Easygrants ID: 23803 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NFWF/Legacy Grant Project ID: 0302.10.023803 U. S. Coral Reef Task Force Partnership Initiative 2010 - Submit Final Programmatic Report (Activities and Outcomes) Grantee Organization: University of Puerto Rico Project Title: Rio Loco Watershed Conservation Buffers, Puerto Rico Project Period 08/02/2010-03/30/2012 Award Amount $24,918.20 Matching Contributions $0.00 Project Location Description (from Proposal) Two permanent demonstration projects on conservation buffers in the Guanica Watershed. One will be set up in the uplands, and the other in the lowlands of the watershed. Project Summary (from Proposal) Summary of Accomplishments Lessons Learned Implement a capacity-building program on conservation buffers for farmers in the Rio Loco Watershed. Two permanent demonstrations of conservation buffers in farms will be implemented. The Rio Loco Watershed traverses the municipalities of Guanica, Yauco, and a portion of the Lajas Valley, in the south coast of Puerto Rico. Based on the identified knowledge and needs about conservation buffers from the focus groups activities a capacity building program and two demonstration buffer zones in the watershed were implemented. Two training activities on conservation buffers and a third training in conservation practices applicable to the Rio Loco and Guanica Bay watershed were conducted. Over 96% of the participants reported in the evaluations an increase of scientific understanding on conservation buffers, and an intention to apply the knowledge and skills in their farms. By the end of the project we exceed our expect outcomes we established in the performance measures. But we also found that as we go up in the watershed in the mountains of the municipalities of Yauco and Maricao farmlands are smaller, but more landowners. There is also a higher need of outreach and education about integrated watershed management, conservation practices, and land conservation programs. It s very important and of high priority to develop an extensive outreach program for farmers and landowners in the mountains on the watershed. This program should not only for the Río Loco and Guánica Bay Watersehd, but also for other watersheds in Puerto Rico. Watershed Farmers Focus Group Value at Grant Completion 20 Training on Conservation Buffers Value at Grant Completion 28 Demonstration on Conservation Buffers Value at Grant Completion 28 Educational Video Other (Number or people viewed the video) Value at Grant Completion 100 Project performance in five years % farmers/private landowners in watershed applying BMPs Value at Grant Completion 15% Contact hours Other (Number of participants completed the training) Value at Grant Completion 250 hours
Scientific understanding Other (% of participants reporting scientific understanding of the issues in the watershed) Value at Grant Completion 96% Farmers/landowners with access to resources during the training Other (% of respondants reporting increased access to new resources related to BMP's) Value at Grant Completion 98% Skills developed during the training Other (% of participants reporting an increase in skills related to the watershed issues) Value at Grant Completion 96% Awareness of collaboration and/or partnerships Other (% of respondants reporting their intention to establish partnerships/collaboration to address issues) Value at Grant Completion 92% Conservation practices applicable to the management of the Río Loco watershed Value at Grant Completion 25 Conservation practices applicable to the management of the Río Loco watershed Value at Grant Completion 25 Conservation Outcome(s) Improve water quality in the Rio Loco Watershed trough the implementation of conservation buffers. Conservation Indicator Metric(s) Other (Number of farmers implementing conservation buffers) Baseline Metric Value 0 Metric Value at Grant Completion 5 Long-term Goal Metric Value 20 Year in which Long Term Metric 2018 Value is Anticipated
Final Programmatic Report Narrative Instructions: Save this document on your computer and complete the narrative in the format provided. The final narrative should not exceed ten (10) pages; do not delete the text provided below. Once complete, upload this document into the on-line final programmatic report task as instructed. 1. Summary of Accomplishments In four to five sentences, provide a brief summary of the project s key accomplishments and outcomes that were observed or measured. The Rio Loco Watershed traverses the municipalities of Guanica, Yauco, and a portion of the Lajas Valley, in the south coast of Puerto Rico. Based on the identified knowledge and needs about conservation buffers from the focus groups activities a capacity building program and two demonstration buffer zones in the watershed were implemented. Two training activities on conservation buffers and a third training in conservation practices applicable to the Rio Loco and Guanica Bay watershed were conducted. Over 96% of the participants reported in the evaluations an increase of scientific understanding on conservation buffers, and an intention to apply the knowledge and skills in their farms. 2. Project Activities & Outcomes Activities Río Loco Watershed Conservation Buffers: Focus Groups Introduction: The University of Puerto Rico Sea Grant Program in implementing a capacity building program on conservation buffers for farmers in the Rio Loco Watershed in the South coast of Puerto Rico. The Rio Loco Watershed traverses the municipalities of Guánica, Yauco and a portion of the Lajas Valley, in the south coast of Puerto Rico. Current land use of the approximately 57,000 acres of the watershed is distributed in the following manner: agricultural lands (43%, mostly in coffee, citrus, bananas, plantains, vegetables, and pasture land), forests (48%), and urban development (9%). By-products and impacts of agricultural production in the watershed are impacting the quality, and the health, of coastal and marine ecosystems, characterized by coral reefs and associated habitats. The Parguera Natural Reserve, in the south coast, receives the impacts of contaminants, sediments and pollutants from the Guánica area, most of which are produced by the Rio Loco watershed. Other threats in the watershed are: soil erosion, sediment deposition, flooding, and habitat fragmentation. To address these issues in the watershed there are several conservation practices that can be implemented by local farmers, if adopted. Appropriate practices, such as conservation buffers in agricultural lands, can improve and protect soil resources, air and water quality, and could also enhance fish and wildlife habitats, and beautify the landscape. It s our long term goal to improve water quality in the Rio Loco Watershed through capacity building and implementation of conservation buffers in the farmlands of the watershed. This represents an opportunity to demonstrate how conservation practices improve the quality of soil, water and other natural resources. Our project objectives are: Assess the knowledge on conservation practices and the impacts in the natural resources and coral reefs within the farmers of the watershed. Design and develop a formal training on conservation buffers for farmers and other stakeholders of the watershed. Develop an educational video about Conservation Buffers as a strategy to disseminate the importance to this The conservation views and conclusions practice. contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing
Assessment of knowledge on Conservation Practices: To determine the level of knowledge about conservation buffers and other practices among the farmers of the Río Loco/ Guánica Bay Watershed two focus groups were conducted. The first focus group was conducted with farmers from the mountains of the Municipality of Yauco and the second one was conducted with farmers close to the bay in the municipality of Guánica. For both focus groups activities the following questions were presented for discussion: 1. How did you define conservation practices? 2. List the conservation practices implemented in their farmlands. 3. Could you define and describe the process to install conservation buffers? 4. Have you received any formal training or technical assistance to implement conservation practices? Describe. 5. Are you available to receive formal training in conservation buffers? 6. Which is the importance of the mentioned practices in the conservation of natural resources? 7. Which are the impacts of these conservation practices in the coastal and marine resources? Responses from farmers (40 participants, but 10 were actively answering the questions) from the mountains of the watershed in Yauco Municipality: The response about definition of conservation practices was limited to: erosion, contaminants and sedimentation control in the river, in this case the Río Loco. Conservation practices implemented in farmlands in the mountains of the municipality were: clearing and snagging, individual terrace, brush management, hillside ditch and tree/shrub establishment. Related to a definition and installation process of conservation buffers none of the participants understood the concept and didn t have a response about the question. But they are interested in receiving technical assistance and/or formal training on conservation buffers. On formal training or technical assistance received to implement current conservation practices on their farmlands was from agronomists of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, the Puerto Rico Land Authority, University of Puerto Rico Agriculture Extension Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Caribbean Office area. The assistance was on-site in the farmlands, and at the offices of the Puerto Rico Land Authority in Guánica. Responses to questions related to the importance of conservation practices in the natural resources and the impacts in the coastal and marine resources the participants restricted their answer only to say that conservation practices are important to avoid soil pollution, erosion and sedimentation on rivers. Other concerns mentioned by the participants during the meeting were the need of more information about the services and programs offered by NRCS. They stated the offices aren t close to their municipality and due to their busy agenda in their farmlands it s difficult for them to travel to Mayaguez or Ponce offices. Some farmers expressed their intention to designate part of their lands for conservation purposes. They asked for information about Conservation Programs and incentives at local and state level. Responses from farmers (11 participants) of the watershed in Guánica Municipality.: Participants defined conservation practices as any type of practice that could be implemented in farmlands to minimize the impact on natural resources such as water, flora and fauna. And also for erosion and sedimentation control. Regarding conservation practices already implemented in the farmlands in Guánica municipality participants mentioned: conservation crop rotation, cover crop, infiltration ditch, row arrangement, residue and tillage management, bedding, irrigation system, and tree/ shrub establishment. Conservation buffers were defined as areas established between farmlands and other private lands to absorb and control erosion, sediment and pesticide and fertilizer residue. Most of the technical and field assistance about irrigation systems, bedding, among other practices implemented in their farmlands was provided specialists from NRCS. About the importance of conservation practices and its impacts on the natural resources the participants stated The that views the and incorrect conclusions use contained of chemicals in this document (fertilizers, are those pesticides, of the authors etc.) will and should affect not the be flora interpreted and fauna. as representing They also stated
that conservation practices minimize the quantity of sediments and contaminants that could affect the water quality, food chain and coral reefs. To reduce the impacts in the natural ecosystems. Finally the farmers stated that the impacts of erosion and sedimentation in the watershed isn t only originated from agricultural practices, it s also originated from urban development. There s many practices already implemented in their farmlands, but there s not an effective storm water management plans at municipality levels, and waste water treatment plant should have secondary or tertiary treatment level. Buffer zones for the conservation of the Rio Loco Watershed: a capacity building program for farmers of the watershed. The purpose of the two workshops was to provide information about the importance and the impacts on the natural resources of conservation buffers, and the design guidelines these buffers in the watershed. The training activities were comprised of 28 participants, which included farmers, the Academia, and NGO s from the watershed. The agenda for the workshops included the following presentations: Río Loco watershed conservation buffers- Sea Grant UPR Vegetation to buffer the harmful effects of sediment, nutrients, pesticides and other potential substances- NRCS Design and establishment of a conservation buffer- All participants Finally, results of the evaluations from the workshop revealed that a 92% of the participants reported satisfaction with the content and scientific understanding of the activity. They also indicated their intention to apply sciencebased knowledge, awareness of collaboration with the initiatives, and the integration of diverse perspectives in their working areas. Total contact hours: 112. Conservation practices applicable to the management of the Río Loco watershed: A workshop for decision makers. Sea Grant Puerto Rico through the Río Loco Watershed Conservation Buffers (NFWF grant) project sponsored a workshop for decision makers concerning the conservation practices applicable to the management on the Río Loco watershed on March 2012. The purpose of the workshop was to provide information on the conservation practices in the farmlands, and the current initiatives and projects in the Río Loco and Guánica Bay watershed to facilitate the decision making process and management of the area. The activity was comprised of 23 participants, which included representatives from the Puerto Rico Planning Board, the Municipality of Guánica, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, US Fish and Wildlife, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, NOAA Fisheries, Environmental Protection Agency, the Academia, private consultants, and NGO s from the watershed. Total contact hours: 138. The agenda for the workshop included the following presentations: Río Loco watershed and Guánica Bay conservation project- NRCS Río Loco watershed conservation and restoration initiatives project- Protectores de Cuencas Inc. (NGO) Conservation practices applicable to the Río Loco watershed management- NRCS Storm water management applicable to the Río Loco watershed- EPA Soil Bio-engineering for stream bank restoration at Río Loco-NRCS Development of the storm water management program for the municipality of Guánica- Municipality of Guánica Río Loco watershed conservation buffers- Sea Grant UPR Shade coffee initiative- USFWS Corals and trees: An integrated vision for the watershed- CafiEsencia (NGO) Río Loco and Guánica Bay watershed conservation initiatives- Southwest Conservation District (NGO) Finally, results of the evaluations from the workshop revealed that a 96% of the participants reported satisfaction with the content and scientific understanding of the activity. They also indicated their intention to apply sciencebased knowledge, awareness of collaboration with the initiatives, and the integration of diverse perspectives in their working areas.
Outcomes Describe and quantify progress towards achieving the project outcomes described in your grant agreement. (Quantify using the approved metrics referenced in your grant agreement or by using more relevant metrics not included in the application.) Briefly explain discrepancies between what actually happened compared to what was anticipated to happen. Provide any further information (such as unexpected outcomes) important for understanding project activities and outcome results. During the project different activities we conducted several performance measures that were summarized in the following: Number of farmers and landowners in the watershed participant in the focus groups: 21. Number of farmers and landowners in the watershed participant in the training on conservation buffers: 28. Number of farmers and landowners in the watershed participant in the training on Conservation practices applicable to the management of the Río Loco watershed: 25. Educational video: is in process, will be available by the end of August, 2012. Contact hours of participants in the trainings: 250. Percent of participants reporting scientific understanding of the issues in the watershed: 96%. Percent of participants reporting and increase access to new resources related to conservation buffers in the watershed: 98%. Percent of participants reporting an increase in skills related to conservation buffers: 96%. Percent of participants reporting their intention to establish collaboration and/or partnerships for the conservation of the watershed: 92%. Finally the two farmers were the demonstration buffers were installed agreed to permit the entrance to their farms to other people and farmers to observe and evaluate conservation buffers as an effective practice to be installed in other farms in the watershed. 3. Lessons Learned Describe the key lessons learned from this project, such as the least and most effective conservation practices or notable aspects of the project s methods, monitoring, or results. How could other conservation organizations adapt their projects to build upon some of these key lessons about what worked best and what did not? By the end of the project we exceed our expect outcomes we established in the performance measures. But we also found that as we go up in the watershed in the mountains of the municipalities of Yauco and Maricao farmlands are smaller, but more landowners. There is also a higher need of outreach and education about integrated watershed management, conservation practices, and land conservation programs. It s very important and of high priority to develop an extensive outreach program for farmers and landowners in the mountains on the watershed. This program should not only for the Río Loco and Guánica Bay Watersehd, but also for other watersheds in Puerto Rico. 4. Dissemination Briefly identify any dissemination of lessons learned or other project results to external audiences, such as the public or other conservation organizations. Dissemination on results from focus groups and training activities were presented in a third training/ conference we coordinated and conducted the Conservation practices applicable to the management of the Río Loco watershed: A workshop for decision makers. Also information of the project was published in the Guánica Bay Watershed Newsletter (Vol.3, no.2). The educational video in on process and will be available by the end of August, 2012 in Sea Grant PR and NRCS WebPages, and others. Finally an edition of the Marejada Magazine (a Sea Grant Puerto Rico publication) will be published with articles on this project and other conservation initiatives in the Guanica Bay in February, 2013.
5. Project Documents Include in your final programmatic report, via the Uploads section of this task, the following: 2-10 representative photos from the project. Photos need to have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and must be accompanied with a legend or caption describing the file name and content of the photos; report publications, GIS data, brochures, videos, outreach tools, press releases, media coverage; any project deliverables per the terms of your grant agreement. POSTING OF FINAL REPORT: This report and attached project documents may be shared by the Foundation and any Funding Source for the Project via their respective websites. In the event that the Recipient intends to claim that its final report or project documents contains material that does not have to be posted on such websites because it is protected from disclosure by statutory or regulatory provisions, the Recipient shall clearly mark all such potentially protected materials as PROTECTED and provide an explanation and complete citation to the statutory or regulatory source for such protection.