Eutrophication

Nutrient pollution in the Mississippi River Delta

   Eutrophication:          Mississippi

River Delta

Content

1. Key terms associated with Eutrophication

2. Causes and effects of Eutrophication

3. Area of focus

4. Purpose of wetlands

5. Economic value of wetlands

6. Solution

7. Allocation of $20,000,000 and long term vision

Term Definitions

-Eutrophication: the process by which excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) enter a waterway primarily by way of runoff fertilizer or sewage.

-Dead (0r Hypoxic) Zone: area along coastlines or lakes with such low concentrations of dissolved oxygen that marine life can’t be sustained; a direct cause of eutrophication. 

            Project Plan:                            Need for filtration               

                        Community cooperation                              and education

                            Buffering wetland

                        Eradicate Eutrophication!

retrieved from http://www.watersheds.org/places/extension/mississippi.htm

Wetlands support Biodiversity

Wetlands are a "holding tank"

• Prevent flooding downstream• Hold and use nutrients from fertilizers• Slowly release water to rivers

photo retrieved from http://www.conservationfund.org/node/1775/lightbox2

Wetland's Economic Value

• Wetlands serve as a better low-cost alternative to industrial sewage treatments.

• Floods incur large loss of property and life and in 2006 damages amounted to $2 billion.

• More than a million Americans hunt, fish, birdwatch, or photograph wildlife in wetlands spending in 2001 about $108 billion on these pursuits

The solution: Wetland restoration/creation

Main location: Areas around the Mississippi River

Why?

•     Large areas of land have been developed for farming

How?

•     In general, working with local organizations and experts 

Allocation of the $20,000,000We want to focus on:

    Educating locals and volunteers•    How we will do this•    Why we will do this•    Estimated costs

    Restoration/creation of wetlands•    Estimated costs

    Developing an organization•    Project vision•    Phases of development•    Structure•    Estimated Costs

Educating local farmers and volunteers

How?•  Work closely with Mississippi River Collaborative &

 The University of Guelph  •  Hold information "meetings" to inform of effects            

                    

Why?We believe that:    Knowledge + Training = Sustainable Future

Estimated Costs      ~$20,000 per information session    *breakdown of costs can be seen on our website

Restoration & creation of Wetlands

Costs• Wetland Restoration ~$40,000* per acre• Wetland Creation ~$90,000* per acre

We propose:•  2.5 - 5 acre wetlands in 5-6 specific locations

o Location, location, locationo Provides "step-stepping" stone

• Compensate farmers $1500 per acre to convert land into wetlands

*http://www.bnl.gov/erd/peconic/factsheet/wetlands.pdf

Organization Development Strategies

• Project Vision / Criteria

- Sustained organizational growth - Implement wetlands; raise awareness - Liaise among various parties/ organizations

Organization Development Strategies

• 3 phases of development

- Regional development (2 – 3 years) - National / Continental development (4 – 5 years) - International Development (5 - 8 years)

Organization Development Strategies

• Regional development

- Establish headquarter - Create Research & Development Department, volunteer base - Develop relations with involved organizations in region

Organizational Structural Chart• Headquarters (Jackson) - Research & Development: implementation plan - Professional Training for staff & volunteers (University of Guelph) - Administration; external relations; marketing

• Outreach (Education) - Educate public: workshop, youth conferences - Community initiatives: charity, fundraising

• Outreach (External Relations) - Collaborate with various organizations, government, institutions - Explore funding, grants, and other sources to sustain development and growth

• Technical Support Team   - Provide support for current projects, long term results

Organization Development Cost

Summary• Eutrophication = nutrient pollution 

• Wetlands are a "holding zone" for excess nutrientso Economic benefits

• We hope to educate and train individuals to help build a sustainable future

• Long-term goal = develop an organization dedicated to raising awareness and introducing wetlands

Questions?

 

Bibio/ citing page 

http://www.igougo.com/journal-j59546-United_States-Tennessee_to_Florida_to_Massachusetts.html (slide 10)http://www.wmwrc.ca/who.asp (slide 10)http://www.wmwrc.ca/background.asp  (slide 11)http://bsedge.com/En/Expertise/ (slide 12) http://jackson.craigslist.org/off/2293616777.html (slide 14) http://askjohnchatman.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Stairway-To-Success.jpg (Slide 15) http://www.buttweldingmachine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/office2.jpg (slide 16) 

Costs and benefits of wetlands

Costs of restoring wetlands

Acquistion of property rights for wetland conservation

Economic values of wetland functions