Project Search
Since its inception in 2004, CIG has funded hundreds of projects, boosting natural resource conservation while helping producers improve the health of their operations for the future. Use this tool to search for CIG projects based on any of the criteria listed below.
CIG projects from 2004-2009 may be missing information in the following categories: Resource Concern (specific), Conservation Practice, Production/Use.
Showing 1431 - 1440 of 1802 projects
Albert Wayne Jones
|
MS
|
2007
The overall goal of this project is to implement a unique and innovative, market-based solution, for effectively managing Energy generation on a small broiler poultry farm with four houses, while addressing the highly critical issue of broiler litter disposal. Mississippi, which is the fourth largest poultry producing State in the U.S., generates about 2.2 billion pounds of litter annually. New environmental regulations and health concerns related to mad cow disease and watershed are putting increasing pressure on poultry growers to curb the practice of conventional litter spreading on pasturelands or for cattle feeding. Additionally, the significantly higher Energy costs of a poultry operation today are placing a tremendous financial burden on the farmers. An on-farm anaerobic digester is an innovative approach to conserve water, soil and atmospheric resources while generating bio-based renewable Energy and eliminate the problems of litter disposal as well as dead birds. Additionally the market for carbon credits is emerging in the U.S. and since methane qualifies for 21 times the credits for each unit of carbon dioxide, the returns on investment in digester projects may become a respectable revenue source for the farmers. Even though the science behind anaerobic digestion is well understood, using an anaerobic digester to manage broiler litter is a truly innovative approach and has only become feasible due to a recent change in poultry raising practices as described in the narrative. A very important element of the proposed system is that this project will be a scaled-down, user-friendly, production-oriented version of an experimental poultry litter digester that is currently operational on a ten-house farm in Mississippi and was funded in large part by the State of Mississippi. A smaller scale digester on a farm with four broiler houses will also lend itself to the study of a modular approach to constructing digesters for larger farms in the poultry belt States.
North Carolina State University
|
NC
|
2007
The purpose of this award is for the grantee to increase participation, revitalize and improve Drainage Water Management in North Carolina to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment losses to surface waters, conserve water and increase yields.Drainage Water Management or Controlled Drainage has been installed on over 400,000 acres of cropland in North Carolina. It is conservatively estimated that under proper operation, these systems will reduce N loads to streams and estuaries by about 4,000,000 lbs annually. However the original contracts for management have expired and the systems are, in many cases, no longer functioning as designed. Further, most of the control structures have been installed on open ditches with little application of the more recently developed structures for controlling drainage in subsurface or “tile” mains. This project will support the installation of these new structures in subsurface mains on 15 to 20 sites. If successful, this demonstration could lead to application on thousands of additional acres in the middle Coastal Plain. The project will also develop and implement a web-based system for encouraging and assisting users in the proper application of drainage water management on both old and new systems. The goal is to revitalize and improve the management of controlled drainage systems in North Carolina. A web-based system will be developed and implemented on a pilot scale with 15 farmers in at least 6 Coastal Plain counties. The system will provide crop, soil, and location sensitive advice and reminders on management of the control structures. DRAINMOD simulations to evaluate soil water conditions and provide guidance on managing the structures based on current and forecasted weather conditions and the status of receiving waters will be conducted and updated at least monthly through the year. Brochures will be developed to promote Drainage Water Management and field days will be held to demonstrate the practice and present results of its effect on crop yields, drainage outflows and nutrient losses to the environment.
Wildlife Habitat Federation
|
TX
|
2007
The purpose of this award is for the grantee to provide economic incentives for ranches and farmers to restore genetically unique native Coastal Prairie grasslands by marketing native grass seed and ultimately the grass itself for land and wildlife conservation, alternative Energy production, eco-tourism and hunting.Many landowners in South Central Texas have converted their pastures to non-native grasses, are pushing their land past its productive limit by overstocking cattle and are adversely impacting natural resources. Test plots have shown that ranchers can improve their bottom line and increase wildlife by converting pastures to native prairie grasses.
Although landowners want more wildlife and face higher costs for fuel, fertilizer, machinery by continuing to rely in introduced grasses, they are reluctant to implement worthwhile Habitat and wildlife programs available through USDA agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Audubon Texas. Wildlife management plans have been written for landowners on about 20,000 acres since the Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) was formed two years ago but less than 10 percent have adopted the recommendations suggested. A strong economic incentive is needed to achieve large scale restoration of native grasslands. More private sector involvement is needed to complement what is now being addressed by government wildlife/conservation agencies.
A priority zone will be created in the Texas Gulf Prairie Ecological Region for producing more native prairie grasses. Due to the soils, a mild climate and ample rainfall, this region has more potential than most for producing native grass. Tracts of relict prairie grass will be assembled to meet a fast growing demand for genetically suitable seed by helping landowners contract with select companies. Participants will also be selected to create a tract large enough to sustain populations of quail or be part of wildlife corridors that connect to areas with large native grass tracts. Landowners will be encouraged by the prospect of marketing native grass to coal-firing power plants and/or to an ethanol production facility. Participating landowners will receive financial reimbursement for cost of restoration programs from this project and will have access to specialized equipment.
Although landowners want more wildlife and face higher costs for fuel, fertilizer, machinery by continuing to rely in introduced grasses, they are reluctant to implement worthwhile Habitat and wildlife programs available through USDA agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Audubon Texas. Wildlife management plans have been written for landowners on about 20,000 acres since the Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) was formed two years ago but less than 10 percent have adopted the recommendations suggested. A strong economic incentive is needed to achieve large scale restoration of native grasslands. More private sector involvement is needed to complement what is now being addressed by government wildlife/conservation agencies.
A priority zone will be created in the Texas Gulf Prairie Ecological Region for producing more native prairie grasses. Due to the soils, a mild climate and ample rainfall, this region has more potential than most for producing native grass. Tracts of relict prairie grass will be assembled to meet a fast growing demand for genetically suitable seed by helping landowners contract with select companies. Participants will also be selected to create a tract large enough to sustain populations of quail or be part of wildlife corridors that connect to areas with large native grass tracts. Landowners will be encouraged by the prospect of marketing native grass to coal-firing power plants and/or to an ethanol production facility. Participating landowners will receive financial reimbursement for cost of restoration programs from this project and will have access to specialized equipment.
Oregon State Department of Agriculture
|
OR
|
2007
The purpose of this award is for the grantee to mitigate the risk of spreading the non-native plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum into forests and other naturalized areas through infected nursery stock.Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to forest health in the United States today. One that has garnered much attention is the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, the cause of sudden oak death and related diseases. This invasive pathogen attacks more than 100 plant species and kills mature oaks, tanoaks, and beech trees. P. ramorum has killed hundreds of thousands of trees in California where it is established in the natural environment. This has led to increased fire risk and to increased soil erosion from deforestation. Riparian areas near streams inhabited by endangered coastal salmon have also been adversely affected. This program will serve as a tool for nurseries to monitor for P. ramorum and other Phytophthora species in a cost-effective manner with minimal impact on their plants, soil, and water resources. Thus, the program will have these benefits:
1) It will minimize the risk of P. ramorum being introduced to new forest environments;
2) It will be a tool for growers to improve disease management on their property particularly within their soil and water resources; and
3) It will become a marketing tool nurseries can use to.
To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at developing a grower assisted inspection program for plants for planting. This program may also be adapted to other farming operations.
1) It will minimize the risk of P. ramorum being introduced to new forest environments;
2) It will be a tool for growers to improve disease management on their property particularly within their soil and water resources; and
3) It will become a marketing tool nurseries can use to.
To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at developing a grower assisted inspection program for plants for planting. This program may also be adapted to other farming operations.
California Association of Resource Conservation Districts
|
CA
|
2007
The purpose of this award is for the grantee to quantify the particulate matter (PM10) reduction of a fine water mist apparatus attached to an agricultural disk and to validate the previously established emission factors for disking.A dust control unit (DCU) will be mounted on a 12-foot disk. The methodology for monitoring the PM emissions will follow the accepted protocol established by the Protocol Subcommittee of the Air District. The PM10 emissions will be monitored before and after the passage of the disk and before and after the DCU is in operation. Also monitored will be the temperatures of the soil, ambient air, and the PM-laden air; wind speed and direction; soil moisture, texture, structure, and organic matter. When the PM10 emissions are proved to be significantly reduced (>10%), the DCU will be listed as a Conservation Management Practice (CMP) by the SJVAPCD and available for use by farmers in their required CMP Plans.
California Dairy Campaign
|
CA
|
2007
This project in the San Joaquin Valley of California will demonstrate and evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of using polymers to flocculate and precipitate fine solids from the dairy waste water stream. Eighteen dairies will be directly involved with hundreds more in workshops/field days. Various treatment methods will be demonstrated and evaluated with over 70 samples of water and solids analyzed in the laboratory for volume and nutrient value. Solids retained will provide an added revenue stream for products to be sold off farm. The organic solids retained through this system will be in high demand for conventional row and field crops, but especially organic growers of orchards and vineyards. The project will be 16 months in duration with the final report due in December, 2008. An interagency, interdisciplinary technical advisory group will provide input into the project from the beginning. Coordination with the NRCS State Technical Guide Committee will be on going with several presentations made to the committee during the project. If this project proves to be feasible, many economic and environmental benefits would accrue to the dairy industry and the public as well.
Coveyou Farms LLC
|
MI
|
2007
The purpose of this project is to design, install, demonstrate, and evaluate a portable high tunnel growing system that improves soil quality as well as the management of irrigation water and fertilizer applications to vegetable crops. A novel design of a portable high tunnel will be demonstrated that uses a bottom rail to allow movement of the tunnel between adjacent fields. Additionally, this project will demonstrate and apply to vegetable crops some of the latest commercially available technology in automated moisture sensing presently used in the floriculture and will demonstrate non electric powered pond to tunnel field water delivery systems. Small wind and solar electric systems are used to power the irrigation sensors and control systems. This production system is geared toward medium to small sized farms using high tunnels to accelerate spring market production and overall season extension in growing vegetable products for local sales and marketing.
Forest Restoration Partnership
|
OR
|
2007
The purpose of this award is for the grantee to improve technology transfer methods to manage aspen stands in Eastern Oregon.The Forest Restoration Partnership seeks funds to assist private landowners to improve condition of aspen stands in Eastern Oregon. Aspen throughout the western United States has declined by 50-90%. Aspen provide outstanding wildlife Habitat and high levels of forage production for livestock, and are important in groundwater recharge. Funding would launch the first phase of the Oregon Aspen Project; a collaborative effort to facilitate technology transfer related aspen management to private landowners. Phase 1 activities include:
1) Development of a user –friendly aspen management manual;
2) Provision of technical assistance and funding to complete 4 aspen stewardship demonstration projects on private lands throughout eastern Oregon; and
3) Organization of tour and workshop for each project site to disseminate restoration techniques and build support for active management of aspen resources.
1) Development of a user –friendly aspen management manual;
2) Provision of technical assistance and funding to complete 4 aspen stewardship demonstration projects on private lands throughout eastern Oregon; and
3) Organization of tour and workshop for each project site to disseminate restoration techniques and build support for active management of aspen resources.
Alabama Beef Council
|
AL
|
2007
The clover demonstrations in perennial pastures of the Coastal Plain region will show producers effective ways to include clovers, and where feasible, new perennial clover cultivars into their grazing systems. As a result, producers will learn which cultivars work for their particular conditions, how to effectively establish the clovers, how to implement successful prescribed grazing techniques needed for clover longevity, how to successfully manage soil fertility, and the many benefits that clovers provide. NRCS will be able to add new information to the Technical Guide resulting in improved technical and financial assistance to clients.
Beartooth Capital Partners, LLC
|
MT
|
2007
The purpose of this award is for the grantee to pioneer a new tool that rewards ranchers for implementing sutainable grazing management practices that enhance range productivity and carbon sequestration rates.Overwhelming scientific evidence linking the build-up of greenhouse gases to global warming and the resulting negative consequences have spurred efforts to reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases. Here in the United States, CCX was developed to broker voluntary yet legally binding transactions between these parties, thereby helping lower the net volume of CCX members’ greenhouse gas emissions. Rangeland has not been eligible for CCX sequestration programs in the past, but Beartooth is working with CCX to enable ranchers to generate carbon credits by taking steps to enhance the rate at which their land sequesters carbons. Beartooth is working with CCX to advance the science behind carbon sequestration on rangelands and to develop the Rangeland Carbon Sequestration Program. A panel of soil and rangeland scientists has developed sequestration rate estimates for use in the program, and Beartooth Capital’s Rangeland Carbon Sequestration Program is currently the only CCX approved aggregator in the country to have received approval to generate revenue by implementing voluntary changes in management by a working cattle operation which improved range condition and thus, decreased atmospheric CO2 levels. As a result of Beartooth and CCX’s work, ranchers across the West will soon be able to profit from the sale of the carbon credits generated by implementing grazing management practices that restore rangeland health. Our overall goal is to apply market-based economic incentives to foster environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production.