Glenns Creek Watershed Plan Project

The University of Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute (KWRRI), in conjunction with Cooperative Extension, plans to provide: 1) stakeholder engagement, 2) stakeholder characterization, and 4) development of a watershed plan document for the Glenns Creek Watershed in Franklin and Woodford County. Stakeholder engagement will occur via three levels of engagement: open community forums, focus groups for stakeholders with share interest or land use, and a steering committee to provide overall guidance to the project team. A website will be maintained to provide updates on watershed plan progress, meetings, and other activities. Meetings will be held with these various groups to conduct planning and receive input, and outreach events will be utilized to increase the capacity and participation. Stakeholder characterization efforts will include four aspects: 1) quantitative interviews, 2) a quantitative survey, 3) focus groups, and 4) development of tailored outreach materials. The interviews will seek to understand the community structure and dynamics and role of water within the community. The qualitative survey will seek to characterize community concerns and issues surrounding water and willingness to engage in stewardship activities . Focus groups will be utilized to better understand target audience motivations, barriers, and awareness levels and prioritize best management practices to address these audiences. Finally, based on the community feedback, outreach materials and messages will be tailored to the community characteristics to increase the likelihood of adoption of the prioritized practices. For the watershed plan, KWRRI will develop the document with input from stakeholders. Chapters 1 and 2 (Background Information and Watershed Characterization): KWRRI will compile and present of existing details about the watershed including appropriate maps, graphs and other visual interpretations of this information. These chapters will detail important stakeholders and their potential roles in watershed improvement activities. Chapters 3 and 4 (Monitoring and Data Analysis): In coordination with the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW), KWRRI will complete the monitoring and develop a summary of the water quality monitoring and assessment activities. Pollutant loads and load reductions will be calculated based on those results. KWRRI will provide in-depth analyses of the water sampling results, including conclusions about pollutant sources and potential best management practice (BMP) options. Interpretive maps and other illustrative tables and graphics will be developed to assist with data analysis and presentation. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 (BMP Selection, Implementation Plan, and Strategy for Success): KWRRI will lead the focus groups and steering team in the selection of conservation practices that most efficiently and effectively address the pollutants, sources, and necessary load reductions determined through data analysis. KWRRI will summarize the process of gathering input and public feedback and will guide partners in the prioritization process. With partners, they will develop a BMP implementation strategy, including BMP prioritization, action items, expected pollutant load reductions, responsible parties, costs and potential funding mechanisms. As with prior chapters, KWRRI will provide supporting maps and graphics for this section of the watershed plan and accompanying public presentations and outreach materials.