Home > MCE Intranet > MCE Strategic Plan > Theme 3

Theme 3: Environmental Stewardship

Enhancing Environmental Stewardship and Maintaining a Balance between Agriculture and the Environment

Environmental stewardship can be defined as "Educating the public regarding the management of our environment (ecosystems and natural resources) for this generation and for those yet to come."

Situation: Ecosystems are a critical component of sustainable and economically viable land use. Studies have shown that both ground and surface waters contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (N and P), sediments, and toxic contaminants. These contaminants adversely affect water quality, aquatic organisms, fisheries, and human health. Various regulations, programs, and legislation are in place with the goal of reducing these sources of pollution. The Chesapeake Bay Program has a goal of 40 percent reduction of nutrients into the Bay by 2010. The Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998 mandates that farmers have and implement nutrient management plans. There are now new storm water runoff regulations to help control storm water, create remediation of soil and groundwater, and reduce air pollution. Previous legislation requires that restricted-use pesticides may only be used by certified applicators.

Urbanization, development and the subsequent construction and use of wastewater treatment plants contribute significantly to contamination. Urbanization and development also compromise open space. In urban areas, toxins and nutrients enter Maryland’s environment through excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers from commercial, public, and private applications. Sediment enters Maryland’s surface water from erosion originating from exposed soil, mainly from construction sites and home landscapes. There is concern that as much as 30 percent of the nutrients entering the Bay is caused by air deposition (rainfall). Commercial and noncommercial pesticides are used in Maryland in the indoor and outdoor environment.

Farming cannot continue without a land base. As good farmland is fragmented and lost to development the variety of economically feasible farming options is reduced. Land planning decisions are ultimately in the hands of citizens, but citizens are unaware of what land planning is and what the consequences of land planning and zoning decisions will be.

17) Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Water Quality

Situation: The Chesapeake Bay is a water body of many uses. It serves simultaneously as a recreation area, transportation hub, waste disposal system and seafood production system. Human activities in the watershed have increased nutrient input from point and non-point sources, which leads to excess algal production and the anoxic water that threatens valuable fisheries.

Since the historic Chesapeake Bay agreement in 1987, which set an ambitious nutrient reduction goal of 40%, the EPA Chesapeake Bay program has concentrated its efforts in this area. Realization of these reduction goals has been elusive, however, and there is growing frustration that despite the considerable investments of the past decades, the Bay is not recovering as quickly as hoped. By some measures, the Bay is worsening. Poor water quality is not just an environmental concern but an economic problem as well. Chesapeake Bay fisheries, boating and commerce are multi-million dollar activities that are jeopardized by deteriorating water quality.

Program Description: We will develop information on the economic impacts of water quality changes on recreational and commercial activities, refining the previously developed human use indicators of water quality impairment and making them accessible to the management community. We will also continue applied research on management of harmful algae with barley straw, ecological role of toxin from a Chesapeake Bay dinoflagellate Karladinium micrum, and the use of plants (macroalgae, submersed aquatic vegetation and wetland species) in nutrient remediation. Economic valuation of water quality improvements will be integrated into both the programs and products developed. Our specific objectives include:

Target Audience: Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Department of the Environment, the Chesapeake Bay Program, environmental Non-Governmental Agencies, the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

Goals: Increase awareness of sources of nutrients in the Bay and their impacts

Build a public understanding of the role that algae play in the ecology of the Chesapeake

Increase awareness of mitigation strategies for algae. Improve public perception of the costs and benefits of water quality improvements. Establish a volunteer network for HAB monitoring in the Chesapeake Bay

18) Nutrient Management (Green Industry)

Situation: Water and nutrient management extension education programs are developed for, and delivered to Maryland nursery and greenhouse growers and interiorscapers. These programs are designed to implement the Maryland Water Quality Act of 1998 and directly address the nutrient management regulations developed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. These programs are delivered in response to the continuing educational needs of growers, applicators, consultants, and other professionals in the Green Industry, so that water and nutrient management plans can be written and implemented, and these agricultural operations can better conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact of production practices. Water and nutrient management research and extension programs are directed at optimizing inputs of irrigation water and nutrients in container-production (by container nursery, pot-in-pot, and greenhouse operations) and in-ground nursery production ornamental plants in Maryland.

Program Description: Develop grower certification training programs to teach how to write nutrient management plans. Develop applicator (voucher) training for growers. Develop web-based and classroom courses for professionals and undergraduate students. Provide training opportunities for Master Gardeners. Explore alternative technologies and production scenarios. Collaborate with industry and other researchers and extension faculty nationwide. Develop fact sheets. Disseminate research-based knowledge through extension programs, and trade and peer-reviewed journal publications.

Target Audience: Field, container-nursery, greenhouse, and field producers; agency personnel (MDA, MCE, NRCS and SCD); certified nutrient management professionals and growers throughout the NE region; irrigation, IPM and interiorscape industry professionals; undergraduate and graduate students; general public (e.g., Master Gardeners); other state and national agencies (MDE, EPA, USDA); policy-makers.

Goal: Maryland’s agriculture and forest community will increase the use of alternative energy systems. Reduced runoff to the local environment. Reduced nutrient impacts to the Chesapeake Bay. Growers and industry professionals will learn to write and incorporate best management practices for production and post-production into management plans. Grower and industry recognition of inefficiencies. Increased awareness of contributing factors. Increase in nutrient management certification by MDA. Growers will use plan information for long-term change in management and infrastructure (strategic planning). Increased profitability for individual operations.

19) Nutrient Management (Residential)

Situation: Urban and suburban sprawl has led to the conversion of thousands of acres of the native landscape into home lawns and gardens. These lawns and gardens have been developed using concepts and techniques that were developed two or more centuries ago. Most residents, planners, and developers do not recognize the urban and suburban landscape as part of the greater ecosystem, and they have generally failed to incorporate environmental and ecological concepts into their landscape plans. This failure has led to the continued degradation of soil and water quality. Also, landscape plantings continue to add exotic and sometimes invasive plant species into the landscape. Because these plantings generally lack diversity and rely too heavily on mowed turf as ground cover, they fail to attract desirable wildlife that can add balance to a damaged ecosystem. All told, we have been left with a very unhealthy and unsustainable landscape. The Chesapeake Bay Program estimates that approximately 17 percent of the excess nutrients in the Bay water system originate with nutrients from urban or suburban settings. Maryland has an estimated 12,000 farm operators, but there are an estimated 1.25 million home lawns, each managed by a different person. The lawn care industry is responsible for applying a significant amount of fertilizer as well.

Program Description: Develop curriculum and resources (fact sheets-- printed & on-line, self diagnostic web pages). Conduct workshops, meetings, seminars, and classes, such as weekly plant clinics, Master Gardener training, Bay-Wise training for Master Gardeners and Level II training. Train volunteers and HGIC phone consultants. Partner with agencies like MDA, MDE, DNR, local housing agencies, municipal waste management agencies.

Target Audience: Master Gardeners; residents; gardeners; community gardeners; builders and developers; real estate agents; municipalities; federal, state & local agencies; private and non-profit organizations; Green Industry; outdoor education centers.

Goal: Urban and suburban soils are maintained and improved through the recycling of organic matter and reduced soil erosion. Water quality is maintained and improved because fewer nutrients, sediments, and toxic contaminants are entering local surface and ground water. City residents save money, improve nutrition, and enjoy a greater sense of community. Residents improve the health of the overall ecosystem by planning, developing, and maintaining healthier, more diverse rural and suburban landscapes. Urban Nutrient Management-- The nutrient load to the suburban sector is reduced as measured by fertilizer sales figures. Lawn care companies report fertilizer use data and show reduction from earlier rates. Lawn care companies eliminate P from standard lawn maintenance programs. Water quality nutrient impairment attributed to the urban-suburban sector does not increase.

20) Urban Nutrient Management, Wells, & Septics

Situation: According to the Maryland Department of Environment, one in five residences in Maryland has a private septic system-- bringing the state’s total to more than 450,000 systems. These systems contribute substantial amounts of nitrate to ground water. In the Southern Maryland watersheds, over 26 percent of the nitrogen entering the Bay is coming from on-site disposal systems. The Chesapeake Bay Program estimates that approximately 17 percent of the excess nutrients in the Bay water system originate with nutrients from urban or suburban settings. Maryland has an estimated 12,000 farm operators, but there are an estimated 1.25 million home lawns, each managed by a different person. The lawn care industry is flourishing in Maryland and is responsible for applying a significant amount of fertilizer as well. There has not been as much focus on this arena as there has been on agriculture and point sources. Other water-related issues include salt-water intrusion in coastal areas and serious water table draw down throughout the state, caused by high water demand (and waste!), and competition for finite supplies of water among residential, agricultural, and industrial uses.

Program Description:

Target Audience: Homeowners, Master Gardeners, elected officials, extension faculty, MD Department of Environment, farmers, EPA, MDA, Tributary Strategy Teams.

Goal: Homeowners will learn how septic systems can degrade water quality and how water quality can be improved through proper maintenance of existing systems. More extension personnel are involved in the tributary team process. Nutrient load in suburban sectors is reduced. Lawn care companies report fertilizer use data and show reduction from earlier years. Lawn care companies eliminate P from standard lawn maintenance programs. Water wells are tested more frequently and well driller maintenance loads increase in response to owners increased awareness and understanding.

21) Nutrient Management (Agriculture)

Situation: Passage of the Water Quality Improvement Act requires most agricultural producers to have and implement a nutrient management plan for all crops grown. It also requires crop producers to report annually on actual nutrient usage. In addition, producers who apply nutrients to ten or more acres are required to attend a nutrient applicator voucher training session every three years. Studies have shown that both ground and surface waters contain high levels of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus (N and P), sediments and toxic contaminants, that adversely affect water quality, aquatic organisms, fisheries, and human health. Under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, there is to be a 40 percent reduction in nutrient loading into the Bay by the year 2010.

Program Description: Conduct training sessions in areas such as farmer training and certification, fundamentals of nutrient management, and continuing education sessions. Develop publications on soils, soil fertility, nutrient management planning, record keeping, and annual compliance reporting. Continue to write nutrient management plans for agriculture producers.

Target Audience: Farmers, agriculture consultants, extension educators, conservation district employees, NRCS employees, EPA, MDE.

Goal: Maryland farmers and agribusiness will improve application and adoption of land applied biosolids, manure, compost, and commercial fertilizers. Regulations and beneficial utilization techniques will be in place so that biosolids and poultry manure produced in the state will be applied close to their source of production in ways that are compatible and sustainable with land use and citizen acceptability. Improve water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. Increase the number of certified nutrient management consultants.

22) Land Use

Situation: Maryland, the fifth most densely populated state in the nation, is undergoing rapid changes in population growth and migration, land cover, community character, ecosystem stability, and economic diversity. State and U.S. Census Bureau estimates predict that Maryland's population will grow from approximately 5.5 million today to 6.5-7 million by 2030. While increase in population and migration is inevitable, decisions for where these people will be placed often lies in the hands of local decision makers who determine how development will occur in their communities. Communities in Maryland are confronting unprecedented population growth pressures as shifts in residential preferences move through urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Agricultural and forestland base is being impacted as land is used to accommodate economic and social forces of change. Small communities and localities that had minimal exposure to growth pressures in the past are now confronting issues associated with land use change, such as urban sprawl, traffic congestion, loss of open space, changing community dynamics, and rising infrastructure costs.

Program Description: Create an internal Collaboration for Land Use Education (CLUE) website to provide information on land use, smart growth, and coastal communities. Develop educational brochures on sprawl reduction planning policies. Develop fact sheets on the issue of land use planning in relationship to farming, water quality impacts, and estate planning. Organize Planning 101 workshops and curriculum for agriculture communities and extension educators. Conduct four land use conferences to educate on development options such as smart growth, safe growth, neo-traditional development, and new urbanism. Develop a fact sheet for each county that contains natural resource and demographic data, growth trends, and impacts. Create a local exchange program to allow local officials to exchange dialogue with neighboring jurisdictions and communities.

Target Audience: Extension faculty, elected officials, planning and zoning officials, homeowners, MD Department of Planning, MD Department of Agriculture, MD Department of Environment, Tributary Strategy Teams, non-government organizations (NGO), landowners, farmers.

Goals: Citizens, communities, and government organizations will make informed decisions that will conserve and improve our environment while maintaining a sustainable food and fiber system. Prepare communities to take a proactive approach to manage growth and confront land use issues. This will be done by building Extension’s internal capacity to educate and address local issues related to land use and growth management, while improving access for communities to reach university programs and expertise relate to land use, coastal communities, and resource protection. Six major goals of focus: 1) Communities will learn of CLUE and the various resources available at UMD for use when planning for growth and development in their communities; 2) Integrate CLUE program with similar statewide land use education programs, such as Chesapeake Bay NEMO (Network for Educating Municipal Officials); 3) Improve growth management in coastal and watershed communities in Maryland; 4) Regional collaboration and cross-jurisdictional cooperation will be evident in Maryland’s community planning; 5) Reintegrate a Community Resource Development agent/program within MCE; 6) Organize resources within MCE, MD Sea Grant, and other centers and programs within the University of Maryland system via the CLUE group.

23) Coastal Economies

Situation: Maryland’s coastal communities are experiencing rapid and often-unanticipated change as the result of development and growth. Coastal-dependent businesses such as commercial fishing and seafood processing struggle to maintain a foothold, while recreational boating strives to balance the goals of growth with competing environmental and policy concerns. Decision-makers within industry or at the state and local level require tools and data to support decisions that will help ensure a sustainable coastal environment and a sustainable coastal economy. Many marine businesses are also are at a pivotal time in their history. Despite increased U.S. per capita consumption of seafood, many Maryland companies have closed and others are enduring an extended period of low profitability due to multiple economic pressures, including increased global competition, reduced availability of raw materials, and higher costs associated with operations and regulatory compliance. Nearly all of these businesses are small, independently operated companies lacking experience in methods for adding value to their products. Changes in seasonal work visa restrictions (H2-B visas) threaten to block the flow of workers to the crab-picking sector. Federal and state regulations require many food processors to implement a system of proactive controls and monitoring (HACCP) for food safety hazards, such as pathogenic microorganisms (like Listeria monocytogenes) and toxins. In contrast, marine trades businesses in Maryland that deal principally with recreational boating activity are more stable, but present an opportunity to contribute to economic growth and prosperity in the coastal communities in which they are based. This industry, however, does have its share of issues such as boaters concerns about water quality, competition for waterfront land and increased costs of dredging. One of the factors that has been identified as being a barrier to "growing boating" in Maryland is the confusing and inconsistent state laws governing registration of documented boats. These laws actually create an incentive for boaters to spend less time in Maryland waters (and spend less in the local economies).

Program Description: Assist with environmental problems associated with development and continue evolving its efforts in the field of seafood technology. Our specific objectives include:

Provide technical assistance and training that promote food safety, profitability and regulatory compliance; Communicate to industry members, state agency personnel and state politicians the magnitude of the impact of the boating economy in the state, as well as changes or trends in boater spending patterns; Continue to provide economic data to policy makers on the significance of seasonal workers to the crab industry;

Target Audience: Marine Trades industries, boaters, seafood industry, locally-based coastal planners and decision-makers

Goals: Influence over national legislation on H2-B visa workers to solve the long-term problem of current quota limits on hiring workers for the crabmeat processing industry. Improved boating experience for out-of-state boaters to attract more business to the area. Improved economic vitality of the blue crab processing industry through value-added processing, and the shell removal and packaging projects currently underway. Reduction of potential health problems associated with Listeria and histamine production in fish. Increased regulatory compliance for seafood safety.

24) Waste Management

Situation: Waste, more specifically the byproduct of digestion, is usually viewed as a disposal problem by operators, as a nutrient pollution source by regulators and the general public, and as an offensive item that has unacceptable odor consequences by neighbors and the encroaching suburbia. As technology has developed, the unintended consequence has been to concentrate more and more production, resulting in larger concentrations of waste. Waste has become more concentrated and easily visible to spectators. The spectators have not been educated about the technology that has caused this. Hence they don’t understand it, so they don’t like it. Regardless of the waste source, there is very clearly a them-versus-us social conflict. Results of this conflict include technological challenges for operators as they continue to manage and utilize waste as a resource as well as a disposal problem. Poultry litter is applied to land surfaces for its nutrient value as well as due to the disposal necessity. Temporary stockpiles are put at the edge of fields, prior to moving the litter onto the field using a spreader. Agencies such as EPA Region II and MDE are concerned that these stockpiles are a significant source of nutrient pollution. The Baltimore-Washington metropolitan region of Maryland produces close to 1 million wet tons of biosolids each year. As growth continues, that number will increase and as we shift to more sophisticated wastewater treatment (BNR and ENR), the amount of biosolids our urban/suburban sector produces will increase. A significant portion is hauled out of state. Finally, with soaring costs for energy, energy associated with waste disposal, energy associated with waste utilization and waste-derived energy all require both technology re-evaluation and economic re-evaluation. Waste-derived energy may become a marketable output with a reasonable profit margin.

Program Description:

Target Audience: MD Department of Environment, MD Department of Agriculture, government officials, EPA, MD Department of Natural Resources, extension faculty, agriculture producers, poultry industry.

Goal: Maryland citizens will improve application and adoption of land applied fertilizers and pesticides and improve existing on-site waste management systems. Maryland farmers, citizens, and municipalities will optimize land and water utilization, conserve water, and explore alternative waste management options, while minimizing waste and impacts to the environment. Water wells are tested more frequently and well driller maintenance loads increase in response to owners’ increased awareness and understanding. MDE will understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes in the "Deep-Row" biosolids approach to tree farming, as it applies to nutrients. MDE will accept the demonstration and experimental biosolids and tree farming operation as safe for the environment. Mid-Atlantic Water Quality Coordination-- Composting is adopted by more state agencies and compost markets improve.

25) Energy Efficiency & Composting (Green Industry)

Situation: Recycling of agricultural, horticultural, and homeowner green waste products makes both economic and environmental sense. Soaring prices for fossil fuels and electrical energy are making solar, wind, and alternative energy sources desirable to nurseries and greenhouses and in home landscapes. To stay competitive, horticultural enterprises need to reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources and move toward self-sustaining systems.

Program Description: Develop short courses and training seminars for industry personnel. Conduct field research in alternative fuel sources, energy saving techniques, and recycling of green waste products. Develop training seminars in composting and recycling green waste products. Distribute information in trade and peer-reviewed journal publications.

Target Audience: Arborist, landscape managers, professional grounds managers, greenhouse growers, homeowners, Master Gardeners, agency personnel (MDA, MDE, USDA), technicians, undergraduate and graduate students, general public.

Goal: Horticultural enterprises will stay competitive and be profitable by reducing their reliance on non-renewable energy sources and move toward self-sustaining renewable energy systems. Growers will use plan information for long-term change in management and infrastructure (strategic planning). Growers and industry associations will actively promote these programs. Increased profitability for individual operations. Nursery and greenhouse growers will strive to have their operations totally green. Master Gardeners will become more effective educators and communicators in the composting area.

26) Management & Sustainability of Forest Resources

Situation: There are 130,000 private forest landowners in Maryland that own 78 percent of the forestland (2 million acres). Seventy-five percent of these forest landowners own less than 10 acres. With an average forest holding of about 17 acres, these landowner’s objectives are diverse and usually do not focus solely on timber values. Further, the value of forests to provide ecosystem services continues to be a pressing issue that requires education of decision makers to make them aware of how policies and new regulations affect forestland ownership. Maintenance of a forest base that can support a forest products industry is being seriously impacted by parceling of the land base, which results in small land holders and owners who have limited interest in timber harvesting. Forestland ownership is dominated by owners who are retired, white, and more highly educated. Research indicates that much of the forest holdings, especially larger ones, will change hands as the older generation disappears. The continuation of an intergenerational transfer of forest that will maintain its ability to be considered a working forest is a great concern. Reaching the diverse audiences that own or have influence over forestland is increasingly challenging. It is estimated that only 25 percent of forestland is harvested with the assistance of a professional forester and a relatively small number of landowners have forest stewardship plans for their property. With private forest properties changing hands every 12 years on average, many landowners tend to make short-term management decisions that negatively impact long-term sustainability. Research does indicate that landowners who have good information tend to make better forest harvest decisions.

Program Description: Develop and conduct workshops, short courses, correspondence courses, and seminars, as well as field days to share research results. Volunteer training opportunities will be a critical part of certain programs. Develop curriculum, publications, notebooks, media releases, CD’s, websites, and videos.

Target Audience: Foresters, wildlife biologists, forest landowners, farmers, forest industry, forestry associations, Master Gardeners, extension faculty.

Goal: Enhance a healthy and sustainable forest resource system. Private forestland of all sizes, and the organizations that service the land and owners, will be managed using forest stewardship practices that will ensure a sustainable source of forest products, wildlife, water quality, and aesthetics that contribute to the quality of life of all citizens. Forest stewardship education of diverse audiences will be seen as the key method to assure a sustainable forest resource that can provide society open space, forest products, wildlife, recreation, and a healthy environment. Forest landowners and decision makers and other diverse audiences will gain knowledge of forest stewardship planning, practices, and organizational options. Forest landowners will develop plans and implement practices. Woodland owner associations will increase in number and activity.

For more information, contact Jim Hanson

Last updated: 09/27/2006

In Memoriam
Internationally known dairy cattle judge and dairy youth supporter Dr. J. Lee Majeskie of Centreville died suddenly on Friday, August 22, at the University of Maryland Hospital. He was the loving and devoted husband of Judy Alexander Majeskie. - posted Aug 29, 2008

Back to School for Cascade Users!
Students are heading back to school, so perhaps it’s time for you to brush up on your Cascade Server skills. - posted Aug 26, 2008

Attention 4-H'ers! A special invitation to the Maryland State Fair
4-H'ers are invited to visit with AGNR Academic Programs staff to learn more about the College of AGNR at the University of Maryland. Games, prizes, and more! - posted Aug 25, 2008

RSS Feed More news...

Upcoming events...