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UK, State Partner to Improve Cane Run Watershed
 LEXINGTON, Ky., (Sept. 14, 2007) – The University of Kentucky
College of Agriculture and the state Environmental and Public
Protection Cabinet (EPPC) have established a partnership to
reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution in the Cane Run
watershed in central Kentucky. The project is affiliated with
UK’s Tracy Farmer Center for the Environment.
EPPC is administering two grants totaling $1.8 million to fund
the project. The initiative was announced today at the Kentucky
Horse Park.
“This represents a collaborative effort involving a strong and
broad-based team, and our college is proud to have the
opportunity to use our research farm at Maine Chance for the
important purpose of research and education on water quality and
its impact,” said Scott Smith, dean of the College of
Agriculture.
"Cleaning up streams and protecting our natural resources are
vitally important to Kentucky and its citizens, and this project
represents the kind of stewardship necessary for the long-term
interests of this great commonwealth," said Tracy Farmer,
horseman, entrepreneur and founding benefactor of UK's Tracy
Farmer Center for the Environment.
Teresa J. Hill, secretary of EPPC, said the cabinet is pleased
to join UK in cleaning up the watershed.
“The Fletcher administration is committed to safeguarding the
environment not only for today’s citizens, but for generations
to come,” Hill said. “We commend UK for showing its leadership
in partnering with us in this important endeavor.”
Three UK water quality researchers, Steve Workman, Steve
Higgins, and Amanda Gumbert, will carry out the project.
The two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants for
$1,110,940 and $757,238 are administered by EPPC’s Division of
Water. The Cane Run watershed is one of five priority watersheds
selected by the Kentucky Watershed Steering Committee for
focused restoration and protection efforts. Segments of the Cane
Run watershed have high levels of sedimentation/siltation,
pathogens and nutrient/organic enrichment, which have resulted
in the stream being placed on the state list of impaired
streams.
The Cane Run watershed is approximately 29,000 acres. College of
Agriculture scientists will focus their efforts during the first
phases of the project on the 15,000 acres in the upper portion,
which recharges the Royal Spring in Georgetown.
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Contact: Laura Skillman, 270-625-2203
Mark York, 502-564-5525
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service |
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