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Extension Home  Public Issues Ecosystem Management, Protection and Restoration Project Reports FY09
Ecosystem Management - Reports FY09
Community Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Project Leader: Craig Hollingsworth
Project Year: 2009
This project addresses the need for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programming that serves the Massachusetts urban population. Through partnerships and collaborations, educational programs are provided that encompass the needs and concerns of the structural pest control industry and K-12 schools. Programming will focus on pest management for building interiors, as well as exterior grounds and landscaping. Two new audience groups will be targeted: institutions of higher learning and the health care industry. This project will also provide support for a clinic to identify and test ticks for the presence of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis and erlichiosis.
This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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Fish, Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation
Project Leader: Scott Jackson
Project Year: 2009
Massachusetts is the third most densely populated state in the nation. The rate of land consumption for residential development is steadily increasing far out of proportion to its population growth. Haphazard growth has impacted water resources, natural resource-based enterprises, open space, wildlife habitat, and community character. Nearly half the state's communities lack professional planning staff, while volunteer boards struggle with increasing levels of responsibility, liability, time demands and public mistrust. The Fish, Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation Project addresses these concerns through related initiatives that focus on habitat loss and fragmentation, establishing priorities for ecological restoration and mitigating development impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.
This plan is a part of the Natural Resource & Environmental Conservation program
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Forest Conservation
Project Leader: Paul Catanzaro
Project Year: 2009
Sixty-two percent of Massachusetts is forested. A large majority (79%) of Massachusetts forests are privately owned. Most landowners enjoy their woodlots for privacy and aesthetics on a daily basis, but most do not consider options and opportunities for forest conservation until something triggers a decision point regarding the management of the woods or the future status of the property. This can force landowners to make quick decisions without sufficient planning or information. The goal of the Forest Conservation project is to put into place in each community the people that can deliver accurate information at crucial decision making times. Extension understands that networks of respected community leaders is one of the most effective ways of disseminating information and helping individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their forest resources. Our intent is to provide influential citizens with the information to encourage their peers to contact the right people and to ask the right questions.
This project is part of the Natural Resource & Environmental Conservation program
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Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership
Project Leader: Jerome Schoen
Project Year: 2009
It is ultimately the state's responsibility to ensure a safe and adequate water supply. The state relies on University-based research to investigate new threats, new treatment technologies, restoration principles, best management practices and effective policy steps to guide decision-makers. UMass Extension can bridge the gap between academic research on water and practices that protect and maintain water resources. Municipal and regional leaders and policy makers need direction and practical examples to address water resource issues and problems. Natural resources-based businesses are in need of guidance to operate in economically viable and environmentally responsible ways. Agencies and non-profit organizations also need information to help educate the public on the steps they can take to protect water resources. The Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership (MassWWP) serves as a bridge between scientists and citizens and provides training and other technical assistance to organizations that conduct water quality monitoring programs on the lakes, rivers, and estuaries of Massachusetts.
This project is a part of the Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation program
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Nutrient Management: Livestock and Crops
Project Leader: Masoud Hashemi
Project Year: 2009
The crops, dairy, livestock, and equine industries are important economic contributors to the MassachusettsMassachusetts also has a sizable equine industry with more than 10,000 horse owners and a horse population of more than 45,000. The UMass Extension Nutrient Management: Livestock and Crops Project provides educational opportunities to farmers, livestock producers and horse owners to increase their knowledge of environmental issues and their ability to reduce the threat of pathogens and nutrient loss from barns, stables, fields and pastures. The project focuses specifically on 1) maintaining and improving water quality by reducing the risk of non-point source pollution from all crop, livestock, and horse farms through the development and voluntary adoption of Best Management Practices, and 2) the sustainability of farming operations by introducing alternative cropping and management systems that ease the burden of increased prices for grains, fuels, and fertilizer. Livestock farms, including beef cattle, dairy, goat, hog, sheep, and horse are present in many Massachusetts communities. The project therefore has a significant role in supporting local economies and reducing threats to water quality throughout the state.
This project is a part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services
Project Leader: Bess Dicklow
Report Year: 2009
UMass Extension Plant and Soil Diagnostic Services provide accurate identification of pest, disease, and weed problems. The program also provides analysis of soil and tissue nutrient levels which leads to precision fertilizer applications. Fertilizer applications based upon soil and tissue analysis prevent unnecessary applications of fertilizers which have the potential to negatively impact water resources. Diagnostic analyses also determine nutrient toxicities and deficiencies that can negatively impact plant growth and performance. In addition to providing these technical services, diagnostic staff also work educate the horticultural industry through presentations at grower meetings, invited presentations, participation in UMass Green School and Winter School for Turf Managers, and by contributing to an array of publications, newsletters and technical manuals.
This project is part of the Agriculture & Landscape program
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