Nonpoint Source Analysis in Support of the Chesapeake Bay Program

Current funding: About $110,000 per year from US EPA. The P.I. is Dr. Tom Simpson. In 2006, the College entered into a five year, renewable, cooperative agreement with EPA to provide the “in-house” agricultural technical expertise for the Chesapeake Bay Program. These funds are used to support a technical person to provide leadership for agricultural science and management to the Bay Program on a day to day basis. This individual is responsible for coordinating activities of the Ag Workgroup of the Bay Program and also evaluates tracking, reporting and technical issues related to state and federal agricultural practice implementation programs.

We are working closely with NRCS throughout the region to enhance consistency between NRCS BMPs and assistance programs and state and Bay Program practices. This position is a UMD position but is also part of the Mid Atlantic Water Program. It should be noted that NRCS had provided agricultural technical assistance for 11 years prior to 2005. Our successful competition for this award allowed UMD and the land grant system the opportunity to become the lead science and technology internal support group for the Bay Program. We also jointly serve as the technical advisors on agricultural aspects of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model.

For more information, contact Dr. Tom Simpson

Last updated: 02/7/2008