R2014-44 AUTHORIZING WATERSHED RESEARCH AND EDUCATION AGREEMENT WITH AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED INSTITUTE

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Outputs and Outcomes for Walton Family Foundation grant to Agricultural Watershed Institute Project: Local Bioenergy Initiative-Phase III Grant period: 12/15/2013 to 12/14/2014 Goal 1:Establish Central Illinois as a showcase for research,demonstrations,and education on co-production of perennial biomass and ecosystem services,especially water quality. Outputs: • By December 2014,AWI will hold at least three perennial biomass field days or workshops in collaboration with Green Lands Blue Waters (GLBW), University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Renewable Energy Association, and other partners.These will be documented by announcements on AWI's and partners'websites. • AWI will give at least three presentations at workshops,conferences,or other events on the topic of perennial biomass crops and water quality in the Lake Decatur watershed by December 2014,documented by event agendas and PowerPoint presentations. • AWI and partners will prepare Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plans including a biomass crop scenario for reducing nutrients and sediment in two Lake Decatur subwatersheds by August 2014, as documented by completed reports submitted to Illinois EPA. Outcomes: • At least 100 people will attend AWI workshops and field days on perennial biomass as documented by sign-in sheets or tally counters. • Establish 150 acres of native warm season grasses, plus forb strips for wildlife and pollinators,on a farm in Coles County, Illinois, in cooperation with Eastern Illinois University. • At least one business will partner with AWI to use biomass from the AWI plots to test in densification equipment by December 2014,as evidenced by a memorandum of understanding or letter of commitment. Goal 2:Advance learning networks in Illinois and more broadly in the Upper Midwest to explore and promote co- production of perennial biomass and ecosystem services. Outputs: • AWI and partners will gather information and prepare a report 15y December 2014 on the status of co- production of perennial biomass and ecosystem services, documented by publication of the report on paper and on the Internet, including on AWI's website. • In collaboration with GLBW and other partners,AWI will conduct a learning group process and prepare a proposal by December 2014 for consideration by the GLBW Steering Committee for a Perennial Biomass Initiative, including strategies to overcome barriers and achieve wide adoption of perennial biomass crops with associated ecosystem services over a 5-to 20-year time horizon,as documented by the written proposal. • By December 2014,AWI will author or co-author and submit at least one article for publication in an environmental or agricultural periodical about production of perennial biomass crops for forage or biomass plus water quality and other environmental benefits. Goal 3: Monitor,evaluate,and promote the development of perennial biomass equipment,supply chains,markets, and enterprises. Outputs: • By December 2014,AWI and partners will prepare a"state-of-the-industry" report addressing the status of technology, markets, and enterprises for perennial grass as a bioenergy or bio-product feedstock and strategies to increase its use.The report will be published on AWI's website. • By December 2014,AWI will author or co-author and submit at least one article for publication in an environmental, industry,or general audience periodical based on the state-of-the-industry report.