The Environmental Resources Coalition (ERC) believes that it’s possible for government, private industry, and citizen stakeholder groups to work together. We understand that when it comes to water protection efforts, one size does not fit all. Successful groups will use sound science, common sense and have an appreciation for the cause and effect relationships between economics, the environment and politics. It’s up to these stakeholders to engage, educate and persuade their neighbors to implement successful strategies that will maintain and restore the integrity of the waters in their area.

In the late 90s, a groundbreaking partnership was formed between Missouri Corn Growers Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Syngenta to search for ways to reduce Atrazine levels in several lakes. The primary goal of the Watershed Research, Assessment and Stewardship Project (WRASP) was to provide farmers with options based on sound, scientific data that would do two things: improve water quality while increasing profitability.

It was during this time that ERC developed its reputation for being a fair and credible resource and we soon became the go-to coordinator for all of the groups. In 2002, Environmental Resources Coalition staff began collecting data, monitoring water and demonstrating for farmers how they could help reduce the levels of Atrazine in targeted watersheds. This unique approach to environmental stewardship has been applauded by the bi-partisan Missouri House Interim Committee on Water Quality. It also received the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award. In August 2005, the WRASP project was singled out for recognition by the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation.

Because nothing succeeds like success: common sense cooperation will play a major role in our water protection activities in the years ahead. The Environmental Resources Coalition will always be dedicated to stakeholder involvement and committed to sound science without the spin.

LEGISLATIVE AGRICULTURE CHAIRS
SUMMIT V
January 26-28, 2007
Washington, D.C.
Steve taylor PRESENTATION (PDF)

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NEW Comprehensive Livestock Environmental Assessment and Nutrient management plans--WEST (CLEANMP) will provide no-cost confidential environmental assessments and nutrient management plans (if requested) to livestock operators that will identify and address nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.

The Southwest Missouri Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) will identify and address major water quality issues in the southwestern region of the state.

The Ecological and Water Resources Assessment Project (EWRAP) will deliver a science-based and balanced view to regulators and the public to help them develop reasonable policies concerning water protection activities.

The Stewardship Implementation Project
(SIP) goal is the fair implementation of of many of those policies and practices.

The Waterhed Research, Assessment
and Stewardship Project
(WRASP) has been providing government agencies with input from the regulated community since 1997. The project concluded in 2005.