R2011-65 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED INSTITUTE

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Mr. Keith Alexander, City of Decatur—April 25, 2011 —Page 2 WORK TO BE PERFORMED WITH CITY FINANCIAL SUPPORT The financial support to be provided by the City will be used to continue and expand work by AWI in our current research focus areas, in our educational program, and in additional areas that may be determined in consultation with City representatives. Nutrient management: Final project reports for the Upper Sangamon River Targeted Watershed Project have been completed by AWI and our subgrantees and accepted by U.S. EPA. During the period covered by this 2011-12 agreement, AWI will identify and develop strategies for reducing nutrient loads in the Lake Decatur watershed. In consultation with the City and the University of Illinois, AWI will continue to participate in research, outreach, and implementation of nutrient management strategies for crop production in tile-drained landscapes. In particular, AWI will focus on innovative practices such as two-stage drainage ditches and cover crops that are effective at reducing sediment as well as nutrients. Beneficial use of dredged sediment: The proposed City funding will be used to develop ideas for large-scale beneficial use of dredged sediment and to conduct research, demonstration projects, economic analysis, and stakeholder outreach related to sediment use. 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 and water supply enhancements. 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 Ecosystem Partnership and in special projects such as the Drought Ready Communities Project, FEMA flood mapping, and local river/lake clean-up days. AWI Executive Director Steve John will continue to serve on the Local Sustainability Team; 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. Biomass energy: Perennial energy grasses planted in targeted locations and used for renewable energy can provide numerous benefits. The City provides project-specific financial support for AWI's Local Bioenergy Initiative through a separate agreement dated January 24, 2011. 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. A portion of the general support provided through this proposed agreement may be used for bioenergy-related expenses. With City approval, and under such conditions as the City may require, AWI may establish and manage perennial energy crops on City-owned property including land along the north side of the Oakley Township sediment basin site. Shared Learning Program: The proposed City funding will be used to support AWI's seminars, workshops and other educational events including an annual Sangamon Watershed Celebration. These events bring together researchers; government policy makers and program managers; agricultural producers, managers and landowners; environmental professionals and advocates; and other watershed stakeholders. Program objectives are (1) to explore ideas for economically and environmentally sound resource management and (2) to foster improved mutual understanding and cooperation among urban and rural watershed stakeholders.