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Improve Grazing Management/Water Quality in the Wateree Creek Watershed
| Name | Mark J. Talbert | | Situation | Approximately 2020 head of cattle graze pastureland in the Wateree Creek Drainage area. Most of these cattle have access to or use The Wateree Creek as their primary source of water. The riparian zone has experienced substantial degradation, increased sediment build up and increased fecal
coliform levels. The Wateree Creek drains into the Wateree River which is listed as the 7th most polluted river in the nation.
There are numerous supporting studies that conclude cattle will drink more water from fresh, clean water sources than from manure polluted streams and ponds. Drinking fresh water improves the efficiency of nutrient metabolism.
In general, using a stream as the primary water source reduces the
efficiency of grazing management because pastures are under utilized and sometimes over grazed due to the need to be near the creek.
E.P.A. maintains a list and schedule of drainage systems that are
available annually for stewardship practices that may improve the water quality. Last year the Wateree Creek watershed became available for improvements and cost sharing practices adopted by impacted farmers. | | Response | In collaboration with Research Planning Inc. and Water Quality agent Rusty Thomson, I have identified farmers in this watershed to participate in water quality improvement practices for grazing cattle. In 2005 we wrote and submitted a grant proposal and in 2006 it was approved for a total of $220,000.
I conducted numerous farm visits to explain the possible methods that the farmers could incorporate into their grazing management plans. I conducted meetings in the homes of prospective farmers in the watershed and followed up with additional farm visits. | | Impact | As the result of these efforts, we have five farmers approved and participating in this 319 water quality grant. $120,000 has been allotted to be metered out to these farmers for the purpose of building fences to restrict cattle access to the creek, drilling wells, water troughs and burying water lines. Because of these practices, 1270 cattle will be removed from access to The Watereee Creek.
In addition, I provided one septic tank management meeting to Wateree River homeowners with 71 particpants reporting knowledge gained as a result of the program with speakers DHEC agent Heyward Mattox, Rusty Thomson and Chris Lord from RPI. We plan to have a meeting on the Matthews farm to review and explain the practices adopted this summer. |
Last update7/3/2008
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