Taking the Next Step: Implementing the TMDL

What IDEM Provides to Help With Implementation  Compiling all the data in one place  Data-driven recommendations and reductions  Broad recommendations for BMP implementation  Maps, graphs, charts, tables  Watershed staff available to help!

What the Watershed Specialist Can Do to Help  Identify and coordinate with other groups and stakeholders  Identify goals and make a plan to achieve them  Identify realistic and appropriate load reduction practices  Identify and apply for funding sources

Stakeholder Coordination  Finding the right partners is critical  Technical support  Sources of workers/volunteers  Funding  Administrative support  Political/jurisdictional support

Goals  Watershed management plan  Load reduction and watershed improvement goals  Realistic critical areas  Identification of BMPs and landowners

Big Raccoon Creek Load Reduction Practices  Riparian Tree/Herbaceous Buffers  Stream Fencing  Grassed Waterways  Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans  Prescribed Grazing  Cover Crops

 Riparian Buffer – An area of grass, shrubs or trees located adjacent to streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands.

 Stream Fencing (animal exclusion) – A constructed barrier preventing animal access to a stream.

 Grassed Waterways – A shaped or graded channel that is established with suitable vegetation to carry surface water at non-erosive velocity to a stable outlet.

 Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan – A plan to protect water quality and soil health by managing manure and the nutrients in it.

 Prescribed Grazing – Managing the harvest of vegetation with grazing or browsing animals.

 Cover Crops – Grasses, legumes or small grains grown between regular crop production periods for the purpose of protecting and improving the soil.

Funding Options for Implementation  Clean Water Indiana Grants  LARE Grants  NRCS Funding- EQIP  Private Funding Sources  319 Grants

Clean Water Indiana Grants  The Clean Water Indiana (CWI) Program was established to provide financial assistance to landowners and conservation groups.  The financial assistance supports the implementation of conservation practices that will reduce nonpoint sources of water pollution through education, technical assistance, training, and cost-sharing programs.

Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Program  The goal of the LARE program is to protect and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife through measures that reduce nonpoint sediment and nutrient pollution of surface waters to a level that meets or surpasses state water quality standards.

NRCS - Environmental Qualities Incentive Program (EQIP)  Provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land.  A purpose of EQIP is to help producers meet federal, state and local environmental regulations.

Private Funding Sources  IASWCD provides a newsletter listing a wide variety of grants and funding opportunities. (  Recruit and develop partners to fund small, individual projects.  Recruit volunteers to complete individual projects.

319 Grants  Requires an approved Watershed Management Plan (WMP).  WMP must meet the 2009 checklist.  Having an approved WMP can make you more competitive for other grants.  For more information visit:

Converting the TMDL Document to a WMP  The data collection has already been completed.  Many of the necessary maps are in the TMDL document.  Background information section, source identification, and implementation sections are all nearly complete.

Options for Completing the WMP  Form a watershed group.  Collaborate with a pre-existing group.

Conclusion  Developing a WMP after a TMDL has advantages.  IDEM watershed specialists can help identify needs.  The next step is up to you.

Contact Info Leanne Whitesell Watershed Specialist Office of Water Quality Indiana Department of Environmental Management 100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana Phone: (317) Fax: (317)