Installation of a Remote Pond Waterer: an Education Application Project

摘要

Currently, about 40 percent of Kansas streams fail to meet water quality standards. Producers and other land owners need to change management practices in order to meet TMDLs and water quality standards in the future. The Kansas Environmental Leadership Program (KELP) was begun in 1998 to train participants to be environmental leaders in their communities. The Applied Leadership Project (ALP) as part of the environmental leadership class is patterned after a typical college capstone course. A remotewaterer for a pasture pond water source was planned, installed, and promoted by an ALP team for their class project. This Best Management Practice (BMP) together with fencing the pond, reduces contamination and degradation of the farm pond, supplies better quality water to livestock, and extends the useful life of the pond. The producer and others involved expect the improved water quality will protect animal health and improve the rate of gain. This paper reviews the planning, demonstration installation, range tour, and the educational materials developed for this project. A field installation draws much attention and a crowd of interested people from the targeted group: farm and ranch owners and operators. Follow up one-on-one and small group meetings provide an opportunity to explain in more detail, answer questions, and address concerns. The paper discusses the plans for the project and outcomes of the educational event. KELP was developed in response to a need for leadership in communities to bring about protection and improvement in Kansas's water quality. KELP teaches the latest in leadership theory and basic water environmental knowledge so citizens can lead environmental change in their communities. Each class consists of five 3-day sessions. These are spaced over a 10 month period with each session held in a different location. Each session includes field trips, group activities, and speakers related to leadership, watersheds, surface and groundwater knowledge and protection, and other water issues. An important aspect of the experiential learning atmosphere is the participants' diverse backgrounds, experiences, ages, professions, interests, and attitudes. To date, 150 graduates represent the seven classes which have been completed. Graduates are applying the principles learned in their personal lives, communities, employment, families, and volunteer service in Kansas.