Project Final Report

Grant Number: C-9994861-11

Putting It On The Ground: Agricultural BMPs in the Hanging Fork

And Clarks Run Watersheds

Application Number: (call Angie for this)

Memorandum of Agreement Number: 1200000714

Project Period: November 1, 2011 – December 31, 2014

Submitted by: Sheila Starnes

The Energy and Environmental Cabinet (EEC) and the Lincoln County Conservation District (LCCD) do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. The EEC and the LCCD will provide, upon request, reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities. To request materials in an alternative format, contact the Kentucky Division of Water, 14 Reilly Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 or call (502)564-3410, or contact LCCD at 102 Metker Trail Suite 2, Stanford KY 40484 (606) 365-2214. Funding for this project was provided in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) through the Kentucky Division of Water, Nonpoint Source Section and the Kentucky Division of Conservation to LCCD as authorized by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987, §319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant #1200000714. Mention of trade names or commercial products, if any, does not constitute endorsement. This document was printed on recycled paper.

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Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for the help they provided in making this project a success: Project Oversight Committee Members for their dedication, knowledge and administration: Malissa McAlister, Sheila Starnes, Paul Jeffries, Bo Renfro John Overing, Kenny Stamper, and Danny Lay. Barry Tonning of Tetra Tech Inc. for allowing us to use his billboard graphics for the information-dissemination phase of this project. His assistance saved us a lot of time and money. Thomas “Bud” Bright who allowed us to construct the “Thank A Farmer…” road sign on his property located on US Highway 150 in Lincoln County. Lincoln County Conservation District Board of Supervisors for their ability to see the need to apply for 319 funding: Paul Ed Starnes-Chairman, Charles Martin-Vice Chairman, Kenny Stamper-Secretary/Treasurer, Thomas “Bud” Bright, WC Brogle, Paul Jeffries, and Dale Osterman. John Overing, District Technician, and Sheila Starnes, District Administrative Secretary –the one we all turn to that gets things done! Boyle County Conservation District Board of Supervisors for their ability and willingness to support the 319 program: Allen Goggin, Chairman; Danny Lay, Treasurer; Mary Lawrence, District Administrative Secretary; Patrick Horn; Bill Hundley; Andrew Reynolds; Dale Sheperson; and Lee Welty, Vice-Chairman. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for their technical expertise: Bo Renfro, Lead District Conservationist; Brandon Campbell, District Conservationist; John Benson, Soil Conservation Technician; Lacy Gaw, Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations; and Karen Woodrich, State Conservationist. USDA-Farm Services Agency (FSA) for their technical input: Dana McKinney, County Executive Director; Robin Cecil, Program Technician; Debbie Collins, Program Technician; Tracy Walker, Program Technician; Matthew Adams, Farm Loan Manager; Warren Whittaker, Assistant Loan Officer; Verla Stucker, Program Technician; and Evelyn White, Program Technician. KY Division of Water for their administrative assistance and oversight: Jim Roe, Supervisor –Nonpoint Source Section; Stephanie Osterman, Program Manager.

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KY Division of Conservation for their administrative assistance and oversight: Steve Coleman, Retired Director, Kimberly Richardson, Director, Angie Wingfield, Grant Administrator, Kimberly Bartley, Field Representative, and Steven Olt, Field Representative. Lincoln and Boyle Counties Cooperative Extension Service for their assistance in identifying local matching contributions: Lincoln County: Dan J Grigson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Lesley Miracle, County Extension Office Support Staff Lisa C. Albright, County Extension Office Support Staff Boyle County: Jerry Little, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Lastly, we would like to acknowledge all the producers involved in this project that were willing to take a chance at trying new and innovative technologies on their land in the hope of making our world a better place to live. It is these people with the foresight, wisdom, and moral conviction to do what is right -that understand how their efforts make significant changes for the future generations yet to come.

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Table of Contents Title Page ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………… i Acknowledgements ……………………..…….…………………………………………………………………………………… iii Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………. v List of Figures …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… v Figure 1 Dix River Watershed …………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 Figure 2 Engineering Drawing …………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Executive Summary …………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………… 1 Introduction & Background …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2 Materials & Methods …………………………………………………………………………………….………………………… 3 Results & Discussion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Conclusions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18 Literature Cited …………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………. 19 Appendices …………..………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………. 20 Appendix A Financial and Administrative Closeout …………….………………………………………. 20 Appendix B QAPP For Water Quality Monitoring .……………………………………………………… 23 Appendix C BMP Implementation Plan ………………………………………………………………………. 24 Appendix D Field Day …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27 Appendix E News Articles ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30 Appendix F Brochures ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31 Appendix G Educational Data …………………………………………………………………………………….. 35

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Executive Summary Agriculture is this area’s largest industry. One in every 5 jobs is related to farming and agribusiness. Agriculture generates over $37 million of gross receipts for the area’s economy. Beef cattle production generates $15.5 million of the farm receipts, dairy production $10 million, tobacco $2 million, grain $5.5 million, hay $3 million, horticulture $1.5 million. There are more than 700 beef producers, approximately 50 tobacco producers, 40 dairy farmers, 75 horticulture producers, and approximately 20 goat producers in the area. Since so much of the farming is forage-livestock, much of local programming emphasis is on forage and livestock improvements. _2 According to US Census _3data there are 831 agricultural owner/operators in the Lincoln and Boyle County areas. Of these 338 or 40% of these producers cite farming as their primary source of income. 97 are cattle/calf operations; 12 are dairies –each having over $50,000 or more in sales. An Agricultural Oversight Committee was formed by three persons from the Dix River Watershed group and members of the Boyle and Lincoln County Conservation Districts this group determined the location and need for BMPs based on findings of the Watershed-Based Plans _4 and local knowledge. The Committee developed BMPs to be installed and defined work areas within the watersheds. The Lincoln County Conservation District hired an Agricultural Watershed Coordinator who promoted the use of water quality best management practices with in the Clark’s Run and Hanging Fork Watersheds. The Coordinator worked closely with producers and provided technical expertise, guidance and oversight on the installation of approved best management practices. A Field Day hosted by the Boyle and Lincoln County Conservation Districts was held on September 24, 2013. The field day highlighted BMPs funded by this project, as well as complementary practices such as rotational grazing, fencing, water, forages, and protection of riparian areas. The Lincoln County Conservation District sponsored the construction of a billboard that was installed during the summer of 2013. This permanent, 2-sided sign measures 24’x8’ and is 15’ high. It is located approximately 3 miles west of Stanford on the north side of US Highway 150. The sign receives approximately over 3500 “looks” each day. _8

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Introduction & Background The purpose of this project was to address water quality issues in the Dix River Watershed as they relate to agricultural enterprises. Our first goal was to increase participation in agricultural best management practices to reduce in-stream pathogens and nutrient levels; improve riparian buffer zones. This project continued to build on long-term efforts that addressed documented water quality concerns within the Dix River Watershed. The Kentucky Division of Water and a host of local and state partners have devoted significant time and funding to water quality monitoring, local outreach, and agricultural best management practice projects (Spears Creek, Mocks Branch, Cane Run, Hanging Fork, and Peyton Creek) in the Dix River Watershed. The water quality sampling data collected in 2006 and 2007 for the Dix River Clean Water Action Plan has been or is being incorporated in TMDL reports for Clark’s Run (pathogens and nutrients/organic enrichment), Hanging Fork (pathogens) and Herrington Lake (nutrients/low dissolved oxygen). According to the 2010 305b Report, a total stream reach of 13.6 miles of Clarks Run is in nonsupport of primary contact recreation and 11.3 miles only partially support aquatic life. At total of 32.3 miles of Hanging Fork are noted as not supporting primary contact recreation. The receiving water body of Herrington Lake reservoir is also listed for failing to support aquatic life due to nutrient-induced eutrophication and subsequently low dissolved oxygen levels. In addition to the Kentucky Division of Water’s water quality determinations and related 303d listings, intensive sampling by Third Rock consultants_4,6 between 2006 and 2008 produced further, comprehensive water quality findings. In the Clarks Run Watershed, “the risks of disease due to human sewage and animal wastes have been identified as the most serious impairment.” (Third Rock consultants, 2009)._5,7 Microbial sources are from both human and cattle, with human sources outweighing cattle at a few of the sampling sites. The watershed plan also states: “poor aquatic habitat is common throughout the watershed, while specific areas are polluted by excessive nutrients, which produce algal blooms and reaches levels toxic to fish and other aquatic life in certain areas. Dissolved ions and the rapid changes in water levels due to storm runoff are also significant problems in Clarks Run.” (Third Rock consultants, 2009). _5,7 Following the formation of the Dix River Watershed Council in 2004, local citizens and officials have become better informed about water quality issues in the watershed, their causes, and the potential solutions. Local involvement is evident through the participation of a variety of local entities and government agencies. A 319 grant was awarded to the City of Danville in 2010 to begin implementation of the onsite wastewater systems and general community watershed education.

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Materials & Methods

1. Project area. The Clarks Run – Hanging Fork watersheds occur within the Dix River Watershed, a sub-basin of the Kentucky River Watershed. Together the Clarks Run and Hanging Fork Watersheds cover approximately 79,360 acres (124 mi2). See Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. Figure showing boundaries of Dix River Watershed and the Clarks Run/Hanging Fork sub-basins. The Clarks Run/Hanging Fork Watersheds are at the edge of the Outer Bluegrass and Knobs Physiographic Regions of Kentucky. Agriculture is one of the area’s largest industries where on in every 5 jobs is related to farming and agribusiness_1. Agriculture generates over $37 million of gross receipts for the local economy. The top agriculture commodities include: beef cattle production, dairy production, tobacco, grain, hay and horticulture.

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2. Methods BMPs A BMP Implementation Plan (Appendix C) was developed to outline and describe BMPs available during this project. A project Oversight Committee was formed to direct project activities. This committee was made up of local farmers, agency personnel, and the local conservation districts. Due to the availability of funds to install BMPs, the oversight committee granted the watershed coordinator flexibility to target certain areas of the watershed area. This project then focused on Balls Branch, a sub-watershed of Clarks Run and the Hanging Fork watershed north of US Highway 150. In addition, the BMPs available to be installed were limited to only the Winter Feeding Area. The project oversight committee believed that this was the single most effective BMP that had the greatest impact on water quality for the least amount of money spent. The watershed coordinator sent out letters to all farmers in this new targeted watershed explaining the purpose and goals of the project. Interested farmers were asked to come in to the office and develop a conservation plan that would address resource concerns. Education An Ag field day was held at the Will Stallard Farm on September 24, 2013. Over 150 people attended, viewing innovative conservation practices and discussions including cattle feeding areas, riparian buffers, forages, and rotational grazing systems.

3. Specialized Materials. No specialized materials or water quality monitoring efforts were conducted in conjunction with the implementation of this project.

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Results & Discussion BMPs Thirteen winter feeding areas (See Figure 2 below) were installed during this project in both the Clarks Run and Hanging Fork Watersheds, located in Boyle and Lincoln Counties. The Winter Feeding Area BMP served as a convenient way for farmers to feed and rotate their cattle in a confined localized area without the commonly associated environmental degradation. As shown in Figure 2 below, the center portion where the rolled hay is placed is 6” higher than the surrounding areas. This allows the hay to remain dry and uncontaminated so the cattle are able to eat more with less hay is wasted. In addition, the Winter Feeding Area has the option to have gates installed on any side of the structure. This allows for simplified rotational grazing options for the farmer based upon his pasture locations and needs. It allows allowing cattle to leave to a different paddock than the one they came from thus allowing pastures to rest.

Figure 2. Engineering Drawing of Winter Feeding Area Best Management Practice.

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Education An agricultural field day was held on the Will Stallard Farm in Boyle County on September 24, 2013. Over 150 people attended the one-day event!

Road sign located at southeast corner of the intersection of US Highway 150 and Gose Pike in Boyle County. Sign was up for two weeks prior to field day.

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September 24, 2013 Field Day Stop 1: Dr. Steve Higgins and Watershed Coordinator Paul Jeffries discuss benefits of Winter Feeding Areas.

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September 24, 2013 Field Day Stop 2: Lincoln County Agent Dan Grigson discusses Forages for Grazing Systems

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September 24, 2013 Field Day Stop 3: Brandon Campbell, (seated) NRCS District Conservationist and Dana McKinney, (seated) FSA County Executive Director; discuss USDA programs and program guidelines. Brian King, Boyle County Education Technician (standing) demonstrates the importance of cover crops.

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September 24, 2013 Field Day Stop 4: Dr. Roy Burris discusses Rotational Grazing Systems

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September 24, 2013 Field Day Supper provided by Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association

Another portion of the Education Phase of this project was the development and construction of a road sign located on US Highway 150 between Danville and Stanford. With graphics provided by Barry Tonning of Tetra Tech, Inc., the Project Oversight Committee was able to construct a road sign on the farm of Bud Bright. It is estimated this sign receives over 25,000 looks each week! _8

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Conclusions Recommendations and lessons learned. *persons who do not qualify to receive federal assistance should not be allowed to receive cost-share funding through this project. *persons who miss funding application deadlines should not be granted waivers or “second chances” to apply for funds. Measures of success: Objective: Reduce in-stream pathogen and nutrient levels and improve riparian buffer zones in agricultural areas of the focus watersheds. Number of Agricultural BMPs installed: 12 Number of cattle excluded from creek: 525 Number of stream miles fenced from cattle access: 2.0 Number of attendees at Educational Field Day: 150 Number of Agriculture Water Quality Plans developed or revised: 12 Anything you’d do differently –recommend any follow-up *apply for additional 319 funds and expand watershed area to touch more producers with more BMP alternatives that address water quality issues in the Dix River Watershed area. Funds made available through this project are greatly appreciated, but they barely touch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fixing water quality problems. Additionally, having more than one Watershed Coordinator position would be beneficial. *we would also develop and submit more newspaper articles touting the project to increase public awareness of water quality issues. *identifying resource concerns, BMP planning, and program functions is an important step to getting water quality problems resolved. However, cooperation and communication with all agencies and landowners are essential. *the 319 program is very effective at complementing other existing local, state and federal programs that address water quality problems and resource concerns.

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Literature Cited _1 Soil Survey of Garrard and Lincoln Counties. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. In cooperation with Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet and Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. 2006. _2 University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service. College of Agriculture. Extension Today. December 2012. _3 US Census. 2007 Agricultural Data for Lincoln and Boyle Counties. Search by zip code. _4 Watershed Based Plan, Clarks Run Watershed. Boyle County Kentucky. Third Rock Consultants LLC. 2009. _5 Watershed Based Plan, Hanging Fork Watershed. Boyle, Lincoln, and Casey Counties, Kentucky. Third Rock Consultants LLC. 2009. _6 Watershed Based Plan Overview, Clarks Run Watershed. Boyle and Lincoln Counties, Kentucky. Third Rock Consultants LLC. 2009 _7 Watershed Based Plan Overview, Hanging Fork Watershed. Boyle, Lincoln, and Casey Counties, Kentucky. Third Rock Consultants LLC. 2009 _8 Lamar Advertising www.Lamar.com. OOH (Out Of Home) Ratings. US 150 at Stanford.

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Appendices Appendix A. Financial and Administrative Closeout Application Outputs Milestones

1. Submit all draft materials to the Cabinet for review and approval. Duration 2. Submit advanced written notice on all workshops, demonstrations,

And/or field days to the Cabinet. Duration 3. Submit Annual Reports and/or participate in the Cabinets sponsored

Biennial NPS Conference. Duration 4. Submit three copies of the Final Report and submit three copies of

All products produced by this project. Dec. 2013 Budget Summary (Use the Detailed Budget from the Project Application.) First list your original detailed budget as it appears in your application. Second, list all DOW approved revised budgets using the same format. Below each revised budget table, explain why the revision was needed and that the DOW approved the revision. Lastly, add an additional column to the last budget revision table or to the original budget table (if no revisions apply) and label this new column “Final Expenditures” When filling out this column, list what was truly spent for each line item. Use total (fed + match) dollars only for this column. Original Detailed Budget

Budget Categories

§319(h) (60% of funds)

Non-Federal Match (40% of funds)

TOTAL

Personnel 12,000.00 12,000.00 Supplies 1,000.00 1,000.00 Equipment Travel Contractual 60,000.00 60,000.00 Operating Cost Other 122,400.00 128,600.00 251,000.00 TOTAL 194,400.00 129,600.00 324,000.00

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DOW Approved Revised Budget

Budget Categories

§319(h) (60% of funds)

Non-Federal Match

(40% of funds)

TOTAL

Final

Expenditures Personnel 12,000.00 12,000.00 12,000.00 Supplies 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Equipment Travel Contractual 60,000.00 60,000.00 60,000.00 Operating Cost Other 122,400.00 128,600.00 251,000.00 251,000.00 TOTAL 194,400.00 129,600.00 324,000.00 324,000.00 Explain revision The Personnel budget includes $1200 in Federal Funding for the administrative cost associated with this program. These funds will be used to pay a portion of the salaries of the Administrative Assistants at the Boyle County and Lincoln County Conservation Districts to offset the cost of extra hours spent on this project. The projected annual rates are $1000 for Boyle county and $2000 for Lincoln County. Since the oversight committee will be meeting quarterly, they will be paid at a rate of $50 per meeting. Revision: $1900 was added to reimburse the Lincoln County Conservation District to help offset administrate costs in implementing this project. This was primarily the costs associated with the District Administrative Secretary’s time in submitting quarterly reports, paying producers, and contractors. Other costs. $120,000 in Federal funding will be used to reimburse farmer costs incurred through the installation of BMPs recommended by the Agricultural Oversight Committee and the watershed based plans. An additional $2400 in Federal funding will be used to cover the cost of educational media, such as billboards and signage, which will publicize the efforts of county farmer’s to protect local waters and educate about watershed protection. Revision: A total of $115,030.40 was spent for BMP implementation. Leaving an excess of $4969.60. Billboard was estimated to cost $2400, but actual cost was 7301.36. Leaving a deficit of 4901.36. Unused BMP funds were applied to the billboard costs.

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Equipment purchased No equipment was purchased with funds received through this grant. Special Grant Conditions No special grant conditions were placed on this project by the USEPA.

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Appendix B. QAPP for Water Monitoring Water quality monitoring was not a required component of this project.

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Appendix C. BMP Implementation Plan. The following is the KDOW-approved BMP Implementation Plan for this project:

Clarks Run – Hanging Fork Watersheds BMP Implementation Plan

List of eligible BMPs: Cost share rate: 90:10 As determined by the Project Oversight Committee, the following BMP is eligible for cost-share under this project: NRCS Practice Name NRCS Practice Code Heavy Use Area Protection (Pad) 561 Operation and Maintenance The project will complement other state and federal funding programs in the watershed. Operation and maintenance agreements are required for both EQIP and State Cost Share funding. These agreements will be adopted for BMPs and eligible cost share items, as appropriate, funded by 319(h). All BMPs will be installed according to NRCS’s standards and specifications. BMPs must comply with the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act and the Forest Conservation Act. BMPs must be maintained for the life of the practice. The closing date of this project is December 31, 2014. Description of BMP Targeting Process Targeting of BMPs will be based on producer interest. Selection of farms for BMP implementation will be selected based on the following priority factors:

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1. Conservation needs identified by the Watershed Coordinator in order to improve water quality, meet the needs and receive the cooperation from the participating farmer.

2. The ensuing educational benefits that can be realized through educational tours and on farm field days.

3. Cost share contributions from other programs (EQIP, State Cost Share, CRP). This project complements other federal funding programs under which specific BMP locations are protected under the Freedom of Information Act. Therefore, the cooperating Conservation District will maintain the specific location of BMPs. Specific location information for BMPs funded by this project, matching State Cost Share funds, and/or other funding programs (as appropriate) will be provided to DOC, at a minimum, by 14 digit HUC. Financial Plan of Action: This project will assist these farmers by offering them incentives to install demonstration BMPs. New concepts will be offered and showcased at field days. The 60:40 cost share rate will be adjusted to 90:10 due to the low per capita income of residents from within the project area, and to ensure participation. This will be accomplished by using local match from other state cost share projects, and applying it to the match of producers in the Clarks Run/Hanging Fork Watersheds. Description of the BMP selection process: Best Management Practices (BMPs) and technologies selected by the Watershed Coordinator are oriented around reducing pathogens, nutrients, and sediment. Due to the limited amount of funds available to install BMPs, the efforts will be centered on encouraging the adoption of Heavy Use Area Protection pads. Other criteria used in the selection process are: the producer’s participation in other conservation programs; the producer’s prior BMP implementation and maintenance history; and areas that provide the best resource protection. Relative Treatment Efficiency of BMPs The focus of this project is on the adoption of demonstration BMPs that will educate producers on technologies available in protecting water quality. Emphasis will be on the adoption of a management system rather than individual BMPs. In addition, there is only one BMP being offered through this project, therefore comparison of treatment efficiencies of individual BMPs is not needed. Existing state and federal program will be utilized to the maximum extent possible with most of these paying 75% of the cost of the BMPs. Funds for this project will primarily be used to provide cost share for targeted practices not covered by existing programs, or producers inability to participate.

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State Cost Share BMPs used as Match Water Quality BMPs used as match and funded through the Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share Program will be installed per the current “Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost-Share Program Manual.” The manual, which cites the regulation KRS 146.110-121, states the intent of the cost share program, and describes the eligibility process, application process, selection criteria, operation and maintenance requirements, etc. These BMPs will be demonstrated in accordance with guidance provided by the Division of Conservation. The primary State Cost Share BMP boundary for the area to be used as match is the Hanging For and Clarks Run watersheds in Lincoln and Boyle Counties respectively. Secondary match areas are the remaining parts of Lincoln and Boyle Counties. Equal Opportunity Statement The Energy and Environmental Cabinet (EEC) and the Lincoln County Conservation District (LCCD) do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. The EEC and the LCCD will provide, upon request, reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities. To request materials in an alternative format, contact the Kentucky Division of Water, 14 Reilly Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 or call (502)564-3410, or contact LCCD at 102 Metker Trail Suite 2, Stanford KY 40484 (606) 365-2214. Funding for this project was provided in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) through the Kentucky Division of Water, Nonpoint Source Section and the Kentucky Division of Conservation to LCCD as authorized by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987, §319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant #1200000714. Mention of trade names or commercial products, if any, does not constitute endorsement. This document was printed on recycled paper.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

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Appendix D. Field Day

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319 Water Quality Field Day

Stallard Farms Tuesday, September 24, 2013

4:30 pm …………………………………………………………………………….. Registration 5:00 pm Introduction …………….……………………………………………………….… Boyle County Conservation District Welcome …………………………………………………………………………..…………………………… Will Stallard - Host Kentucky Division of Water ……………………………..…….………… Jim Roe - Nonpoint Source Supervisor Ag Water Quality Programs ……………………. Bo Renfro – Lead District Conservationist, USDA-NRCS 5:15 pm Load Wagons for Farm Tour Stop 1 Feeding Facility …………………………………………………………… Paul Jeffries and Dr. Steve Higgins Stop 2 Forages in the Grazing System …………………………………………………………………….. Dan Grigson Stop 3 Riparian Buffers for Water Quality ……………………… Dana McKinney and Brandon Campbell Stop 4 Rotational Grazing and Water Systems ………………………………………….………….. Dr. Roy Burris 6:30 pm Meal provided by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Thanks to all those making this event possible: Boyle County Conservation District, Lincoln County Conservation District, Boyle County Cooperative Extension Service, Lincoln County Cooperative Extension Service, UK-Extension Service, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA-Farm Services Agency, Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Division of Conservation, US Environmental Protection Agency, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and all the members of the Stallard Family.

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Kentucky Association Division of Water of Conservation Districts Division of Conservation

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Appendix E. News Articles None.

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Appendix F Brochures Clarks Run – Hanging Fork 319 Project by Kimberly Bartley

Clarks Run – Hanging Fork 319 Project By: Kimberly Bartley

When the Lincoln County Conservation District started a project nearly 10 years ago in the Hanging Fork Watershed – they had no idea that it would continue and expand. They never imagined receiving over $460000 in grant funds to put best management practices on the ground but that is exactly what has happened. What they had long feared was a highly impaired watershed located in Lincoln and Boyle County was confirmed when Division of Water completed extensive testing and compiled a watershed based plan. Some of the water was unfit for swimming and fishing let alone human contact and that alarmed the Conservation District Board and they knew they had to take action. Federal Clean Water Act 319 funds had been around for many years but had never been implemented in this area because of lack of 40% matching funds. When the District began talking with the Division of Water, they were very skeptical of their chances of receiving any funds much less to implement best management practices on farms that were in a very rural part of the county. That is just what they have done. After talking with the Division of Conservation about the use of their State Cost Share Program funds as match and recruiting what was then the Ky. Heritage Resource and Conservation Development Council who agreed to administer the grant – they went ahead with it. A project that began in a very small part of the Watershed called Peyton Creek in 2003 has expanded and once again been very successful. Ten years later they have a Watershed Oversight Committee, a Watershed Coordinator, and assisted numerous landowners in the watershed to educate and then implement Best Management Practices on their property to help improve the Water Quality in this area. The Districts goal was to get local people involved and design this project with their input. Hanging fork is a very large watershed within Boyle and Lincoln County. They knew it would be near impossible to get enough funding to make a dent in the problem so they started small. They chose Peyton creek in 2003. This area had a high concentration of livestock. They were able to allocate the funds for fencing, alternative water sources, animal waste facilities, shade structures and buffers. All of these practices removed the livestock and the waste from the water. The farmers and landowners loved that they were able to do these practices on a cost share basis and to do their part. This is what made the Peyton Creek project so successful and nationally recognized. The District knew that this made such an impact that they should try to address a larger part of the Watershed.

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In 2011 the conservation district again made an application for 319 funds. Because of the scope of this project and the location, they decided to ask the Boyle County Conservation District to pitch in. Because of the great teamwork – they were successful once again in receiving federal funds and putting them on the ground. The Hanging Fork – Clarks Run project was able to fund 12 more applications and implement nearly $251000 in funding for winter feeding areas that once again addressed animal waste issues and moved feeding areas away from the creek. Along the way – a lot of public education was done. The District staff was able to complete many new water quality plans in the area. The District also constructed a billboard on the side of US Highway 150 that says “Thanks a farmer when you see protected tree lined buffers along our creek banks – Conservation improves our Water Quality”. On October 24th they were also able to host a Field Day on the Will Stallard farm in Boyle County. Many of the projects implemented through 319 were showcased and they were educated about water quality issues and different projects that they could implement on their farm. Over 125 farmers and landowners in both counties attended. NRCS District Conservationist Bo Renfro said: “None of this would have been possible without people that were willing to work together and work hard to make projects like this work. There has to be dedication on the local level to take on a project this large and run with it”. This project could not have been successful without the collaboration of many agencies including the Ag Watershed Oversight Committee, Boyle and Lincoln County Conservation District Boards; Natural Resource’s Conservation Service staff, Ky. Division of Water, Ky. Division of Conservation & Water Quality Liaison, Dix River Watershed Council and last but not least the staff & technician of the Lincoln County Conservation District. Without their willingness to keep up with the never ending paperwork and reports, handling money and working one – on – one with landowners, this project would not have happened. Mr. Paul Jefferies, Agriculture Watershed Coordinator stated “This program was one of the best for the farmers and landowners because of the cost share rate, the practices available and it made a big impact on their operations. Most all landowners are good stewards of the land anyway and they want to do their part and make a difference. This is why we were able to establish a good relationship with the landowners and actually assist them in improving the water quality”. Both Districts are very satisfied with the results. As for what lies in store for this watershed – they hope it will be improved testing results, better informed citizens and who knows – maybe a new project. A big “Thank You” to all involved!!

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Brochure developed by Malissa McAlister.

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How Can Farmers in Lincoln and Boyle County Help Improve Hanging Fork and Clark’s Run Creeks?

Since 2006. several local citizens have worked with government leaders, state agencies and water quality professionals to investigate the status of streams flowing into the Dix River and Herrington Lake. The findings showed three primary problems that should be addressed to help make these streams safer for swimming, fishing and boating, as well as making them better able to support fish and other aquatic life. What are the problems? • High pathogen levels that could indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms

in the water • Lack of streamside trees and other vegetation to protect the stream from soil

erosion and other runoff pollution and provide shade • High nitrogen and phosphorus levels that cause too much algae to grow in the

stream How can we help fix these problems? • Reduce fecal inputs from humans and livestock. For human sources, correct

failing septic systems or replace septic systems with sewer collection systems. For livestock, reduce agricultural grazing from stream and streambank and allow increased vegetation buffers along waterways.

• Increase streamside (riparian) vegetation. / Increase stream shading. Allow revegetation of streamside areas, restrict mowing of these areas, plant tree seedlings and shrubs. Limit livestock access to riparian area.

Putting these Practices on the Ground with the Help of the Conservation Districts and an Agricultural Watershed Coordinator: In 2011, the Lincoln County Conservation District received grant funding from the Kentucky Division of Water to assist farmers with practices that will help address water quality problems in local streams and improve farm sustainability. With the assistance of an Agricultural Watershed Coordinator, Lincoln County is partnering with the Boyle County Conservation District to offer guidance on helpful farming “best management practices” (BMPs) and to provide cost-share assistance of up to 90% of the BMP cost. Farmers can apply for funding to install Livestock Feeding Pads. The 10% private contribution can be satisfied by purchasing a portion of the construction materials and/or labor to install the feeding pad. Applicants will be prioritized by their willingness to install additional BMPs (see reverse), with highest priority given to applicants who select options to limit livestock access to the creek.

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AGRICULTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE DIX RIVER WATERSHED

Heavy Use Area Protection (feeding pads): This is a way of managing heavily used livestock areas in a manner that protects areas prone to water quality or soil erosion problems by establishing vegetative

cover, by surfacing with suitable materials, or by installing needed structures. Although concrete is probably the most desirable surface for durability and low maintenance, an all-weather surface can be constructed of

geotextile fabric, rock, and fine surface cover at a lower cost.

Riparian Area Protection: A protected riparian area is an area of trees, woody shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation located adjacent to or up gradient from water courses, wetlands, and impounded water bodies. This area should be protected from livestock, or livestock should be managed in a manner to protect the area. The area reduces sediment, organic material, nutrients, and pesticides in surface runoff and shallow groundwater flow. Benefits of this practice include enhanced wildlife habitat, reduced stream water temperature, streambank protection, and erosion control. Filter Strip: A filter strip is a strip of close growing dense vegetation for filtering sediment, nutrients, and pathogens. Ideally, they are established down slope of animal production areas to capture and treat runoff before it reaches environmentally sensitive areas. Limiting Access to Streams by Fencing with Alternative Water Systems or Limited Access Points: This practice includes fencing, alternative water systems, limited access points, and stream crossings. Fencing involves enclosing or dividing an area of land with a suitable structure that acts as a barrier to livestock or people. An alternative water system is a water supply other than a present system (generally a stream), which may include a spring development, pipeline and tank, or temporary water system. Limited access points restrict or limit the access of livestock to a given area. This most often occurs along streams or ponds by fencing and creating an access ramp to the water supply. Stream crossings involve installing a designated crossing for livestock using a design that utilizes rock and geotextile fabric. Prescribed Grazing: Grazing is allowed at an intensity that will maintain enough cover to protect the soil and maintain or improve the quantity and quality of desirable vegetation and crop residues. One approach is to alternately graze and rest two or more pastures in a planned sequence for a period of years. This BMP can also be achieved by managing stocking rates to maintain cover. The goal is to apply practices that will keep pastures growing and vigorous over as long a period as possible. Funding for this project was provided in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Kentucky Division of Water, Nonpoint Source Section and the Kentucky Division of Conservation as authorized by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987, Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant #C‐9994861‐11

Appendix G Educational data Field Day on September 24, 2013 was attended by approximately 150 people. Four stops were provided:

1. Winter Feeding Area a. Discussion lead by Dr. Steve Higgins-UK Extension Water Quality Specialist and

Paul Jeffries – Watershed Coordinator

2. Forage and Grazing Systems a. Discussion lead by Dan Grigson, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and

Natural Resources

3. Riparian Buffers a. Discussion lead by Brandon Campbell, NRCS-District Conservationist and Dana

McKinney, FSA-County Executive Director b. Discussion of soil quality lead by Brian King, Boyle County Education Coordinator

4. Forages

a. Discussion lead by Dr. Roy Burris, UK Extension Beef Specialist

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