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AWI actively collaborates with scientists from UI and other universities on various proposals <br /> and projects, most of which are related to the Lake Decatur watershed and/or AWI's work on <br /> biomass energy (next section). Attachment 1 is a list of current projects that AWI is either <br /> leading or participating in. For projects lead by university scientists, AWI support letters, the <br /> water quality monitoring data record and ongoing City financial support for innovative <br /> watershed management in the Lake Decatur watershed, and stakeholder involvement such as the <br /> Ecosystem Partnership have been factors in successful grant proposals. <br /> During 2013, AWI made significant progress toward its long-term goal of making the Lake <br /> Decatur watershed a showplace for innovative agricultural practices and cropping systems to <br /> enhance water quality and quantity. The Multifunctional Perennial Crops and Critical Zone <br /> Observatory projects (#8 and #9 in Attachment 1) are prime examples of grants awarded in the <br /> past year that will provide local benefits for Decatur water resource management and provide <br /> scientific knowledge that can be applied throughout the Midwest and beyond. This showcase <br /> watershed or"landlab" concept is discussed further in the next section. <br /> Perennial biomass crops for renewable energy, forage, and water quality: <br /> The Local Bioenergy Initiative continues to be AWI's major focus. During 2013, significant <br /> progress was made on each of the three broad components of the Initiative. <br /> 1. Assist local farmers and landowners to begin growing and using biomass crops. <br /> • AWI held a biomass workshop on June 28 followed by a field day at the AWI— <br /> Caterpillar Prairie for Bioenergy demonstration plots on June 29. These events <br /> emphasized the use of native warm season grasses as forage (hay) crops. <br /> • Steve John of AWI spoke and staffed a display at the Illinois Renewable Energy Fair. <br /> • AWI consulted with farmers interested in growing biomass crops to use for heating farm <br /> buildings. We also consulted with Eastern Illinois University on a 100+ acre on-farm <br /> demonstration plot that will be planted in 2014. <br /> • In conjunction with U1, AWI once again organized the Energy Grass Education Area <br /> with demonstration plots,equipment displays and tent booths at the Farm Progress Show. <br /> 2 <br />