Lessons Learned: Conservation Planning and Implementation for Healthy Watersheds

Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) Watershed Assessment Studies provide in-depth evaluation of water quality, water availability, and soil concerns at the watershed scale and within. What have we learned about managing for water quality outcomes and watershed health through CEAP? Our next Conservation Outcomes Webinar, scheduled for October 24 at 2:00 p.m. eastern, will answer this question and more.

Dr. Deanna Osmond will share lessons learned, synthesized from 13 watershed-scale studies of conservation effects conducted under CEAP by universities in partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This free, one-hour webinar is open to all and will highlight the effects of cropland and pastureland conservation practices on water quality outcomes at the watershed scale. Dr. Osmond will share key insights and lessons learned to inform conservation planning and implementation in agricultural watersheds as well as ways to further improve water quality benefits of conservation. Producers, conservationists, watershed managers, and researchers may use the recommendations shared during this webinar to strengthen management efforts for cleaner water and healthier watersheds nationwide.

Dr. Osmond worked at the interface of nutrient management, water quality, and conservation practices at North Carolina State University (recently retired). She led a collaborative effort with NRCS, NIFA, and a large team of university researchers, extension professionals, and USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists to synthesize the lessons learned on watershed conservation practice effects for water quality and soil resources. She extended her findings through outreach and engagement with government agency and non-governmental organization personnel, informing water quality conservation programs today.