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<br />N <br />e.e <br />w <br />~ <br /> <br /> <br />FACT SHEET <br /> <br />-.;> , ' :.1, <br /> <br />" <br /> <br />For more than ,50 years, ~oll conservation districts (SCDs) have beeu working to protect CoIorado'~ natural <br />resources, The Increasing emphasis on water quality provides another opportunity for SCDs to Improve these' resour- <br />ces, It also provlde~ the opportunity for strengthening local cooperation and coalitions with like-minded organlza. <br />tions. A district could be Involved In a number of water quality activities; <br /> <br />PROJECT A soil conservation district is often the id<;,a1local organization to sponsor a water <br />quality demonstration project, especially one funded through Section 319 of the 1987 <br />Water Quality Act. Demonstration projects are the primary method for introducing <br />new or unfamiliar techniques for improving water quality. They are also a way to show <br />locallandusers the benefits of installing best management practices (BMPS), The con. <br />tact and interaction districts have with locallandusers provide the basis for ac- <br />complishing water quality improvements through land treatment. <br /> <br />EDUCATION <br /> <br />The ways districts can educate a local community about watet quality are limitless. <br />Tours and field days of pemonstration projects are popular and effective ,activities. ' <br />'Developing brochures and fact sheets with a local emphasis are other wayS of teaching <br />the public. Maintainirig good relations with the local newspaper editor help to ensure <br />,media coverage for various activities. Newsletters can include articles or sections on <br />water quality. Regular educational activities in the schools, such as helping to develop <br />outdoor classrooms and promoting the conservation poster contest, can incorporate <br />water quality information, ' <br /> <br />MONITORING <br /> <br />Water testing'is another, activity for soil ,conservation districts to consider, Kits for test- <br />ing nitrates are fairly sUnple to use. The district may act as a drop-off sitefor samples, <br />forwarding them to an approved laboratory for more detailed testing. In addition, <br />SCDs may also assist the state health department in identifying locations to conduct <br />monitoring of both surface and ground water. ' <br /> <br />CONSERVATION <br />PRACTICE <br />APPLICATION <br /> <br />Many of the typical conservation practices installed on the land have water quality , <br />benefits, as well as contro1ling erosion. Examples of practices with the double benefits <br />include filter strips, grassed waterways, irrigation piplines, tailwater recovery and ir. <br />rigation water management. Districts can help to improve water quality by continuing <br />to promote and assist in the installation of the standard conservation practices. <br /> <br />Coordination, cooperation and coalition are vital ingredients to building successful dis- <br />trict programs in Colorado. Those same ingredients are necessary when dealing with <br />water quality. By participating in a joint effort with other partners, Colorado's soil con~ <br />servation districts can playa vital role in protecting our state's water resources. <br /> <br />Prepared by the USDA Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with the Colorado Nonpoint Source Task Force. All Soil <br />Conservation Service programs and assistance are available without regard to race, color, religion, SeK, age, marital status, <br />handicap or national origin. <br /> <br />@ RECYCLED PAPER <br />