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

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Mr. Keith Alexander, City of Decatur–May 12,2014–Page 2 Sediment and nutrient Best Management Practices (BMPs): AWI will identify and develop strategies for reducing sediment and nutrient loads in the Lake Decatur watershed. AWI staff will provide technical assistance to landowners, agricultural producers, and other stakeholders to implement BMPs. In consultation with the City and the University of Illinois, AWI will continue to participate in research and outreach efforts for sediment and nutrient reduction. In particular, AWI will continue to be the lead organization for the Lake Decatur Watershed TMDL Implementation Planning Project which will focus on several conventional and innovative practices including, for example, two-stage drainage ditches and cover crops to reduce both sediment and nutrients. The City provides matching funds for the TMDL planning project through a separate agreement approved by the City Council on April 16, 2012. Water resources planning and management: AWI will promote city-farm-industry dialogue and cooperation for water resource management, especially Lake Decatur source water protection. AWI will participate in the Heart of The Sangamon River Ecosystem Partnership and in special projects such as local river/lake clean-up days and the proposed Sangamon River— Lincoln Heritage Water Trail. AWI staff will assist as requested in implementing the Sustainable Decatur plan. AWI will identify and evaluate innovative resource management concepts and alternatives, and potential funding sources for research, development, and implementation. As requested by the City, AWI will gather information and assist in public participation activities to identify ways to reduce costs, mitigate adverse impacts, and increase benefits and public acceptance of alternatives for dredging, dredged sediment reuse and water supply enhancements. Perennial biomass crops grown for renewable energy, forage, and water quality: Perennial energy grasses planted in targeted locations and used for renewable energy or animal feed can provide numerous benefits. This agreement includes City financial support for AWI's Local Bioenergy Initiative. The Initiative is designed to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, enhance water quality, and achieve other environmental and economic objectives in the Lake Decatur watershed. The major components of the Initiative are: 1. Assist local farmers and landowners to begin growing biomass crops. This includes workshops, field days, and other educational activities for prospective growers. In addition to outreach and education activities, AWI will continue to provide technical, financial, and in-kind assistance to individual farmers and land owners for establishing perennial biomass crops. 2. Develop and demonstrate landscape design concepts. Production of energy grasses involves synergies and trade-offs between multiple objectives. AWI will continue to work with university scientists, other nonprofit organizations, and agricultural producers to optimize coproduction of harvestable biomass and enhanced water quality. 3. Develop markets for perennial biomass crops and related benefits. Over the past four years, AWI has established working relationships with biomass supply chain businesses, leading scientists, agricultural producers, government agencies, and other stakeholders. During the term of this agreement, AWI will continue to work with these partners and co-chair the Green Lands Blue Waters (GLBW) Biomass Working Group as it develops and implements a regional Perennial Biomass Initiative for coproduction of harvestable biomass and ecosystem services, especially clean water.