Caloosahatchee
Watershed Management Plan
Principal-investigator
in a new research project to develop GIS coverages of the Caloosahatchee
River Basin in preparation for eventual hydrologic and water quality modeling
of the region. In addition to the GIS project, two additional
projects are in progress: (1) hydrologic and water quality assessment of
citrus groves and (2) development of a comprehensive management practices
matrix and database for major agricultural land uses of the region.
MacArthur Agro-ecology
Research Center (MAERC-Buck Island Ranch)
Principal investigator
on BMP demonstration project funded by Florida Department of Environmental
Protection to study water quality and hydrology of pasture and range management
systems at Buck Island Ranch. The goal of the project is to develop
sustainable cattle management systems and to reduce the phosphorus load
to Lake Okeechobee. Additional projects at MAERC include: co-investigator
and primary author of a USDA grant to support a multi-disciplinary team
research project and principal investigator on flow measurement system
installation project funded by Archbold Biological Station.
Caloosahatchee
Oxbow Study
Principal investigator
in a comprehensive oxbow assessment study of the Caloosahatchee in preparation
for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers restoration program. Data analysis
has documented sedimentation and bank erosion effects in the 35 oxbows.
Principal investigator on an oxbow water quality survey project funded
by the Florida Center for Environmental Studies.
Florida Panther
Refuge Water Quality Study
Principal investigator
on evaluation of water quality in the Florida Panther Refuge. We
performed sample collection and laboratory services for analysis
for surface water quality (pesticides, nutrients, and metals).
FGCU-UF/IFAS
Joint Research Program
Principal investigator
in a joint research and extension project development agreement between
UF/IFAS and Florida Gulf Coast University. The first research project
associated with this agreement is to conduct a literature search and prepare
a literature review manuscript on publications related to the Caloosahatchee
River. This project also led to development of a joint FGCU-UF/IFAS
water quality laboratory at the FGCU campus.
Big Cypress Basin
Model Peer Review
Principal investigator
of a SFWMD-funded project to review and evaluate methodologies used by
a consulting firm (Dames & Moore) in developing a hydrologic/hydraulic
simulation model for the Big Cypress Basin (Collier County).
DowElanco Telone
Fate Study
Co-investigator on
fate study of Telone (1,3-dichloropropene), a potential substitute for
methyl bromide. I serve as a member of experiment design and implementation
team assembled and funded by DowElanco.
Climatological
Data Collection
Co-investigator (1995-96)
on climatological data collection at SWFREC.
Thermal Characteristics
of Vegetable Production Systems
Co-investigator on
study of thermal properties of seedling trays and media and their effects
on plant germination and viability. Also provided technical assistance
to entomology program in data collection on plastic mulch solarization
study.
Rangeland Water
Quality Study
Co-investigator on
rangeland water quality study conducted at SWFREC. A resulting poster
was presented at Range Science Society National Meeting.
Wetland Restoration
Study
Co-investigator on
wetlands restoration project for isolated wetlands on citrus developments.
The project has been expanded recently to include a soil fertility
management study. Additional project enhancements are anticipated.
Water quality data collection is continuing at this site.
Sludge Application
Study
Co-investigator on
sludge application study on pasture lands. I have designed the water
quality component of a study to investigate and demonstrate the viability
of municipal sludge application in southwest Florida. Funding has
been secured and work is beginning.
Tropical Soda
Apple Control
Coperator on a study
of the effect of composing treatments on Tropical Soda Apple seed viability.
Solarization
Co-investigator on
evaluation of solarization techniques as a substitute for methyl bromide
fumigation of plastic-mulched soil beds. I intend to focus on collecting
thermal properties data for area soils and implement the heat transport
model.
Irrigation water
quality management
Co-investigator on
studies to evaluate the suitability of water sources for irrigation use
in Florida.
EXTENSION PROGRAMS
Caloosahatchee
River Citizens Association (Riverwatch)
The program
seeks to educate the public in water quality and ecosystem management topics
and establish constructive linkages between the agricultural community
and the non-agricultural community (urban, environmental, and general public)
to address critical water resource issues of the region. I have served
as serve as the chair of the Technical Committee, a director, member of
the Executive Committee, newsletter editor, and database manager.
The new organization is now well established. Excellent relations
exist between UF and Riverwatch. IFAS participation has also served
to create an favorable environment for constructive dialogue between the
environmental and agricultural communities on issues of mutual concern.
Major activities include: the annual Caloosahatchee Community Forum, field
research days on the Caloosahatchee oxbows, and frequent river cruise tours/lectures
for the general public.