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.
• Developing two easy to use and reliable DRAINMOD-based tools to quantify the reduction of annual N mass losses due to the implementation of DWM. These tools can be utilized by the Midwest and Southeast states as part of a water quality credit trading system involving DWM.
• Testing the accuracy of the tools by comparing DWM-caused reductions of annual N mass loss estimated by the developed tools to measured and/or DRAINMOD-NII predicted losses for Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, and North Carolina. Historic measured data will be used and no additional measurements will be needed for the evaluation of the performance of the tool.
• Developing a website for the tools which includes educational material on DWM, instructional and training materials on how to use the tools, and utilities for preparing the required inputs.
• Procure expert evaluation of the Watson screens hydraulic performance in its current form, and provide recommendations for the fabricator to modify and improve his screen design. Measurable outcome: Professional analysis of hydraulics of existing screen and concrete proposals to improve the design.
• Evaluate the biological performance of several variants of the Watson screen with fry and/or juvenile size Oncorhynchus trout, and incorporate biological criteria into modified designs. Measurable outcome: New designs for Watson flat-plate screens adapted to meet or closely approach NMFS criteria for application on bull trout streams, and a less expensive design for westslope cutthroat streams.
• Develop design guidelines for sizing and installing the modified Watson flat-plate fish screens, and train engineers and engineering techs from NRCS and other entities in selecting appropriate sites for their use; offer guidance on alternative fish screen options where the Watson flat-plate will not work. Measurable outcome: Provide training and tools for designing locallv fabricated flat-plate fish screen installations in Montana that meet criteria for native fish conservation.
• Promote appropriate fish screens with conservation leaders in the agricultural community, educating the public about the issues and opportunities for conserving native fish with improved fish screens, and facilitate their installation and maintenance with irrigators. Measurable outcome: Double the number of effective fish screens installed on irrigation canals in the Upper Clark Fork in two years.