How will this project benefit watershed groups?

Study watersheds will be provided with detailed baseline social data on the subwatersheds studied within their watershed. Also, this work will contribute to the ongoing development of the social indicator framework that will be used by states in the Midwest and by EPA Region 5 in the future.

Data from this research can inform increased capacity training to watershed groups, including ways they can incorporate social aspects into their program planning. Using social indicator data to inform educational and outreach initiatives, may help to improve the effectiveness of educational interventions, thus making them more effective at changing behaviors of residents within your watersheds.

Groups' role in the project

Watershed groups will play a vital role throughout every phase of this project. We will be working with the groups in each watershed to gather background information, connect with the agricultural community, and assist in administering best education practices to one of the subwatersheds within each watershed.