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THE DROP
A monthly e-newsletter from the North Central Region Water Network
August 2024
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Network News
Depending on where you are in the region, your later summer outlook is looking very different. Some parts are the region are continuing to face drought with parts of Ohio facing the worst drought since 1988. Other areas, including much of the upper Midwest are facing wetter-than-average conditions at 150-200% of average or more. Wherever you are, we hope you are able to adapt to the changing conditions.
On behalf of the Network we hope you have a good start to the school year!
-The North Central Region Water Network team
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Illinois plays a leading role in American agriculture and urban development. However, this contributes significantly to nutrient loss that affects water quality in the Mississippi River Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. In response, Illinois has initiated the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS), aiming for a 45% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loads to improve water quality and mitigate the hypoxic zone in the Gulf. Read on
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There is still time to register for the Regional Conservation Finance Ag Educator Training coming up in just two and a half weeks in Arlington, Wisconsin. Hosted by the Soil Health Nexus, UW-Madison Division of Extension, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture of Consumer Protection (DATCP), Wisconsin Land + Water, and other multistate extension partners, this training is designed to equip agricultural educators with the financial impact and considerations of conservation agriculture. Learn more
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In The News
Upcoming Events
Explore the Latest on Algal Blooms at the 2024 State of the Science Conference
September 4, 2024, 8:30 AM ET
The 2024 Understanding Algal Blooms: State of the Science Conference will explore the latest scientific developments related to algal blooms. The conference will feature presentations from research and outreach leaders, highlighting recent studies and key areas of uncertainty. Target audiences include academic researchers, state and federal agencies, and the agricultural community. Registration is open until September 4, 2024, with general registration at $50 and student registration at $10. The event will be live streamed, and attendees can choose between virtual or in-person participation. Only registered participants will have access to the event recording. Learn more
Nebraska Soil Health School Focuses on Integrated Systems and Soil Health
September 4, 2024, 9AM CT
The Nebraska Soil Health School will take place on September 4, 2024, at Fort Robinson State Park. Hosted by USDA NRCS and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, this event will focus on integrated crop and livestock systems and their impact on soil health. Key presentations include Dale Strickler on transforming High Plains agriculture, Bijesh Maharjan and Jessica Groskopf on soil health measurements and carbon markets, and Mitchell Stephenson on cattle grazing. The program will also feature NRCS soil health demonstrations. Registration details and further information are available through the event organizers. Learn more
Climate, Water, and Equity Workshop
October 9-11, 2024
The North Central Region Water Network, The First American Land-Grant Consortium (FALCON), Extension Foundation and partners at Central State University, Lincoln University, University of Minnesota, MU Extension, Nebraska Indian Community College, OSU Extension, and UW-Madison Extension are excited to announce the 2024 Climate, Water, and Equity Workshop October 9-11th at the Royal Sonesta in Minneapolis Minnesota! The workshop will provide attendees the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues at different institutions, share their programs and perspectives, and draft a culturally grounded action plan for increasing coordinated climate and water-related extension, outreach, and research to positively impact BIPOC and underserved communities. Learn more
Funding and Opportunities
University of Minnesota Extension Educator
The Extension Educator will address urban stormwater management, community resilience, and watershed education by developing and delivering programs for stormwater professionals and policy leaders. Responsibilities include creating seminars, workshops, and educational materials, and leading initiatives such as the Clean Sweep Program and the Minnesota Stormwater Seminar Series. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including water resource professionals and government agencies. Applications are due by September 16, 2024. Learn more
$10 Million in Grants Available for Enhancing Wastewater Resilience
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering $10 million in grants to help communities strengthen their wastewater infrastructure against climate change impacts. These grants will fund projects that enhance wastewater system resilience and protect water quality, such as upgrading electrical systems, preventing overland flooding, and improving treatment systems to handle extreme weather. Communities can apply for funding for a variety of initiatives, including energy efficiency upgrades, installation of automated warning systems, and water reuse projects. Applications are due by 4 p.m. CST on September 26, 2024. Learn more
North Central Region SARE Research and Education Grant Program
The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive grant program for researchers and educators involved in projects that explore and promote environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible food and/or fiber systems. Research and Education projects include a strong outreach component and significant farmer/rancher or other end-user involvement from the inception of the idea through the implementation of the project. Deadline is October 10, 2024 at 4pm Central. Learn more
News
NIDIS Announces Up to $4 Million for Enhanced Drought Assessment
NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is investing up to $4 million to enhance drought assessment in the context of climate change. As part of the Fiscal Year 2025 NIDIS Coping with Drought competition, eight two-year projects will be funded to improve drought indicator performance, addressing the challenges posed by non-stationarity—a statistical trend reflecting the changing probability of extreme events due to climate change. The goal is to develop more accurate drought assessments that better support communities in preparing for, mitigating, and responding to drought conditions in a rapidly changing climate. Learn more
St. Louis County Secures $1.8 Million for Lake Superior Climate Resilience
St. Louis County, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) and other regional collaborators, has been awarded over $1.8 million in federal funding for climate resilience efforts in the Lake Superior coastal region. Announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on July 26, the funding will support the establishment of a regional resilience collaborative and the development of a climate resilience plan. The initiative will integrate Indigenous knowledge, build community capacity, and provide technical support over the next four years. MCAP will offer research-based education and assistance related to climate change impacts, data, and adaptation practices, drawing on its extensive experience in the region. Learn more
MSU's Glenn O'Neil Advances Water Conservation Tools for Michigan
Michigan State University’s AgBioResearch environmental scientist and GIS Specialist, Glenn O’Neil, has been at the forefront of developing tools to support water conservation strategies in Michigan. Since 2005, O’Neil has led web development and environmental modeling efforts at the MSU Institute of Water Research (IWR), creating web-based tools to enhance decision-making in agriculture and natural resources. These tools are crucial for managing Michigan's abundant water resources, which are vital to the state’s agricultural diversity and the preservation of the Great Lakes. The IWR continues to focus on science-based technology and partnerships to address critical water issues in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. Learn more
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