The US EPA has instructed the twelve highest contributing states to come up with nutrient loss reduction plans. One way this goal is being accomplished is through watershed planning. The University of Illinois Extension is holding stakeholder meetings via zoom to hear input from those living around the Cedar Creek Watershed, as the Flint-Henderson watershed has been designated as a nitrogen priority. Watershed Outreach Associate Rachel Curry explains:
“As the Watershed Outreach Associate, a lot of the work that I do is the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and that has been going on since 2015. The goal is to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that is leaving Illinois and making its’ way down the Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. Part of my position includes helping do watershed planning, which is one way we can reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as other things that are leaving our area, whether it’s in an agricultural area or an urban area.”
The stakeholder zoom meetings will be held on Thursday, February 18 at 9:30 am and another at 5 pm. Advanced registration is required to receive the link, http://extension.illinois.edu/hkmw.