R2011-65 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED INSTITUTE

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s THE AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED INSTITUTE 4004 COLLEGE PARK ROAD DECATUR, ILLINOIS 62521 TEL. (217)877-5640 FAx(217)877-5641 April 25, 2011 Mr. Keith Alexander Director of Water Management City of Decatur One Gary K. Anderson Plaza Decatur, IL 62523 Re: Proposed Agreement for Financial Support of Watershed Research and Education 2011-2012 Dear Mr. Alexander: The Agricultural Watershed Institute (AWI) is pleased to submit this proposed agreement for consideration by the City of Decatur. AWI was incorporated in 2003 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Upon acceptance of this proposed agreement, the City of Decatur will provide $20,000 during its 2011-12 fiscal year to support AWI's research and educational activities as described herein. AWI MISSION AND FOCUS AREAS AWI's mission is to conduct research and educational programs on practices and policies that improve water quality, maintain or restore ecosystem health, and conserve and manage land and water .resources in agricultural watersheds. The Upper Sangamon River Watershed, which includes the Lake Decatur Watershed, is our home watershed and the location of much of our ongoing project activity. We conduct applied research on issues of local, regional and national importance. We aspire to achieve national leadership in our research focus areas. AWI's research builds on and complements the work of the Macon County Soil & Water Conservation District and other SWCDs for the protection of Lake Decatur. AWI maintains collaborative partnerships with academic institutions including the University of Illinois, Millikin University and Richland Community College and with Lake Decatur watershed stakeholders. Our current research focus areas are: • Nutrient management practices, including drainage management and cover crops, • Beneficial use of dredged sediment, and • Perennial grasses grown for multiple benefits including biomass energy, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced water quality.