To focus efforts, the WQTF drafted a purpose statement that provides a potential focus for a future CFAES Ohio Water Quality Initiative:
The WQ Initiative will enable CFAES to provide leadership and support for an integrated program of water-related research, teaching, and outreach to address current and future water-quality issues in Ohio.
- Leverage existing assets and help generate new resources to increase development and dissemination of scientific knowledge on critical water issues in the state.
- Support efforts to document changes in water quality and key drivers (e.g., land use, management behaviors, climate, etc.) across time and space through regular and expanded monitoring activities.
- Strengthen working relationships between OSU, other universities, stakeholders, private partners, agencies, and other decision-makers to ensure research and outreach programs are relevant and impactful.
- Expand opportunities for training students and practitioners in the knowledge and skills required for effective adaptive management of water-quality challenges.
To achieve this vision, we proposed and are leading an engaged, participatory process that is shaped by a desire to balance several distinct but linked objectives of a CFAES Ohio Water Quality Initiative:
- Reflect the expertise and ensure the strong grassroots ownership and support of CFAES faculty and staff (and among water scientists in other colleges or OSU programs);
- Be responsive to the needs of stakeholders, agencies, and decision-makers working on water issues in Ohio;
- Recognize and complement ongoing projects and programs, and encourage individuals and units to build the capacity to adapt and respond to emerging water-quality challenges in the state;
- Respond to the immediate challenges and information needs associated with sediment and nutrient pollution of Lake Erie and its tributaries, while also taking the time to develop a comprehensive and integrated framework that will enable CFAES to help address the full range of Ohio’s water-quality challenges over the long-term.