our liaison is located in the Region 10 office in Seattle and participates in several Region 10 strategic planning efforts. In addition we work closely with EPA Region 10 on their Agricultural Sector Team. Our major project accomplishments are as follows: (1) our program priorities are based on a regional needs assessment which we conducted at the start of the project; (2) we developed a two-page color flyer called PNWWATER UPDATE for our stakeholders which is issued every 15 days; (3) we developed a regional web page, http://pnwwaterweb.com; (4) we developed regional expertise directories for each of the eight national water resource themes; (5) we developed and delivered annual watershed-themed regional satellite conferences; (6) we conducted watershed management theme-based integrated research, outreach and education regional conferences; (7) we developed a regional annual water quality monitoring training workshop; (8) we developed a regional domestic water use resource guide for our Extension faculty and health district partners; and (9) we developed and conducted a regional campaign to make riparian a household word. Based on our needs assessment study rural residents prefer to be educated about water quality through radio, television, newspapers and printed fact sheets. Workshops and short courses as educational tools to learn about water quality are not popular with rural audiences in the region. This is very important because workshops and short courses are traditional methods used by Extension to educate the public. Most rural residents in the region have obtained water quality information from television and newspapers. Environmental agencies and environmental groups have also been widely used sources for water quality information. Thirty-six percent of rural residents in the region have obtained water quality information from Extension.

Impacts
Water is the most important natural resource in the Pacific Northwest; however, resources are too thinly stretched for individual land-grant universities in each of the four Pacific Northwestern states to meet education and research needs of the public. The project allows us to pool our human resources and meet needs on a regional basis in the following water quality areas: (1) animal waste management, (2) nutrient and pesticide management, (3) drinking water and human health, (4) watershed management, (5) environmental restoration, and (6) water conservation and agricultural water management.

Publications

Ford, M., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Protecting Family Drinking Water in Rural Alaska. PNWWATER 054. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW054.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. National Water Quality Conference. PNWWATER 055. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW055.pdf.
Andrews, G.G., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Oregon State University's Water Resources Graduate Program. PNWWATER 056. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW056.pdf.
Staben, M., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Practical Water Quality Education for Agricultural Professionals in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 057. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW057.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Drought Resources. PNWWATER 058. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW058.pdf.
Seago, J., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Beach Watchers. PNWWATER 066. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW066.
Barber, M., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Groundwater Under the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 067. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW067.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, R. and Sorensen, F. 2005. Public Perceptions and Actions towards Sustainable Groundwater Management in the Pacific Northwest Region, USA. Water Resources Development. 21:465-472.
Seago, J., Mahler, R.L., Simmons, R., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Cochrane, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. 3rd Annual Satellite Conference: Improving Community Involvement in Watershed Restoration. PNWWATER 050. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW050.pdf.
Cochrane, M., Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Cochrane, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Focus on Partners: Northwest Indian Colleges Water Programs. PNWWATER 051. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW051.pdf.
Clawson, D., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. 2005 Conference Announcement: Integrating Research, Policy, and Education for Our Groundwater Resources. PNWWATER 052. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW052.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. University of Idaho's Web-Based Water Certificate Program. PNWWATER 053. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW053.pdf.
Collman, S., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Water for Landscapes and Gardens during Drought. PNWWATER 059. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW059.pdf.
Andrews, G.G., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Oregon's Well Water Program and Household Well Limits. PNWWATER 060. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW060.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Agricultural Water Security. PNWWATER 061. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW061.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. S.T.E.E.P. Protects Water Quality in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 062. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW062.pdf.
Seago, J., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Watershed Management Expertise Directory. PNWWATER 063. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW063.pdf.
Seago, J., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. October 11th Satellite Conference: Stormwater Management from a Watershed Perspective. PNWWATER 064. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW064.
Barber, M., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Simmons, R., Cochran, M., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2005. Maintaining Agricultural Waterways in King County. PNWWATER 065. http://pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW065.

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

Outputs
Our nine major accomplishments for this past reporting year were: (1) a regional water quality monitoring training workshop, (2) a watershed theme-based satellite conference, (3) updating the water quality theme-based regional directories, (4) progress toward the integration of research, extension and education at the five land grant institutions in the Pacific Northwest, (5) enhancement of the regional website, (6) improved communication structure to key stakeholders, (7) enhanced partnerships, (8) enhanced liaison duties, and (9) the development of a marketing document. Over 30 educators from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington participated in the regions second annual volunteer monitoring water quality workshop held July 13, 14 and 15, 2004 at Canby, Oregon. This workshop was designed and sponsored by the regional water quality team to be an annual event and was designed for educators who: (1) plan to conduct water quality training for citizens and students in the Pacific Northwest, (2) plan to conduct training for groups that wish to monitor various water quality parameters, (3) want to learn about water quality and resource information material through land grant universities, and (4) want to increase their skills in leading water quality monitoring programs. Instruction focused on the common water quality criteria most often encountered by those involved in the TMDL process: temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, pH, bacteria, and aquatic invertebrates. Instead of a notebook, a workshop CD and web site were produced. The CD included all PowerPoint presentations, numerous files for handbooks and other resources that can be printed if desired, photos of the workshop, contact information for future networking, and active links to the various web sites suggested by the instructors and participants. The active web site for this conference is: http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/monitoring04.htm. The third annual watershed theme-based regional satellite conference focused on improving community involvement in watershed restoration. This conference was aired at 38 satellite down link sites and by video stream to numerous other individuals. The six water quality theme-based directories for the region were updated in 2004. Our regional Web page, http://www.pnwwaterweb.com, was expanded and enhanced during this reporting period. Our web page was revised to fit the national template and have populated our site with information and the PNWWATER UPDATES. We have emphasized the eight national water quality themes on the website. Valuable links to additional resources including the national web site have been added as appropriate. We report or link to projects in the Pacific Northwest that are funded by the 406 water quality program. We have also put our theme-based resource directories on our site. We have populated the site with 24 water quality-specific features during this reporting period. We developed a 12 page marketing document for our regional program. This document was developed and distributed to our current and potential partners in the region.

Impacts
Water is the most important natural resource in the Pacific Northwest; however, resources are too thinly stretched for individual land-grant universities in each of the four Pacific Northwestern states to meet education and research needs of the public. The project allows us to pool our human resources and meet needs on a regional basis in the following water quality areas: (1) animal waste management, (2) nutrient and pesticide management, (3) drinking water and human health, (4) watershed management, (5) environmental restoration, and (6) water conservation and agricultural water management.

Publications

Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Simmons, B., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Citizens Take Part in Water Stewardship. PNWWATER 032. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW032.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Simmons, B., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Your regional Water Quality Team. PNWWATER 033. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW033.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Simmons, B., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Regional Expertise Directories. PNWWATER 034. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW034.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Water Education: Project W.E.T. in Northeastern Washington. PNWWATER 035. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW035.pdf.
Clawson, D., Barber, M., Seago, J., Simmons, B., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Integrating Research and Extension: WSUs Water Quality Summit. PNWWATER 036. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW036.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Citizens have Balanced View of Natural Resources. PNWWATER 037. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW037.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Residents Give Groundwater Quality Mixed Grades. PNWWATER 038. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW038.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Our Water Quality Programming Priorities. PNWWATER 039. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW039.pdf.
Andrews, G.G., Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Groundwater Outreach Success Stories in Oregon. PNWWATER 040. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW040.pdf.
Sorensen, F., Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Alaskas Scoop the Poop Program. PNWWATER 041. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW041.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Bezdicek Retires after 31 Years at WSU. PNWWATER 042. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW042.pdf.
Simmons, B., Seago, J., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Helping Washington Weather the Storm Water of Growth. PNWWATER 043. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW043.pdf.
Andrews, G.G., Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Water Quality Monitoring Workshop a Resounding Success and Paperless Too! PNWWATER 044. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW044.pdf.
Seago, J., Simmons, B., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. November 16th Satellite Conference: Improving Community Involvement in Watershed Restoration. PNWWATER 045. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW045.pdf.
Collman, S., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Simmons, B., Sorensen F., and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Landscaping to Protect Community Water. PNWWATER 046. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW046.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. UI Paradise Creek Project to Assess Conservation Measures. PNWWATER 047. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW047.pdf.
Laughlin, K., Szogi, A., Burris, F., Mahler, R.L., Loeffelman, K., Steele, V. and Alderson, L. 2004. Enhancing public understanding of water resources issues: A community-based short-course for the Pacific Northwest. Journal of Extension. On-line at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2004august/rb3.shtml.
Sorensen, F., Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Focus on Partners: Alaskas WERC. PNWWATER 028. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com_WQFlyers_PNW028.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, B., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Let Us Help You Deliver the Water Message. PNWWATER 029. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW029.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Simmons, B., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. 2004 Water Quality Monitoring Workshop. PNWWATER 030. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW030.pdf.
Seago, J., Simmons, B., Mahler, R.L., Andrews, G.G., Sorensen, F., Collman, S. and Loeffelman, K.A. 2004. Watershed Issues Satellite Conference Series: Funding Watershed Restoration Projects in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 031. http://www.pnwwaterweb.com/WQFlyers_PNW031.pdf.
Mahler, R.L., Simmons, R., Sorensen, F. and Miner, J.R. 2004. Priority water issues in the Pacific Northwest. Journal of Extension. On-line at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2004october/rb3/.shtml.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The Pacific Northwest Regional Water Quality Coordination Team reports the following accomplishments in 2003: (1) We conducted a regional water quality research and extension conference attended by over 200 scientists and agencey officials in October; (2) We produced a domestic water use resource guide in both paper and CD formats for county Extension offices and health districts; (3) We conducted three workshops on salmon and urban watershed issues in Washington and Oregon; (4) We conducted our first annual voluntary monitoring regional workshop in Sun Valley, ID; (5) We conducted a regional CAFO meeting in Seattle, WA to discuss revised CAFO rules with federal and state agency partners; (6) We continued our campaign to make riparian a household word through the distribution of brochures and the use of workshops; (7) We conducted a satellite conference on funding watershed restoration in the Pacific Northwest that was downlinked to over 50 sites; (8) We revised and expanded our regional web site, pnwwaterweb.com; (9) We developed and distributed 22 promotional brochures that highlighted some of our more significant efforts on a regional basis; and (10) We developed regional expertise directories for five of the eight national theme areas which included: nutrients and pesticides, animal waste management, drinking water and human health, water conservation and agricultural water management, and environmental restoration. We have made the seamless transition to conduct water quality programming on a regional instead of a state basis. The regional water quality team met face-to-face six times in 2003. Our team consists of the five land grant universities in the region: University of Alaska, University of Idaho, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and Northwest Indian College. We continue to maintain a liaison in the EPA Region 10 office in Seattle, WA.

Impacts
Water is the most important natural resource in the Pacific Northwest; however, resources are too thinly stretched for individual land-grant universities in each of the four Pacific Northwestern states to meet education and research needs of the public. The project allows us to pool our human resources and meet needs on a regional basis in the following water quality areas: (1) animal waste management, (2) nutrient and pesticide management, (3) drinking water and human health, (4) watershed management, (5) environmental restoration, and (6) water conservation and agricultural water management.

Publications

Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M., Simmons, R., Miner, J.R. and Sorensen, F. 2002. Animal waste management a directory of resources in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 005. WQAnWaste_4pages.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M., Simmons, R., Miner, J.R. and Sorensen, F. 2002. Nutrient and pesticide management a directory of resources in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 008. WQNutPest_4pages.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M., Simmons, R., Miner, J.R. and Sorensen, F. 2003. Drinking water and human health a directory of resources in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 010. WQDrinkWat_4pages.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M., Simmons, R., Miner, J.R. and Sorensen, F. 2003. Water conservation and agricultural water management a directory of resources in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 015. WQWatCons_4pages.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M., Simmons, R., Miner, J.R. and Sorensen, F. 2003. Environmental restoration a directory of resources in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 017. WQEncRes_4pages.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M. and Barber, M. 2002. Research and Extension Regional Water Quality Conference. PNWWATER 006. WQFlyers_WQConf.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M., Simmons, R. and Segoe, J. 2002. Living on the edge: Grassroots watershed planning in the Pacific Northwest. PNWWATER 007. WQFlyers_LivingEdge.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Pacific Northwest Water Web Site: pnwwaterweb.com. PNWWATER 009. WQFlyers_Wqpnwwater.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M., Lomax, T. and Sorensen, F. 2003. Domestic water use: a resource guide for Extension. PNWWATER 011. WQFlyers_DomWat.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Water issues are a high priority. PNWWATER 012. WQFlyers_PubSurv.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M. and Miner, J.R. 2003. Focus on partners: Oregon States CWESt. PNWWATER 013. WQFlyers_PartOSU.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M. and Miner, J.R. 2003. Extension successes in Oregon. PNWWATER 014. WQFlyers_SuccessOR.pdf
Mahler, R. L., Freeman, M. and Barber, M. 2003. Conference announcement: Getting it Done: The Role of TMDL Implementation in Watershed Restoration. PNWWATER 016. WQFlyers_ConfAnn.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Citizens grade surface water quality. PNWWATER 018. WQFlyers_SwqSurv.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Building capacity for watershed groups. PNWWATER 019. WQFlyersWaterGrps.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Sources of water quality information. PNWWATER 020. WQFlyers_WQInfo.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. The Land Grant EPA Partnership. PNWWATER 021. WQFlyers_LandEPA.pdf
Mahler, R.L., Freeman, M. and Miner, J.R. 2003. Oregon: Help for livestock and poultry producers. PNWWATER 022. WQFlyers_ORCafo.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Voluntary monitoring regional workshop. PNWWATER 023. WQFlyers_VolReg.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Citizens give drinking water high marks. PNWWATER 024. WQFlyers_CitiSurv.pdf
Mahler, R.L. and Freeman, M. 2003. Focus on partners: Idahos IWRRI. PNWWATER 025. WQFlyers_FocusID.pdf

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
The four major accomplishments for this past year were: (1) completion of a set of PNW riparian bulletins, (2) development of a regional Web page, (3) development and completion of water issues survey for residents of the Pacific Northwest, and (4) a regional research and extension water quality conference in Vancouver, Washington. PNW Riparian Bulletins: A set of six PNW riparian bulletins were jointly developed by the four states and distributed to clientele in the region. The bulletins were targeted at homeowners, ranchers, landowners and developers. Specific bulletins were produced for the wet and dry bioregions of the Pacific Northwest. Regional WEB Page: The region 10 web page was initiated. The web site's address is pnwwaterweb.com .. The following materials were developed in the past year and are available on the web site: (1) home page, (2) regional initiatives, (3) goals, (4) regional strengths, (5) USDA non-discrimination page, (6) contacts page, (7) information about the regional water quality program, (8) a text only page, and (9) a site map. Water Issues Survey: A 50 question water issues survey was developed and sent to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The survey was designed to determine: (1) public opinions on water issue priorities in the PNW, (2) aptitudes about water, (3) priorities for educational programming, and (4) the media sources most likely providing water information to the public. The Dillman survey approach was used. Over 90% of respondents considered clean drinking water, clean rivers and clean groundwater very important. Conversely, wetlands, preservation of salmon runs, watershed restoration and water for recreation were still considered very important for a majority of respondents - but not as important as clean drinking water. People were most likely to get their water information from television and newspapers, while less likely to receive water-related information from universities and state agencies. People most often cited urban wastes as the major water pollutant in their state. A majority of people have changed how their use water in their homes as part of a water conservation effort. The majority of the respondents indicated that they want more information on water from their land grant universities; however, they do not want to attend traditional workshops to access this information. Regional Research and Extension Water Quality Conference: A major accomplishment of the coordination group was the organization and successful completion of the first Research and Extension Regional Water Quality Conference. This meeting held in Vancouver, Washington on February 20 and 21, 2002 produced a proceedings from papers presented at the conference and provided the opportunity for research, extension and agency personnel to exchange information on water quality issues that were important in the Pacific Northwest. Conference attendance was 177, with all four states in the region represented.

Impacts
Water quality programs will meet clientele needs in the region because priorities will be based on the needs assessment survey conducted during the reporting period.

Publications

Freeman, M., R. L. Mahler, J. R. Miner, R. Simmons, F. Sorensen, and S. Kantor. 2002. Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska: A Developer's Guide to Riparian Areas. PNW Bulletin No. 562. Corvallis, OR.
Freeman, M., R. L. Mahler, J. R. Miner, R. Simmons, F. Sorensen, and S. Kantor. 2002. Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska: A Recreationist's Guide to Riparian Areas. PNW Bulletin No. 561. Corvallis, OR.
Freeman, M., R. L. Mahler, J. R. Miner, R. Simmons, F. Sorensen, and S. Kantor. 2002. Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska: A Guide to Riparian Areas in Rangelands. PNW Bulletin No. 560. Corvallis, OR.
Freeman, M., R. L. Mahler, J. R. Miner, R. Simmons, F. Sorensen, and S. Kantor. 2002. Taking Care of Streams in Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Idaho: A Landowner's Guide to Riparian Areas. PNW Bulletin No. 559. Corvallis, OR.
Freeman, M., R. L. Mahler, J. R. Miner, R. Simmons, F. Sorensen, and S. Kantor. 2002. Taking Care of Streams in Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Idaho: A Homeowner's Guide to Riparian Areas. PNW Bulletin No. 557. Corvallis, OR.
Freeman, M., R. L. Mahler, J. R. Miner, R. Simmons, F. Sorensen, and S. Kantor. 2002. Taking Care of Streams in Western Washington, Western Oregon, and Coastal Alaska: A Homeowner's Guide to Riparian Areas. PNW Bulletin No. 552. Corvallis, OR.

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

Outputs
A region-wide team was established to facilitate vertical as well as horizontal integration of water quality research and extension programs within the region. This established team consists of: (1) the four water quality coordinators from Washington [Bob Simmons], Oregon [Ron Miner], Idaho [Bob Mahler] and Alaska [Fred Sorensen], (2) EPA Region 10 Agricultural Sector Leader [Karl Arne], (3) USDA-NRCS liaison to EPA Region 10 [Joe Henry], (4) Extension Liaison located at the EPA Region 10 office [Marilyn Freeman], and (5) the four Water Resource Institute Directors from Washington [Claudio Stockle], Idaho [Leland Mink], Oregon [Ken Williamson], and Alaska [Douglas Kane]. This team was up and functioning on March 1, 2001. This water quality team met every 60 days for coordination activities at the EPA Region 10 office in Seattle, Washington. These meetings were two-day events; the first day consisted of coordinating water quality efforts between states in the region, while the team met jointly with the EPA Region 10 Agricultural Sector team on the second day. In 2001 we had meetings in January, February, March, May, July, September and November. In April 2001, State Agencies participated in a discussion of CAFO regulations with EPA, Extension and NRCS led by the Regional Water Quality Coordination Project. This meeting set the stage for Agriculture and the Environment meetings that were held in October and November in Washington, Oregon and Idaho among the same state and federal entities. The Regional Water Quality Coordination Project (WQC) assisted EPA to organize and facilitate these meetings. At the May 2001 meeting a list of prioritized research needs common to all four states was developed. It was agreed to develop at least one coordinated four-state proposal each 12-month period from this list. Based on that recommendation we have developed a three-year, four-state NEMO proposal. These proposals are being developed to partner with EPA Region 10 and state partners. We are currently looking for foundation money to support this $1,600,000 potential project. We are using our regional team to work on region-wide water quality concerns, rather than just state-by-state needs. The regional water quality team proposed development of a series of riparian protection brochures in the region. By the end of 2001 one brochure had been printed and distributed and another six brochures were in various stages of development. The regional team developed a 15-hour short course on voluntary water monitoring for local citizens. This short course was piloted at six sites in Washington, Oregon and Idaho in 2001. This short course includes eight hours of classroom training and seven hours in the field doing physical, biological and chemical assessments of surface waters. An extensive training manual was developed from this project. This program was deemed a success based on evaluations completed by the public and the demand for additional training sessions.

Impacts
This project has allowed the four states in the Pacific Northwest to pool their human resources and consequently develop outstanding, focused extension water quality programs that can be used region-wide. States are taking advantage of expertise within the region. The coordination team has allowed the coordination of both research and extension efforts on a regional basis. This is greatly enhancing the regions water quality programs and cooperation with EPA Region 10 and USDA-NRCS.

Publications

Mahler, R. L., Miner, R., Simmons, B. and Laughlin, K. 2001. PNW Water Quality and Monitoring Program Manual--A Community-Based Water Education Short Course for the Pacific Northwest. University of Idaho. Moscow, ID. 428 pages.
Simmons, R., Miner, R., Mahler, R., Sorensen, F. and Freeman, M. 2001. Taking Care of Streams: Western Washington, Western Oregon and Coastal Alaska. Pacific Northwest Bulletin No. 552. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.