WATER RESOURCE ACADEMY FOR TENNESSEE
COUNTY AGENTS
Sam O. Dennis1 and Tom Byl1, 2
1. Dept of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State
University, 2. Civil Engineering, TSU & USGS, Nashville, TN
With
INTRODUCTION
increased stresses on water
resources ; particularly with the
impact of global climate change ,
attention is being paid to surface
and groundwater vulnerability to
contamination and availability.
Farmers, landowners, and home
owners use chemicals such as
pesticides and fertilizers for
farming, gardening, lawn care,
and pest management in their
watershed(s). These chemicals
can have a significant impact on
water quality in rural and
urbanizing watershed(s).
-
INTRODUCTION CONT..



Thus, increasing farmers, landowners and
homeowners’ awareness and knowledge of the
impact these activities have on watersheds will
influence their views on environmental stewardship
and use of managed landscapes in their community.
Traditionally, these end-users call on Extension Agents
for information on the use of these chemical inputs.
Extension agents come from a variety of background
and may not be aware of the current issue pertaining
to point and non-point source pollution, well-head
protection, low yielding water wells and other water
resource issues.
INTRODUCTION
CONT..

The main thrust of the project is to educate
Tennessee’s Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR)
County Agents, thus fostering their decision process in
communicating technical issues in water resources to
clienteles.

The project goal is to have training workshops and
webinars for ANR county extension agents.

These agents will serve as the clearing house for
information pertaining to water resource vulnerability
to contamination and availability.
OBJECTIVES

To educate Tennessee’s Agriculture and
Natural Resource (ANR) County Agents;

Foster the decision process in communicating
technical issues in water resources to
clienteles.
METHOD




2-Day workshop(s) that include field exercises and
group discussions pertaining to: Water quality and
water quantity
Watershed management approaches, including
conservation, protection, and restoration.
Participants: Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR)
county extension agents were from Tennessee State
University (TSU) and the University of Tennessee (UT).
A thorough scientific understanding of watershed
processes, assessment, and techniques for protecting
and conserving natural resources such as water.
METHOD CONT..

Thirteen (13) agents attended the April 18-19, 2013
Workshop. The emphasis was on both surface water
and ground water Resources. Speakers were from TSU
(Drs Dennis and Byl), USGS, Auburn University and
North Carolina State University.

Post workshop evaluation instrument was administered
to the agents to ascertain the most helpful topics during
the workshop and future topical areas in water
resources that will enhance their job performance as a
county agent.
RESULTS
Fig. 1 Agents listening to Dr. Greg Jennings & web materials.
RESULTS
Fig. 2.
Agents conducting Stream Habitat Assessment .
RESULTS
Fig. 3. USGS official demonstrating how to measure discharge in streams using
Doppler radar equipment.
RESULTS
Fig. 4. Presentation on Storm Water Management using Rain Garden.
RESULTS
Fig. 5. Agents were shown how to monitor their wells with Sondes and downwell camera
Table 1. Post workshop Evaluation Instrument and
Results (n=13)
Statement
The workshop was well organized.
The ideas, information and skills
presented were useful.
The presentation pace was
comfortable.
The presentations met my
expectations.
Parking was adequate and well
organized.
Overall, I found the contents to be
very valuable.
The power point presentations were
easily viewable.
Meals met my expectations.
I will recommend the workshop to
other agents.
13
Somewhat
Agree
0
0
13
0
0
11
2
0
12
1
0
10
2
1
13
0
0
13
11
0
2
0
0
12
1
0
Agree
Disagree
IMPACTS

Reduction of environmental pollution and hence
water quality degradation.

Agents are able to Effectively communicate
technical issues on pollution abatement
strategies.
Agents are able to provide local expertise and
facilitation to watershed associations and
stakeholders addressing water resource
issues.

IMPACTS CONT..

Agents are able to work with decision makers in
improving land use and restoration plans in
rural and urbanizing watersheds.

The workshop enhanced our students’
expertise in agricultural and natural resource
issues as they were encouraged to participate
in the workshops and webinar sessions
QUESTIONS ?
Thank you