1. THE ARS WATERSHED RESEARCH PROGRAM

2. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED RESEARCH History Facilities and Capabilities Future

3. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component EARLY HISTORY OF WATERSHED PROGRAM Established 1935 as part of the Research Division of the Soil Conservation Service Purpose – Quantify the effects of soil and water conservation practices on a watershed scale Three experimental watersheds were established Coshocton, Ohio Riesel, Texas Hastings, Nebraska

4. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component CREATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE ARS created as a new USDA Agency – 1954 Most USDA research programs were merged into the new agency The watershed research programs, formerly within SCS, became a part of ARS Continued to provide research support to SCS Clientele broadened to include state and federal agencies and the private sector

5. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE WATERSHED RESEARCH PROGRAM In 1958 the Committee on Appropriations of the U.S. Senate requested USDA “to make a study of facility needs for research on soil and water problems…” USDA study resulted in Senate Document 59 Senate Document 59 identified “Hydrology of Agricultural Watersheds” as high priority

6. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component SENATE DOCUMENT 59 RECOMMENDATIONS Recommended the establishment of 6 new experimental watersheds 1. Northwest Hydrology Research Watershed 2. Southwestern Rangeland Hydrology Research Watershed 3. Southern Great Plains Hydrology Research Watershed 4. North Central Hydrology Research Watershed 5. Southeast Hydrology Research Watershed 6. Northeast Hydrology Research Center Recommended establishing a national center for making specialized analysis of data

7. ARS Watershed Locations

8. VALUE OF ARS WATERSHEDS National network of “outdoor laboratories ” Representative of most physiographic regions Unique facility – Unmatched in quality and longevity Capable of addressing a variety of national issues at the “watershed scale” Long-term data base Managed watersheds

9. Effectiveness of conservation tillage in reducing runoff and erosion Environmental impacts of agricultural chemicals watershed scale Guidelines for reclamation of disturbed lands EPA guidelines based on watershed response Value of riparian ecosystems in improving water quality ACCOMPLISHMENTS

10. Hydraulic structure design Effects of floodwater retarding structure Remote sensing for quantifying soil moisture Water supply forecasting Natural resource models

11. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component ARS WATERSHED STRATEGIC PLAN PURPOSE Develop an integrated national program Utilize the national network of experimental watersheds to address critical issues Increase the visibility of the watershed program Increase the funding base for the watershed program

12. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component ARS WATERSHED STRATEGIC PLAN Watershed Brochure Fact Sheets Watershed Program Profile Special Sessions at Professional Meetings Popular Articles

13. THE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES Protecting life and property from floods Mitigating the effects of droughts Providing clean water Rehabilitating impaired watersheds Determining the effects of climate change on water resource Ensuring environmental and esosystem health

14. ARS AREAS OF WATERSHED RESEARCH Rehabilitating watersheds and managing floods Mitigating droughts and forecasting water supplies Enhancing water quality Restoring stream corridors Developing tools for managing watersheds and making policy decisions

15. BROCHURE Protecting Our Watersheds Through Research and Management – Challenges and Opportunities

16. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component FACT SHEETS Water Quality: Insuring a Safe Environment and Sustainable Agriculture Understanding the Global Water Cycle: The Key to Reducing Weather and Climate Uncertainties for American Agriculture Drought and Water Scarcity: An Increasing Threat to a Growing Society Watershed Flood Control: Today’s Success Tomorrow’s Challenge

17. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component ARS WATERSHED PROGRAM PROFILE General Overview of watershed program In-depth description of each watershed Research focus Facilities Accomplishments Cooperators and stakeholders

18. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component SPECIAL SESSIONS AGU Special Session on Experimental Watersheds December 2000 Overview poster on ARS Watershed Program Posters for individual ARS locations

19. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component POPULAR ARTICLES Watershed Coalition Newsletter – July – December 2000 AWRA Water Resources Impact – July 2000

20. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component COLLABORATORS AND STAKEHOLDERS USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Other Federal Agencies - EPA- Bureau of Land Management - NASA- National Weather Service - USGS- Corps of Engineers State Natural Resource Agencies

21. .................... Watershed Processes National Program Component COLLABORATORS AND STAKEHOLDERS National Association of Conservation Districts Watershed Coalition Electric Power Research Institute Producer Groups

22. SUMMARY The ARS Watershed Research Program - contains a unique network of watershed facilities - has made numerous contributions of national importance - provides the opportunity to address emerging national issues The Watershed Strategic Plan is designed to increase the utility and visibility of the watershed program