Dan Lathrop passed away.

Mr. Dan C Lathrop who has served on the PVWUO since 1998 and worked diligently on the 2002 plan and the update, representing Hagerman ditch, and agriculture producer has gone to be with our Lord on December 21st The Celebration Service will be January 14th. I'll let you know the time of day when the family determiners this.

The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas (In New Mexico Is) By Woods E. Houghton Twas the night before Christmas, In New Mexico you know, Way out on the prairie, without any snow. Asleep in their cabin, were Buddy and Sue, A dreaming of Christmas, like me and like you. Not stockings but boots, at the foot of their beds, For this was New Mexico, What more need be said? When all of a sudden from out the still night, There came such a ruckus, it gave me a fright! And I saw cross the prairie, like the shot from a gun, A loaded up buckboard, Come on at a run. The driver was "whistling" and "shouting" with a will, The "Horses" (not reindeer) he drove with such skill. "Come on there Buck, Poncho, and Prince, to the right" There'll be plenty of travelin' for you-all tonight.. The driver in his Levis, and a shirt that was red, Had a 10 gallon stetson on the top of his head. As he stepped from the buckboard, he was really a sight, with his beard and mustacho,,so curly and white. As he burst in the casa, the children awoke, And both so astonished, that neither one spoke. And he filled up their boots with such presents galore, That neither could think of a single thing more. When Buddy recovered the use of his jaws, He asked in a whisper "Are you really Santa Claus?" "Am I the real Santa? Well, what do you think? And he smiled as he gave his mysterious wink. Then he left in his buckboard, and called back in a drawl, TO ALL CHILDREN OF NEW MEXICO - FELIZ NAVIDAD

USDA Announces $5 Million in Funds for Smart Technology Innovations in Agriculture

USDA Announces $5 Million in Funds for Smart Technology Innovations in Agriculture This is a corrected version updating the RFA deadline to March 6. WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2016- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of up to $5 million for research to strengthen the science behind the next generation of internet-connected agricultural implements and resources through the Cyber Physical Systems program. Funding for this program is made through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Data driven analytical tools throughout the food supply chain—from production through processing, transportation, and food storage—will allow us to make smarter decisions that can promote efficient food production, reduce food waste, and increase food safety,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “These investments in cyber physical systems will improve efficiencies across the agricultural industry.” The Cyber Physical Systems Joint Competitive Grant program helps coordinate the work of multiple federal agencies to improve the science behind increasingly complex cyber-physical systems (CPS)—the way the physical world connects to information and communication technologies. Self-driving tractors and cars, remote patient monitoring apps and smart irrigation scheduling are some examples of the cyber-physical systems already in use or testing. The National Science Foundation leads this initiative with support from NIFA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Homeland Security, National Institutes of Health, Department of Transportation, and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences to strengthen the science and technology to ensure the growing number of cyber-physical systems being used are safe, secure, scalable, resilient and reliable. CPS technologies can increase efficiencies in agribusiness, provide economic opportunities to workers and promote practices that sustain the environment. Increased secure access to information also helps producers meet the challenges of global population growth, food waste and the impacts of a changing climate. Applications are due by March 6, 2017. Details eligibility for applicants and research topics are available in the Program Solicitation section on the National Science Foundation website and on the NIFA website. Examples of previously funded projects include a University of Tennessee project to develop and test biosensing and animal movement monitoring for early detection of certain infections in confined dairy herds to allow more rapid response when a herd is threatened. An Iowa State University project combines data from unmanned ground and aerial vehicles and satellites with sophisticated analytics for early detection and mitigation of row crop diseases. Science funded by AFRI is vital to meeting food, fiber and fuel demands as the world's population is projected to exceed nine billion by 2050 and natural resources are stressed under a changing climate. In addition, AFRI programs help develop new technologies and a workforce that will advance our nutritional security, our energy self-sufficiency, and the health of Americans. Since 2009, USDA has invested $19 billion in research both intramural and extramural. During that time, research conducted by USDA scientists has resulted in 883 patent applications filed, 405 patents issued and 1,151 new inventions disclosures covering a wide range of topics and discoveries. To learn more about how USDA supports cutting edge science and innovation, visit the USDA Medium chapter Food and Ag Science Will Shape Our Future. NIFA invests in and advances innovative and transformative research, education and extension to solve societal challenges and ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA support for the best and brightest scientists and extension personnel have resulted in user-inspired, groundbreaking discoveries that are combating childhood obesity, improving and sustaining rural economic growth, addressing water availability issues, increasing food production, finding new sources of energy, mitigating climate variability and ensuring food safety. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural science, visit www.nifa.usda.gov/impacts, sign up for email updates or follow us on Twitter @usda_NIFA, #NIFAimpacts. # USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider and employer. NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension, and seeks to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges.

UNM Grad Student Reports on Albuquerque Residents’ Willingness to Accept Costs Associated with Potable Water Reuse

UNM Grad Student Reports on Albuquerque Residents’ Willingness to Accept Costs Associated with Potable Water Reuse by Catherine Ortega Klett, NM WRRI Program Manager Jason G. Herman, a graduate student in the Water Resources and Community & Regional Planning Programs at UNM, in collaboration with Caroline E. Scruggs, Assistant Professor of Planning, have completed a survey of Albuquerque, NM residents on topics related to their level of acceptance of costs that would be incurred by the construction and maintenance of systems to augment the city water supply by recovering potable water from wastewater. The survey also queried the participants regarding their awareness and understanding of the need for ensuring an adequate supply of water in the face of anticipated increasing population demand and possibly enduring drought and climate change conditions for New Mexico in the future. The survey results will be posted on the NM WRRI website and viewable by clicking here. The relationship between the cost of a water reuse project and customer acceptance can be understood by seeking the customers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the project in order to avoid future decreases in water supply reliability. This research uses previously determined cost estimates for water reuse facilities in Albuquerque and contingent valuation methods to estimate area resident’s WTP for water reuse. The work utilizes a “customer conversation” meeting-style setting to reveal the values and preferences of 50 Albuquerque area residents. Participants’ acceptance of potable reuse in general was found to be very high, with support for implementation of a potable reuse system in the Albuquerque area being slightly less popular. The study also found that at the lower cost levels studied, participants’ WTP was almost unanimous in approval, while, as expected, increasing levels of cost were less acceptable. The cost level that was acceptable to the participants approximately coincided with the estimated cost of a 25 million gallon per day indirect potable reuse facility in Albuquerque.

NMSU Professor Working to Remove Water Pollutants

NMSU Professor Working to Remove Water Pollutants by Billy Huntsman, Media Relations, NMSU College of Engineering Editor’s note: Dr. Catherine Brewer has received a 2016 grant through NM WRRI entitled, Biochar for Desalination Concentrate Management, a project funded by the NMSU/Bureau of Reclamation Cooperative Agreement An assistant professor in NMSU’s Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering recently received a $373,000 grant from NASA and a $50,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Catherine Brewer’s three-year NASA grant is for research pertaining to the absorption of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) from the water beneath the White Sands Test Facility. “NDMA is a probable human carcinogen,” Brewer said. “In the 1960s and ‘70s, NASA tested a series of rocket fuels for the Apollo program at the WSTF. After each test, the test engine and fuel lines had to be cleaned and flushed. The wastewater from those flushes was treated to destroy the fuel compounds and then emptied into the desert.” Unbeknownst to the engineers at the time, the treatment process to destroy the fuel residues created trace amounts of NDMA in the water, Brewer said. “In the 1980s, NASA became aware of the NDMA and other organic pollutants in the water underneath WSTF,” Brewer said. “Since then, they have been pumping up the water, treating it and re-injecting it underground.” Brewer said the treatment process will likely need to be continued over the next century with thousands of gallons per day, requiring much electricity and costing a great deal. “The purpose of this project is to see if we can make activated carbons out of pecan shells that can adsorb the NDMA out of the water as effectively but for a lower cost,” Brewer said. Brewer said the project started two years ago and is currently in the analytical method development stage—measuring NDMA concentrations in water at the part per trillion level. “After that, the remaining time of the three-year project will be spent designing the adsorption water treatment system using the pecan shell activated carbons,” Brewer said. The NSF grant is for Brewer to research a water desalination system that uses heat from burning bio-waste, such as pecan shells, pecan orchard prunings, cotton gin trash and yard waste. The system design is intended to reduce the effects of scaling, a common problem when desalinating water, especially in this region, Brewer said. In addition to these two projects, Brewer has also been the principal investigator for five other projects, funded by the Sun Grant Program South Central Region, the NMSU-Bureau of Reclamation Cooperative Agreement, the Western Excelsior Corporation, NASA and the USDA. These five projects have received more than $574,000 in funding. “On every project, I have worked with researchers from multiple colleges, multiple institutions, and industry,” Brewer said. “As a land-grant institution, NMSU is well-suited for this kind of research as it is easy to pull together the needed expertise from basic science, applied agricultural science, engineering and extension. I am very grateful for the wonderful collaborators I have found here.”

Dr. Dennis Doc" Hallford Service Information

Dr. Dennis Doc" Hallford, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2016 after a lengthy illness. He was born February 11, 1948 in Abilene, TX to the late Tommy L. and Tiny Hallford. He was a graduated of Abilene Cooper High School and Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX.), where he earned his B.S. degree in General Agriculture. After teaching one year at Tarleton, he married his college sweetheart, Marilyn Williams, and earned his Masters and PhD in animal science at Oklahoma State University. In 1975, he embarked on an illustrious career at New Mexico State University in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences. He retired in June 2016 after 41 years of teaching research and service at NMSU. He served as supervisor of the West Sheep Unit and the Endocrinology Lab, was chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for 25 years and member and chair of the Radiation Safety Committee for 32 years, as well as on numerous departmental, college, university, and professional committees. He served as advisor to 62 graduate students and was author or co-author of over 600 refereed journal articles, proceedings and abstracts on endocrine influences on reproductive functions in domestic animals, particularly sheep. Among his numerous honors were being named "Regents Professor" and "Distinguished Achievement Professor". He received the NMSU Cardinal Key Honor Society's "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" in only his second year at the university. Other recognitions include College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Teaching, Distinguished Research and Distinguished Service awards, Burlington Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching, Robert L. Westhafer Award for Excellence in Teaching, Donald C. Roush Award for Excellence in Teaching, Gamma Sigma Delta's Distinguished Graduate Teaching Advisement Award, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science (WSASAS) Distinguished Teaching Award and WSASAS Service Award. He was also awarded both the NMSU University Research Council's Outstanding Researcher honor and Award for Exceptional Achievement in Creative Scholarly Activity. Doc was named Outstanding Alumni from the College of Agriculture at Tarleton State University and the Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Sciences "Advanced Degree Graduate of Distinction. He served as faculty advisor of the Aggie Rodeo Association, Block and Bridle Club, Animal and Range Sciences Graduate Student Association and Pre-Vet Club. Students named him "Outstanding Club Advisor", while NM Wool Growers presented him with their Amigo Award and the NMSU Environmental Health and Safety Office their "Friend of Safety" award. Dr. Hallford was also named one of Top 20 animal science professors in the country and Who's Who Among American Teachers.. He was a member of the American Society of Animal Science, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, and Gamma Sigma Delta, Honor Society of Agriculture. Dennis is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter and sonin-law, Amy and Brian Kord, and granddaughters, Shelby and Sophie, all of Las Crueses. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins. A memorial service honoring Dennis' life will be held in January, 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the "Dr. Dennis (Doc) and Marilyn Hallford Endowed Fund" in care of NMSU Foundation, MSC 3590, Las Cruces, NM 88003

EPA Prohibits 72 Inert Ingredients from Use in Pesticides

EPA Prohibits 72 Inert Ingredients from Use in Pesticides WASHINGTON--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to remove 72 ingredients from its list of ingredients approved for use in pesticide products. Manufacturers wishing to use these ingredients in the future will have to provide EPA with studies or information to demonstrate their safety. EPA will then consider whether to allow their use. EPA is taking this action in response to petitions by the Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Physicians for Social Responsibility and others. These groups asked the agency to issue a rule requiring disclosure of 371 inert ingredients found in pesticide products. Instead, EPA will evaluate potential risks of inert ingredients and reduce risks, as appropriate. Many of the 72 inert ingredients removed with this action are on the list of 371 identified by the petitioners as hazardous. EPA is taking this action after considering public comments on its October 2014 proposal. EPA’s list of approved inert ingredients will be updated after the Federal Register publication. Most pesticide products contain a mixture of different ingredients. Ingredients that are directly responsible for controlling pests such as insects or weeds are called active ingredients. An inert ingredient is any other substance that is intentionally included in a pesticide that is not an active ingredient. The list of 72 chemicals is available at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0558-0056. For EPA’s current approach on inert ingredients and the May 22, 2014, response to the petitioners: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0558-0003 For general information on inert ingredients: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/inert-ingredients-overview-and-guidance . R206

Obama signs water bill with caution on drought provisions

Obama signs water bill with caution on drought provisions By Philip Brasher © Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc. 7 WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2016 - President Obama signed into law a water projects authorization bill and issued a statement cautioning agency managers to heed endangered species requirements before increasing irrigation water supplies in California's drought-stricken Central Valley. Critics of the drought relief, led by retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said the provisions would divert more water to California farmers than should be permitted by biological opinions that enforce the endangered species protections and protect Pacific salmon fisheries. Help grow your crop insurance business with a proven leader focused on overall service and satisfaction. Obama's signing statement sought to address that concern by saying he interprets the legislation to require “continued application and implementation of the Endangered Species Act, consistent with the close and cooperative work of federal agencies with the State of California to assure that state water quality standards are met. “This reading of the short-term operational provisions carries out the letter and spirit of the law and is essential for continuing the cooperation and commitment to accommodating the full range of complex and important interests in matters related to California water.” A spokesman for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who co-authored the provisions along with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said the president's statement was consistent with congressional intent. Paul Wenger, president of the California Farm Bureau, said the new law will provide needed “flexibility in operating the pumps that supply the state and federal water projects.” Like what you see on the Agri-Pulse website? See even more ag, rural policy and energy news when yousign up for a four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription. He said the provisions should have no negative impact on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, “since it will only take exceptional flows and capture those for use” in the Central Valley and southern California. “The biological opinions allowed biologists to utilize their intuition relative to harm to protected species,” he said. “They must now use metrics based on science and real-time data. Such a novel idea to base operations on such important things as our water infrastructure components on verifiable metrics.” In order to ensure that farmers have adequate water during spring planting, the bill includes a provision that would expand the current water transfer period from the current July-September window to April-November. Another provision in the bill would require agencies to explain why they were pumping water at levels lower than what is allowed by biological opinions for protecting the fish habitat. The bill, called the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, authorizes three inland navigation reports based on final Army Corps of Engineers reports - the Calcasieu Lock (Louisiana), the Upper Ohio Navigation System (Pennsylvania), and deepening of Brazos Island Harbor in Texas (Brownsville Ship Channel). #30 For more news, go to: www.Agri-Pulse.com

The Dialogue's 23rd Annual Statewide Meeting

The Dialogue's 23rd Annual Statewide Meeting Friends, Discounted "Early Bird" registration for the NM Water Dialogue’s 23rd Annual Statewide Meeting ends this Friday -- in less than three days! The event will be held on January 12, 2017, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Standard online registration will remain open until January 6th. This year’s theme is "Toward a More Relevant State Water Plan." An interactive program is planned, where participants will be able to provide input and feedback to NM Interstate Stream Commission staff as they prepare to develop a new water plan for our state. Go to the Dialogue's website, http://nmwaterdialogue.org, and click on the Events tab to review the updated agenda and begin the registration process. Or simply start here: Click Here for More Information. There are various payment options (credit card, check, or P.O.) and discounts for groups, presenters, and students. Contact me with questions or if you have any problems. Thank you, We look forward to hearing from you! Joaquin Joaquin Baca (registrar) Email: joaquin_baca@fws.gov Phone:(505) 377-7549 PS: If you have already registered, please accept our thanks and forward this message to others who might benefit by attending this meeting.

NMSU’s 53rd Quality Concrete School set for January

NMSU’s 53rd Quality Concrete School set for January DATE: 12/06/2016 WRITER: Tracey O'Neil, 575-646-7852, traceyo@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Craig Newtson, 575-646-3034, newtson@nmsu.edu New Mexico State University’s Engineering New Mexico Resource Network will start off the New Year with its 53rd annual Samuel P. Maggard Quality Concrete School that includes workshops and lectures covering various concrete-related topics. The Quality Concrete School will be held Jan. 13-14 for professional engineers and others involved in the construction industry to provide information on the latest technologies used in concrete applications. The course will be held on the NMSU main campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. For more information or to register, visit https://2017nmsuqualityconcrete.eventbrite.com. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act

Release No. 0258.16 Contact: Office of Communications (202) 720-4623 press@oc.usda.gov Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act WASHINGTON, December 7, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement on the 21st Century Cures Act, passed by the Senate today: "On behalf of all of the families across rural America affected by the heroin and opioid epidemic, I am grateful that Congress has answered President Obama's call to provide much-needed funding to combat this crisis that is devastating our rural communities. The 21st Century Cures Act includes $1 billion over two years, including $500 million in 2017, to prevent opioid misuse and expand access to treatment for individuals with drug misuse disorders. These additional resources are particularly critical in rural areas, where rates of opioid misuse and overdose are high, access to treatment is limited, and patients who seek treatment are often met with waitlists that can mean the difference between life and death. Having met with families across the country that have been impacted by the effects of the epidemic, and having experienced addiction firsthand in my own family, I know how important it is to provide people a second chance and an opportunity to get on the path to recovery." #

USDA Announces $3.8 Million for Research to Help Farmers and Ranchers Meet Growing Demand for Organic Products

USDA Announces $3.8 Million for Research to Help Farmers and Ranchers Meet Growing Demand for Organic Products WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of up to $3.8 million in funding to support research, education and extension to support organic farmers and ranchers as well as those adopting organic practices for the first time. The grants are funded through the Organic Transitions Program (ORG), administered by NIFA and authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “The United States retail market for organic products is valued at more than $43 billion—and consumer demand for organic products is booming,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “Research investments in programs like Organic Transitions helps more farms become certified organic and gain access to this growing market opportunity.” Priority research areas include: • Documenting and understanding the effects of organic practices such as crop rotation, livestock-crop integration, organic manure, mulch and/or compost additions, cover crops, and reduced or conservation tillage on ecosystem services, greenhouse gas mitigation, and biodiversity. • Improving technologies, methods, model development and other metrics to document, describe and optimize the environmental services and climate change mitigation ability of organic farming systems. • Developing cultural practices and other allowable alternatives to substances recommended for removal from NOP’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. • Addressing major barriers that limit the transition to organic agriculture in a given region or specific crop or animal production systems. Applications are due March 9, 2017. For eligibility, program details and to apply for a grant, see NIFA’s Organic Transitions web page. Previous projects funded through the Organic Transitions Program include a multi-state, trans-disciplinary project led by the University of Maryland to improve the management of soils in transitional and organic farming systems. A project from South Dakota State University brought together Native American stakeholders with agricultural and social scientists to develop organic production practices and market the resulting produce. Over the past eight years, USDA has strengthened programs that support organic producers as they grow and respond to increasing consumer demand for a range of organic products. The USDA organic seal has become a leading global standard and in the U.S. there are now over 21,700 certified USDA organic operations, representing a nearly 300% increase since 2002. Worldwide, there are more than 31,000 certified organic operations in over 120 countries. USDA supports the organic sector through a wide variety of programs, including conservation grants, organic crop insurance, certification cost-share, organic market news and simplified microloans. To learn more about USDA support for organic agriculture, visit www.usda.gov/organic. Since 2009, USDA has invested $19 billion in research both intramural and extramural. During that time, research conducted by USDA scientists has resulted in 883 patent applications filed, 405 patents issued and 1,151 new inventions disclosures covering a wide range of topics and discoveries. To learn more about how USDA supports cutting edge science and innovation, visit the USDA Medium chapter Food and Ag Science Will Shape Our Future. NIFA invests in and advances innovative and transformative research, education and extension to solve societal challenges and ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA support for the best and brightest scientists and extension personnel have resulted in user-inspired, groundbreaking discoveries that are combating childhood obesity, improving and sustaining rural economic growth, addressing water availability issues, increasing food production, finding new sources of energy, mitigating climate variability and ensuring food safety. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural science, visit www.nifa.usda.gov/impacts, sign up for email updates or follow us on Twitter @usda_NIFA, #NIFAimpacts. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

NMSU, NM Hay Association to host annual Southwest Hay & Forage Conference in Ruidoso Jan. 11-13

NMSU, NM Hay Association to host annual Southwest Hay & Forage Conference in Ruidoso Jan. 11-13 DATE: 12/09/2016 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Mark Marsalis , 505-865-7340, marsalis@nmsu.edu RUIDOSO – Hay operation resilience and flexibility during tough economic times will highlight the 2017 Southwest Hay & Forage Conference Jan. 11-13 at the Ruidoso Convention Center in Ruidoso. “Low hay prices and high input costs have caused producers to question traditional practices and consider how they can do things differently in order to increase their profit margins,” said Mark Marsalis, New Mexico State University Extension forage specialist. “This conference will address concerns of financial uncertainty and how to use new technology and alternative crops to improve crop and economic diversity.” The conference is sponsored by the New Mexico Hay Association and NMSU. NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Rolando Flores’ opening remarks will kick off the conference’s general session Thursday, Jan. 12. Flores promotes the importance of NMSU’s College of ACES in the state’s economic development through research and education in the areas of better water utilization/conservation systems, stewardship of the environment, a better food production system and healthier New Mexicans. “This year, we’ve assembled a broad range of forage knowledge and expertise from universities, farmers and industry interests across the United States,” Marsalis said. “This panel of speakers is sure to provide valuable information that our New Mexico producers don’t want to miss.” Among the speakers will be specialists from across the country with vast experience of producing forages in challenging environmental and economic conditions. Agricultural specialist presentations will include: – Wayne Coblentz from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin, speaking on hay preservation and hay cutting management for maximum quality – Joe Brummer of Colorado State University speaking on utilizing brassicas as an alternative forage to increase diversity and farm flexibility – Steve Orloff of the University of California Extension speaking about Roundup Ready alfalfa; avoiding injury and weed resistance; and how to cut farm costs during economic downturns – Garrett Kennedy of Knopf Farms in Kansas speaking about no-till forages and the challenges experienced and techniques used on a long-term, no-till operation – John Idowu, NMSU Extension agronomist, speaking about other alternative crops that may fit into New Mexico operations – Leslie Beck, NMSU Extension weed specialist, giving weed label updates for forages – Carol Sutherland, NMSU Extension entomologist, speaking about white-fringed beetle and insect management Presentations related to equipment efficiency and technology will be made on new sprayer technologies and utilization by Tim Conoly of Wylie Sprayers and corn planting technology by Stacey Bandoni-Lewis of Precision Planting. Business and policy updates will be presented on: – Workers’ Comp and OSHA regulation updates by Erica Moncayo of New Mexico Mutual – Pasture, rangeland and forage insurance by Kevin Gubbels of InsureMyForage.com – Legislative update by Zack Riley of New Mexico Farm Bureau Thursday evening, agricultural comedian Tim “The Dairy Farmer” Moffett will be the after-dinner entertainment, which will be followed by a live band and dance. The New Mexico Hay Association board of directors meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the MCM Elegante Lodge & Resort (formerly the Lodge of Sierra Blanca), and again immediately following the conference. Five New Mexico pesticide applicator continuing education units have been approved for this meeting. CEUs for Texas and Arizona have been requested. Preregistration is $100 per person before Dec. 28. Attendees can register at the door for $120. Annual membership dues to the association are $45. Register online at: http://www.nmhay.com/2017-conference.html. Registration includes the two-day conference, two meals and entertainment. Lodging is available, at a discount, adjacent to the Ruidoso Convention Center at the MCM Elegante Lodge & Resort (formerly the Lodge at Sierra Blanca). A number of rooms are reserved at the special rate. You can reach them at: 1-866-211-7727 or online at: http://www.mcmeleganteruidoso.com/. For more information on the conference, including a full agenda, visit http://www.nmhay.com or contact Cassie Sterrett by phone at 575-626-1688 or by e-mail at nmhay@yahoo.com. Registration forms are available online at http://www.nmhay.com or http://forages.nmsu.edu. Marsalis can be contacted at 505-865-7340 or marsalis@nmsu.edu. Contact Sterrett for a copy of the registration forms and exhibitor information. Booth space is still available.

Regional Water Plan

On the Interstate Stream Commission web page the newest revision of the regional water plan is published 9 December 17 at http://www.ose.state.nm.us/Planning/RWP/region_10.php I am reading the latest revision of the State Regional water plan. When it comes to Agriculture practices it states the contractor for the Inter State Stream Commission interviewed Agriculture producers, and USDA officials to come to its conclusion on practices and forecast Pages 150-179 or so. Did any of you get interviewed? If so please e-mail me so I have an idea where this information came from. whoughto@nmsu.edu

AGRICULTURE & FOOD SOVEREIGNTY Grants, Loans, and Other Programs

AGRICULTURE & FOOD SOVEREIGNTY Grants, Loans, and Other Programs • Application Deadline: December 8, 2016 – Farm to School • Application Deadline: December 8, 2016 – Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program • Application Deadline: December 12, 2016 – Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program • Application Deadline: January 6, 2017 – National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant and Fetal Nutrition News • USDA Resumes Incentives to Grow the Bioeconomy and Improve Forest Health • USDA Begins National Agricultural Conservation Survey Nominations • USDA Seeks Nominations – Grain Inspection Advisory Committee • EXTENDED Nomination Deadline: December 13, 2016 – FSA County Committee Elections to Begin; Producers to Receive Ballots Week of Nov. 7 BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Grants, Loans, & Other Programs • Application Deadline: December 31, 2016 – Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance & Training Grants • Application Deadline: December 31, 2016 – Solid Waste Management Grants • Application Deadlines: March 31, 2017 – Rural Energy for America Program CONSERVATION & FORESTRY Grants, Loans, & Other Programs • Application Deadline: January 6, 2017 – Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Cooperative Weed Management Area • Application Deadline: January 9, 2017 – Conservation Innovation Grant • Application Deadline: January 23, 2017 – Wood Energy and Products Innovations • Sign-Up Deadline: February 3, 2017 – Conservation Stewardship Program 2017 Request for Proposals for Five Star & Urban Waters Restoration Grants Now Accepting Proposals: November, 2016 - January 31, 2017 View the 2017 Request for Proposal here: http://www.nfwf.org/fivestar/Pages/home.aspx View details about and a map of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership designated locations. New USDA Streamlined Loan Program Available For Ag Producers Agriculture Department EZ Guaranteed Loans are designed to expand both access to and lending sources for credit for beginning and small-scale farmers. (Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack). News • Conservation as a Peace Offering to WW2 Veteran • USDA, Partners Celebrate First Wood-to-Jet-Fuel Commercial Flight EDUCATION, INTERNSHIPS, & EMPLOYMENT Scholarship Application Deadline: December 31, 2016 – USDA’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach is accepting applications for the 1890 National Scholar Program ________________________________________ AGRICULTURE & FOOD SOVEREIGNTY Grants, Loans, and Other Programs Application Deadline: December 8, 2016 – Farm to School The purpose of the USDA Farm to School Grant Program is to assist eligible entities in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. On an annual basis, USDA awards up to $5 million in competitive grants for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs. Applications should be submitted to Grants.gov. • Support Service grants are intended for state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, and non-profit entities working with schools or school districts to further develop and provide broad reaching support services to farm to school initiatives. • Implementation grants are intended to help schools or school districts scale or further develop existing farm to school initiatives. • Planning grants are for schools or school districts just getting started on farm to school activities and are intended to help these entities organize and structure their efforts for maximum impact by embedding known best practices into early design considerations. • Training grants are intended for state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, and non-profit entities to support trainings that strengthen farm to school supply chains, or trainings that provide technical assistance in the area of local procurement, food safety, culinary education, and/or integration of agriculture‐based curriculum. Application Deadline: December 8, 2016 – Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) provides grants to organizations for education, mentoring, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchers. BFRDP funds three types of projects: • Standard Projects: to new and established local and regional training, education, outreach and technical assistance initiatives that address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers in selected areas • Educational Enhancement Projects: to help develop seamless beginning farmer and rancher education programs by conducting evaluation, coordination, and enhancement activities for Standard Projects and other non-funded beginning farmer programs • Curriculum and training clearinghouse: to make educational curricula and training materials available to beginning farmers and ranchers and organizations who serve them. Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov or https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/beginning-farmer-and-rancher-development-program-bfrdp. Application Deadline: December 12, 2016 – Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program supports projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. The program will test strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants that would inform future efforts, and develop effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies. Applications should be submitted to Grants.gov. USDA Expands Farm Loans for Native Americans Farming and Ranching on Tribal Land 12/06/2016 02:00 PM EST LAS VEGAS, Dec. 6, 2016 – Agriculture Under Secretary Michael T. Scuse today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved and obligated the first loan under the Highly Fractionated Indian Land Loan program (HFIL). The program, made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides revolving loan funds to qualified intermediary lenders, allowing qualified tribes and individuals the ability to purchase tribal farmland that has multiple owners. Scuse made the announcement during the Intertribal Agriculture Council Membership meeting in Las Vegas, Nev. News USDA Resumes Incentives to Grow the Bioeconomy and Improve Forest Health NEWS RELEASE – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that $1.5 million will be available in fiscal year 2017 for farmers and foresters who harvest and deliver biomass for renewable energy. The funds are from the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Facilities seeking to be qualified by USDA to accept BCAP-funded biomass can begin enrollment Nov. 14 through Dec. 5, 2016. Also, between Jan. 9, 2017, through March 15, 2017, USDA will accept applications from foresters and farmers seeking incentives to remove biomass residues from fields or national forests for delivery to energy generation facilities. The retrieval payments are provided at match of $1 for $1, up to $20 per dry ton. Eligible crops include corn residue, orchard waste or diseased or insect-infested wood materials. USDA Begins National Agricultural Conservation Survey NEWS RELEASE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is surveying 16,000 farmers and ranchers across the country through February 2017 about their conservation and production practices on cultivated and non-cultivated farmland. The results of the 2016 National Resources Inventory-Conservation Effects Assessment Project (NRI-CEAP) survey will further document on-farm conservation accomplishments and develop science-based solutions that help farmers and ranchers improve the environment. Request for Nominations EXTENDED Nomination Deadline: December 13, 2016 – FSA County Committee Elections to Begin; Producers Received Ballots Week of Nov. 7 NEWS RELEASE – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2016 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 13, 2016, to ensure that their vote is counted. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, and emergency programs and eligibility. Nomination Deadline: January 20, 2017 - USDA Grain Inspection Advisory Committee The Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is seeking nominations to serve on the USDA Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). GIPSA is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee to replace seven members whose terms will expire April 2017. All nomination material can be emailed to Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov or faxed to (202) 690-2173. The deadline for submission is January 20, 2017. Candidates who wish to be considered for membership on the Advisory Committee must submit an AD-755 application form. The application form and additional information about the Advisory Committee can be found at http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/fgis/advisorycommittee.aspx. Also copies are attached of the Federal Register Notice seeking nominations and the AD-755 application form. Please feel free to share this information with others who you feel may have an interest in serving. For additional information about this Advisory Committee, contact Terri L. Henry, the Designated Federal Officer at 202-205-8281 or Terri.L.Henry@usda.gov or Randall Jones, Deputy Administrator, Federal Grain Inspection Service at 202-720-9170 or Randall.D.Jones@usda.gov. BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Grants, Loans, & Other Programs Application Deadline: December 31, 2016 – Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance & Training Grants The Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance & Training Grants help qualified, private non-profits provide technical assistance and training to (a) identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems; (b) assist applicants in preparing applications for water and waste disposal loans/grants; and (c) assist associations in improving operation and maintenance of existing water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas. Application Deadline: December 31, 2016 – Solid Waste Management Grants Solid Waste Management Grants help reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources through funding for organizations that provide technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites. Applications may be submitted to Grants.gov. Application Deadlines: March 31, 2017 – Rural Energy for America Program NEWS RELEASE – USDA is accepting Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) applications for: 1) energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants, and 2) renewable energy system and energy efficiency guaranteed loans and grants. The application deadline for energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants is Jan. 31, 2017. Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency grants of $20,000 or less are no longer accepted, for the first funding cycle and March 31, 2017, for the second funding cycle. Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency grants of greater than $20,000 and all combination grants and guaranteed loans are due by March 31, 2017. USDA will set aside 20 percent of the funds for grants of $20,000 or less. For additional information, contact the USDA energy coordinator for your state, or see page 71689 of the October 18 Federal Register. CONSERVATION & FORESTRY Grants, Loans, & Other Programs Application Deadline: January 6, 2017 – Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Cooperative Weed Management Area The goal of this program is to detect, prevent, eradicate, and/or control invasive plant species to promote resiliency, watershed stability, and biological diversity on federal, state, or private land. Interested Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMAs) or Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) or similar organizations within the US Great Lakes Basin (parts of MN, WI, MI, IL, IN, OH, PA, and NY) can apply at Grants.gov. Application Deadline: January 9, 2017 – Conservation Innovation Grant Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that stimulate the development and adoption of innovative approaches and technologies for conservation on agricultural lands. CIG uses Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or nongovernmental organizations, American Indian Tribes, or individuals. Producers involved in CIG funded projects must be EQIP eligible. Up to $2 million of this year’s CIG funding has been set aside for projects that benefit historically underserved and military veteran farmers and ranchers, beginning farmers and ranchers and those with limited resources and organizations that include or support them. Applications should be submitted to Grants.gov. Application Deadline: January 23, 2017 – Wood Energy and Products Innovations The U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) requests proposals to substantially expand and accelerate wood energy and wood products markets throughout the United States to support forest management needs on National Forest System and other forest lands. This Request for Proposal focuses on the following priorities to: • Reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health on National Forest System and other forest lands. • Reduce costs of forest management on all land types. • Promote economic and environmental health of communities. Funding will be awarded to two separate categories outlined as follows. • Grant Category 1: Expansion of Wood Energy Markets • Grant Category 2: Expansion of Wood Products Markets Applications should be submitted to Grants.gov. Sign-Up Deadline: February 3, 2017 – Conservation Stewardship Program NEWS RELEASE – Starting in November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will accept and process applications for enrollment in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the nation’s largest conservation program. Applications will be made available in local service centers. Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like cover crops, ecologically-based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat – all while maintaining active agriculture production on their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and new management techniques such as precision agriculture applications, on-site carbon storage and planting for high carbon sequestration rate, and new soil amendments to improve water quality. News Conservation as a Peace Offering to WW2 Veteran BLOG posted by Jocelyn Benjamin, Natural Resources Conservation Service – Conservation is giving World War II veteran Gilbert Harrison a peace offering of healing, helping to balance the stresses of war. For Harrison, conserving the natural resources on his farm is an important outdoor activity. And who better to care for the land than the veterans who fought to protect it? Harrison has worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) since 2012, when he received funding and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help him install an improved irrigation system to help develop alfalfa production on his land. EDUCATION, INTERNSHIPS, & EMPLOYMENT Scholarships • Application Deadline: December 31, 2016 – USDA’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach is accepting applications for the 1890 National Scholars ProgramThe USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between the USDA and 1890 land-grant universities. The purpose of the scholarship is to increase minorities studying agriculture, food science and natural resource sciences. Each 1890 National Scholar receives paid room and board, tuition, school fees, and books. In addition to the debt-free education, scholars also participate in summer internships with their USDA sponsoring agency. After graduation, scholars are eligible to apply for full-time middle management positions with the USDA. Click here for the application and for more information on the program. Sponsorship The 2017 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program will be held on February 20-24, 2017. The Forum provides producers, policymakers, business, government, and industry leaders with a unique opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss timely issues at the forefront of America’s agriculture. In an effort to increase the present and future diversity participation at the Forum, USDA created the Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program to provide sponsorship opportunities for junior and senior undergraduate and graduate students to attend this annual event. The program is designed to expose students to contemporary agribusiness, future trends, scientific research, and agricultural policy in today’s real world environment. It targets 30 agriculture, agricultural business, agricultural economics, communications, nutrition and food science or pre-veterinary junior or senior and graduate students. Student participants (20 undergraduate and 10 graduate) will be selected from Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture. Students will travel to the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel located in Arlington, Virginia on Monday, Feb. 20. USDA will host a briefing and discussion about career opportunities on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Students will tour the Nation’s Capital on Wednesday, Feb. 22 and attend the Forum on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 23-24. The program overview and application can be found at http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/diversity/diversity_program.htm. Undergraduate Selection Criteria: Students submit an application and one-page essay entitled “Agriculture as a Career” to their respective institution representative (i.e., academic dean or department chair). Each institution performs a “pre-selection” process by choosing the final best two essays among the applicants. Graduate Selection Criteria: Students submit an application and essay (two-page maximum) entitled “The Greatest Challenge Facing Agriculture Over the Next 5 Years” to their respective institution representative (i.e., academic dean or department chair). Each institution performs a “pre- selection” process by choosing the final best two essays among the applicants. Travel Itinerary and Sponsorship: Students will arrive in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 and return home on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. Registration, transportation, lodging, breakfast and dinner on Feb. 21-22, and Forum Meals on February 23-24 are provided on a complimentary basis. Students are asked to bring money to pay for their baggage fees (if applicable) and meals on Monday, February 20 and lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday Feb. 21-22. The winners will be announced in January via the Forum website, press release, and blog. If you have questions, or need additional information, please contact Lisa Purnell at (410) 651-6313 or via email at lisa.purnell@osec.usda.gov. News USDA, Partners Celebrate First Wood-to-Jet-Fuel Commercial Flight NEWS RELEASE – Alaska Airlines today landed the first commercial flight powered in part by a new renewable fuel made of wood waste salvaged from private lands in Washington, Oregon and Montana. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack greeted the passengers for flight AS-4 arriving from Seattle at Washington Reagan National Airport to highlight this breakthrough in bioenergy that supports jobs and rural economies by developing a sustainable bio-products industry in the Pacific Northwest utilizing wood harvest left-overs that would otherwise go to waste. Technology Fellows will perform innovative space technology research and will improve America’s technological competitiveness by providing the Nation with a pipeline of innovative space technologies. Applications should be submitted to Grants.gov. USDA Announces No Extra Storage Areas Needed for 2016-Crop Cotton Marketing Assistance Loan Program WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced that there is not a cotton storage deficit.

EPA’s National Lakes Assessment Finds Nutrient Pollution is Widespread in Lakes

EPA’s National Lakes Assessment Finds Nutrient Pollution is Widespread in Lakes WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the results of a national assessment showing that nutrient pollution is widespread in the nation’s lakes, with 4 in 10 lakes suffering from too much nitrogen and phosphorus. Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms, lower oxygen levels, degraded habitat for fish and other life, and lower water quality for recreation. The National Lakes Assessment also found an algal toxin – microcystin – in 39 percent of lakes but below levels of concern. Low concentrations of the herbicide atrazine were found in 30 percent of lakes. “America’s lakes and reservoirs provide many environmental and public health benefits; we use lakes for drinking water, energy, food and recreation, and our fish, birds, and wildlife depend on lakes for habitat,” said Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at EPA. “The National Lakes Assessment provides us with valuable information to help protect and restore our lakes across the country.” The assessment is part of a series of National Aquatic Resource Surveys designed to provide information about the condition of water resources in the U.S. The surveys are conducted in partnership with states and tribes to provide national-scale assessments of the nation’s waters. An earlier National Lakes Assessment was conducted in 2007, but this latest study is expanded to include smaller lakes and increase the number of lakes assessed. Lake managers can use the new interactive dashboard to evaluate site-specific information and to explore population-level results. Conducted on a five-year basis, future lake surveys will help water resource managers assess broad-scale differences in the data and perform trends analysis. Nutrient pollution is one of America’s most widespread and costly environmental and public health challenges. EPA is working on many fronts to reduce the severity, extent, and impacts of nutrient pollution in our nation’s lakes and other waters. These efforts involve overseeing regulatory programs, conducting outreach and engaging partners, providing technical and programmatic support to states, financing nutrient reduction activities, and conducting research and development. In September, EPA called upon states and stakeholders to intensify their efforts to reduce nutrient pollution in collaboration with EPA. For more information: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nla

Udall Statement on 75th Anniversary of Bataan Invasion

Udall Statement on 75th Anniversary of Bataan Invasion WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Bataan invasion, which began on December 8, 1941 – just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor – when soldiers from the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment became the “first to fire” to defend the Philippines from Japanese bombers. The 200th Coast Artillery Regiment was made up of members of the New Mexico National Guard and were deployed to the Philippines before the onset of hostilities against the Japanese in September 1941. While severely outmanned and outgunned, the U.S. and Filipino forces stationed on the island fought bravely, and their tireless efforts held off the enemy forces for nearly four months, slowing Japanese momentum in the war. By April, with supplies running dry and starvation lurking, American and Filipino troops surrendered to the Japanese and became Prisoners of War. Soon after, they were forced into the notoriously brutal Bataan Death March, a grueling 65-mile trek that took the lives of nearly a thousand American soldiers. The survivors of the march were held captive for three years – enduring torture and malnourishment – before being freed in 1945. Today, on the 75th anniversary of the Bataan invasion, Udall issued the following statement: “Seventy-five years ago today, the troops at Bataan put on one of the most heroic and daring displays in American history. During four months of unrelenting combat, and during three years of gruesome imprisonment, the heroes of Bataan faced down unspeakable horror and unfathomable odds, and they became an enduring symbol of American bravery and perseverance. The courageous actions of these troops should not be forgotten. It is a debt that our nation can never truly repay – and New Mexico, the United States, and the entire free world are forever grateful for their sacrifice. “New Mexico sent 1,800 of its best and bravest to the Philippines, but only 900 ever made it home. With each passing year, fewer survivors remain to tell the story of what happened during the Bataan invasion and the brutal Death March and captivity that followed. Now more than ever, we must do everything in our power to honor the memories of those we lost in Bataan and to express our boundless gratitude to those who are still with us. The veterans of Bataan command our deepest respect and appreciation, and we should award them the Congressional Gold Medal that they so richly deserve.” In several Congresses, Udall has introduced legislation to honor Bataan veterans with a Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest and most distinguished civilian award. He continues to work across party lines to build support for its passage.

EPA RELEASES NOTICE OF DATA AVAILABILITY TO SUPPORT PROPOSED REVOCATION OF CHLORPYRIFOS TOLERANCES

Last week I told you about the EPA’s move to ban any product with chlorpyrifos in it, meaning Lorsban, Whirlwind, Warhawk, Yuma, Govern, Hatchet and Cobalt plus others. Please read the information below. There are petitions you can sign or better yet post a Personal comment on the EPA’s web site or do both. If we need Lorsban type products as tools for our growers we need to respond. We need grower response as well as yours. If a grower is in your office, please open the petition and have him sign. If you have any questions, please let me know. I appreciate your help! Greg Dow AgroSciences EPA RELEASES NOTICE OF DATA AVAILABILITY TO SUPPORT PROPOSED REVOCATION OF CHLORPYRIFOS TOLERANCES On November 10, 2016, EPA announced that they would issue a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) to support a proposed decision to revoke all chlorpyrifos tolerances and open a 60-day public comment period. That NODA is now available and the public comment period is open. EPA has indicated that this NODA comment period will be the last opportunity for stakeholders to express their need for chlorpyrifos. It is critical that our customers and stakeholders use this last opportunity to make their voice heard. www.chlorpyrifos.com/pdf/Chlorpyrifos NODA Customer Letter.pdf Petition Website DAS has created a petition website that enables customers and stakeholders to easily sign Petitions and support the need to maintain chlorpyrifos tolerances. All the signatures collected on these petitions will be submitted to EPA. The petitions are available at this link: www.chlorpyrifos.com/petition An explanation of the petition website and an invitation to follow a link and sign the petition is also included in the attached email. Petition Support Materials One page chlorpyrifos benefits documents have been created that provide customers and stakeholders important information about the need for chlorpyrifos in critical crops. These one-pagers may be downloaded at www.chlorpyrifos.com/petition and shared with customers and stakeholders. Contact your OP if you would like hard copies of these documents. Finally, a postcard with a brief explanation of the NODA and an invitation to go to the petition website will be provided. Each sales representative and account manager will receive fifty (50) postcards to share to share generously. If you need more, contact your OP. This is a critical time for chlorpyrifos. It’s the last opportunity to inform EPA just how much the Ag industry needs this chemistry. Use these resources to mobilize your customers and stakeholders to stand up and fight for chlorpyrifos. If you receive any media requests, please refer them to David Sousa. (317.337.6223, DJSousa@dow.com) Phil Jost U.S. Insecticides Marketing Leader Mobile: 317.750.8051 hjost@dow.com Dow AgroSciences LLC 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.dowagro.com Solutions for the Growing World

USDA Announces New Conservation Opportunities to Improve Water Quality and Restore Wildlife Habitat

USDA Announces New Conservation Opportunities to Improve Water Quality and Restore Wildlife Habitat 12/07/2016 12:00 PM EST DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 7, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer farmers and ranchers more opportunities to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The announcement includes new CRP practices to protect water quality and adds an additional 1.1 million acres targeted to benefit wildlife, pollinators and wetlands.

USDA Announces No Extra Storage Areas Needed for 2016-Crop Cotton Marketing Assistance Loan Program

USDA Announces No Extra Storage Areas Needed for 2016-Crop Cotton Marketing Assistance Loan Program 12/07/2016 03:00 PM EST WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced that there is not a cotton storage deficit.

USDA Announces New Conservation Opportunities to Improve Water Quality and Restore Wildlife Habitat

USDA Announces New Conservation Opportunities to Improve Water Quality and Restore Wildlife Habitat DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 7, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer farmers and ranchers more opportunities to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The announcement includes new CRP practices to protect water quality and adds an additional 1.1 million acres targeted to benefit wildlife, pollinators and wetlands. “The Conservation Reserve Program is an extremely popular voluntary program that offers producers and landowners a wide variety of opportunities to prevent erosion, protect wildlife habitat and reduce nutrient runoff,” said Vilsack. “With the program close to the legal enrollment limit of 24 million acres, USDA has been working to use all of the tools at our disposal to maximize benefits by combining multiple soil, water and wildlife objectives in the areas where it is needed most.” Vilsack unveiled a new conservation initiative known as Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR), which will add new tools to CRP that can help to improve water quality. CLEAR will assist landowners with the cost of building bioreactors and saturated buffers that filter nitrates and other nutrients from tile-drained cropland. Early estimates indicate that CLEAR could help to reduce nitrate runoff by as much as 40 percent over traditional conservation methods. CLEAR may cover up to 90 percent of the cost to install these new practices through incentives and cost-share. These new methods are especially important in areas where traditional buffers have not been enough to prevent nutrients from reaching bodies of water. USDA will also add an additional 1.1 million acres to a number of key CRP practices that are critically important to wildlife and conservation. These include 700,000 acres for State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) efforts, which restore high-priority wildlife habitat tailored to a specific state’s needs. In addition to SAFE, 300,000 acres will be added to target wetlands restoration that are nature’s water filters and 100,000 acres for pollinator habitat that support 30 percent of agricultural production. The continued strong demand for CRP combined with the limited acreage available for enrollment and lower land rental rates, allows USDA to modify certain program components without affecting the integrity of the program. Signing incentives are being reduced by $25 per acre on certain practices for fiscal year 2018 enrollments (incentives are currently between $100 and $150 per acre) and a cap on the maximum soil rental rate is being instituted for Continuous CRP at $300 per acre. The savings from these changes are being reinvested back in CRP, including the additional acres for SAFE, pollinator habitat and wetlands restoration. To learn more about FSA’s conservation programs, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation or contact your local FSA office. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov. Throughout the Obama Administration, USDA has generated thousands of critical partnerships to conserve and protect our natural resources on working landscapes, while enrolling a record number of acres in conservation programs. Seventy-percent of the nation's land is owned and tended to privately, and America's farmers, ranchers and landowners have willingly stepped up to address the growing impacts of a changing climate. With USDA's support, they are working to implement voluntary practices that improve air and water quality, prevent soil erosion and create and protect wildlife habitat. Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $29 billion to help producers make conservation improvements, working with as many as 500,000 farmers, ranchers and landowners to protect land and water on over 400 million acres nationwide. Read more about USDA’s record conservation outcomes under this Administration at Caring for our Land, Air and Water: Preserving Precious Natural Resources for Tomorrow. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

USDA Announces New Conservation Opportunities to Improve Water Quality and Restore Wildlife Habitat

You are subscribed to USDA Office of Communications. Release No. 0257.16 Contact: Kent Politsch (202) 720-7163 USDA Announces New Conservation Opportunities to Improve Water Quality and Restore Wildlife Habitat DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 7, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer farmers and ranchers more opportunities to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The announcement includes new CRP practices to protect water quality and adds an additional 1.1 million acres targeted to benefit wildlife, pollinators and wetlands. "The Conservation Reserve Program is an extremely popular voluntary program that offers producers and landowners a wide variety of opportunities to prevent erosion, protect wildlife habitat and reduce nutrient runoff," said Vilsack. "With the program close to the legal enrollment limit of 24 million acres, USDA has been working to use all of the tools at our disposal to maximize benefits by combining multiple soil, water and wildlife objectives in the areas where it is needed most." Vilsack unveiled a new conservation initiative known as Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR), which will add new tools to CRP that can help to improve water quality. CLEAR will assist landowners with the cost of building bioreactors and saturated buffers that filter nitrates and other nutrients from tile-drained cropland. Early estimates indicate that CLEAR could help to reduce nitrate runoff by as much as 40 percent over traditional conservation methods. CLEAR may cover up to 90 percent of the cost to install these new practices through incentives and cost-share. These new methods are especially important in areas where traditional buffers have not been enough to prevent nutrients from reaching bodies of water. USDA will also add an additional 1.1 million acres to a number of key CRP practices that are critically important to wildlife and conservation. These include 700,000 acres for State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) efforts, which restore high-priority wildlife habitat tailored to a specific state's needs. In addition to SAFE, 300,000 acres will be added to target wetlands restoration that are nature's water filters and 100,000 acres for pollinator habitat that support 30 percent of agricultural production. The continued strong demand for CRP combined with the limited acreage available for enrollment and lower land rental rates, allows USDA to modify certain program components without affecting the integrity of the program. Signing incentives are being reduced by $25 per acre on certain practices for fiscal year 2018 enrollments (incentives are currently between $100 and $150 per acre) and a cap on the maximum soil rental rate is being instituted for Continuous CRP at $300 per acre. The savings from these changes are being reinvested back in CRP, including the additional acres for SAFE, pollinator habitat and wetlands restoration. To learn more about FSA's conservation programs, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation or contact your local FSA office. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov. Throughout the Obama Administration, USDA has generated thousands of critical partnerships to conserve and protect our natural resources on working landscapes, while enrolling a record number of acres in conservation programs. Seventy-percent of the nation's land is owned and tended to privately, and America's farmers, ranchers and landowners have willingly stepped up to address the growing impacts of a changing climate. With USDA's support, they are working to implement voluntary practices that improve air and water quality, prevent soil erosion and create and protect wildlife habitat. Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $29 billion to help producers make conservation improvements, working with as many as 500,000 farmers, ranchers and landowners to protect land and water on over 400 million acres nationwide. Read more about USDA's record conservation outcomes under this Caring for our Land, Air and Water: Preserving Precious Natural Resources for Tomorrow. #

EPA Places Restrictions on Pesticide Use to Protect Four Endangered and Threatened Species

EPA Places Restrictions on Pesticide Use to Protect Four Endangered and Threatened Species EPA is placing geographically specific pesticide use restrictions on the use of eight gas cartridge products containing sodium and potassium nitrate, carbon and carbon dioxide, and sulfur to protect four endangered and threatened (listed) species in certain areas of the United States. These include the gopher tortoise, Hualapai Mexican vole, Mount Graham red squirrel, and Utah prairie dog. Gas cartridge products are used to control burrowing mammals. The restrictions can be found in EPA’s Endangered Species Protection Program Bulletins. The new labels for gas cartridge products reference the Bulletins, thus making them enforceable. The new labels should largely replace the previous ones on the market by mid-2018. In order to allow gas cartridge users adequate time to plan for future applications in light of the new use limitations, the Bulletins will become enforceable in June 2017. This action represents the first case where we are taking measures to protect listed species as a result of registration review and prior to formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Registration review is EPA’s review of each registered pesticide at least every 15 years to determine whether it continues to meet the FIFRA standard for registration. For information on the registration review of the gas cartridge products see: sodium and potassium nitrate – EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-1118; carbon and carbon dioxide – EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0705; and sulfur – EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0176 at www.regulations.gov.

USDA Invests $33 Million to Improve Water Quality in High-Priority Watersheds

Release No. 0256.16 Contact: Office of Communications (202) 720-4623 press@oc.usda.gov USDA Invests $33 Million to Improve Water Quality in High-Priority Watersheds WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced an investment of more than $33 million in 197 high-priority watersheds across the country to help landowners improve water quality through the Natural Resource Conservation Service's (NRCS) National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). The NWQI helps farmers and ranchers implement voluntary conservation practices, such as nutrient management, cover crops, conservation cropping systems, filter strips, terraces and buffers, which protect and improve water quality where it is needed most. Conservation practices enhance agricultural productivity and profitability while also improving water quality by enhancing soil health and optimizing the use of agricultural inputs. "USDA is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to address water quality issues and provide the tools necessary to ensure clean, safe water for communities and wildlife," Vilsack said. "This latest investment is yet another example of how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs are benefitting both producers and our natural resources." This year, NRCS added 42 new watersheds to the NWQI and selected 21 watersheds for new assessment projects. These assessment watershed projects span 17 states and include a variety of land uses and water quality issues. NRCS will provide resources for these assessment projects to leverage existing plans, data, and information, and fill gaps needed to complete watershed assessments and develop outreach plans. Experience and data gained from several studies, including the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), have shown that improvements in water quality are more likely to be detected when conservation systems are placed in the most vulnerable areas of a watershed. The goal of the NWQI is to implement conservation practices within a local area to protect water bodies within priority watersheds. NRCS works closely with conservation partners and State water quality agencies to select watersheds where on-farm conservation can deliver the greatest benefits for clean water. State water quality agencies also work to align U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funding with these priority watersheds. This targeted approach to improve water quality is working across the country. Conservation work on seven watersheds in Texas contributed to positive results and improving trends in water quality in Chambers Creek. With continued conservation efforts, Chambers Creek will not be added to the State's Clean Water Act list of impaired waterbodies due to agricultural impacts. Since 2012, conservation systems have been placed on almost 600,000 acres in priority watersheds through NWQI, supported by approximately $125 million in USDA investments. Now in its sixth year, NWQI has expanded to include more small watersheds across the nation, and it builds on efforts to deliver high-impact conservation in areas such as the Mississippi River basin, Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes. Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $29 billion to help producers make conservation improvements, working with as many as 500,000 farmers, ranchers and landowners to protect over 400 million acres nationwide, boosting soil and air quality, cleaning and conserving water and enhancing wildlife habitat. For an interactive look at USDA's work in conservation and forestry over the course of this Administration, visit http://medium.com/usda-results. #

Robust Technical Analysis Supports Leaving Carbon Pollution Standards for Cars and Light Trucks in Place Through 2025, EPA Administrator Finds

Robust Technical Analysis Supports Leaving Carbon Pollution Standards for Cars and Light Trucks in Place Through 2025, EPA Administrator Finds Automakers on track to meet standards at lower than expected cost WASHINGTON — Based on extensive technical analysis that shows automakers are well positioned to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for model years 2022-2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy today proposed leaving the standards in place, so the program that was established in 2012 will stay on track to nearly double fuel economy, dramatically cut carbon pollution, maintain regulatory certainty for a global industry, and save American drivers billions of dollars at the pump. “Given the auto industry’s importance to American jobs and communities and the industry’s need for certainty well into the future, EPA has reanalyzed these clean car standards and sought further input,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “It’s clear from the extensive technical record that this program will remain affordable and effective. This proposed decision reconfirms our confidence in the auto industry’s capacity to drive innovation and strengthen the American economy while saving drivers money at the pump and safeguarding our health, climate and environment.” Today’s proposed determination is based on years of technical work, including an exhaustive technical report released earlier this year, and the agency’s thorough review and consideration of comments received on that report. This extensive body of analysis shows that manufacturers can meet the standards at similar or even a lower cost than what was anticipated in the 2012 rulemaking, and that the standards will deliver significant fuel savings for American consumers, as well as benefits to public health and welfare from reducing the pollution that contributes to climate change. Full implementation of the standards will cut about 6 billion metric tons of GHG emissions over the lifetimes of the vehicles sold in model years 2012-2025. Cars and light trucks are the largest source of GHG emissions in the U.S. transportation sector. Although EPA’s technical analysis indicates that the standards could be strengthened for model years 2022-2025, proposing to leave the current standards in place provides greater certainty to the auto industry for product planning and engineering. This will enable long-term planning in the auto industry, while also benefiting consumers and the environment. Today’s announcement builds on years of success under EPA’s vehicle emission standards. Auto manufacturers are innovating and adopting fuel economy technologies at unprecedented rates. Car makers have developed more technologies to reduce GHG emissions, and these technologies are entering the fleet faster than expected. These technologies include gasoline direct injection, more sophisticated transmissions, and stop-start systems that reduce idling fuel consumption. At the end of 2015, all large automakers were in compliance with the standards. In fact, automakers on average out-performed the model year 2015 standards by seven grams per mile. These gains are happening at a time when the car industry is thriving, and domestic vehicle sales have increased for six consecutive years, while maintaining consumer choice across a full range of vehicle sizes and types. As part of the rulemaking establishing the model year 2017-2025 light-duty vehicle GHG standards, EPA committed to conduct a Midterm Evaluation of standards for model years 2022-2025. The public comment period for this action begins today and will end on December 30, 2016. After the comment period has ended and consideration of the input, the Administrator will decide whether she has enough information to make a final determination on the model year 2022-2025 standards. For more information on today’s announcement, go to: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/midterm-evaluation-light-duty-vehicle-greenhouse-gas-ghg. To provide comment on today’s proposed determination, go to Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0827 at www.regulations.gov. R184

Meeting Fri at 10:00 NMSU Plant Science Center

REMEMBER 2 DECEMBER this Friday at 10:00 am at the NMSU Plant Science Center 64 4 dinkus road Arteia. I thought they were going to e-mail us for review before this past monday but I have not seen it yet. It is on their web page at: http://www.ose.state.nm.us/Planning/RWP/region_10.php

TOWARD A MORE RELEVANT STATE WATER PLAN

TOWARD A MORE RELEVANT STATE WATER PLAN Online registration is now open for the New Mexico Water Dialogue's 23rd Annual Statewide Meeting, to be held on January 12, 2017 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. To register please visit the Dialogue's website or Click Here to Register for this Event The issue of ensuring a reliable water supply for New Mexico has been the focus of water planning for over 30 years. In 2003, the legislature enacted provisions for “a comprehensive state water plan.” A skeletal state water plan was adopted that same year. Finally this year, the Interstate Stream Commission began the process of working toward a comprehensive state water plan. It is not clear what that means, but it will be substantially different than the one adopted in 2003. In 1987 the New Mexico Legislature had mandated regional water planning to demonstrate that all of New Mexico’s unappropriated water was needed within the state and was therefore not available for appropriation by out-of-state entities. From then until 2008, broadly representative groups in 16 distinct planning areas developed regional water plans. Since 2013, the ISC has supervised a process to “update” these plans and align them better with future efforts at statewide water planning, just getting underway.. The threat of unappropriated water in New Mexico being taken by out-of-state entities has not been a significant issue for some time. But ensuring a reliable water supply for many parts of our state has continued to be a major focus of water planning for over 30 years. There are clearly overarching jurisdictional issues affecting the entire state, requiring uniform statewide policies to ensure legal sufficiency and fairness in protecting and appropriating the state’s water resources. Other statewide issues require regional input to respond to the many different physical realities, cultures and economies of our diverse state. Finally there are issues that need to be left to local communities to resolve through voluntary planning coordination among them. Join us on January 12th to discuss these important issues, and register early to help us plan (and to save a few bucks)! If you have questions or problems with registering, please call or send us an email. Joaquin Baca (505) 377-7549

Next Meetin 2 December 2016

Reminder next meeting is 2 December 2016. I will get you a copy of the proposed water plan update next Monday or so (Laila Sturgis). The meeting to present to the ISC has been moved from Roswell to Albuquerque on 112 December 2016. I think this is real important that we get this correct and it will be used by the OSE to administer our water.

Weekly Water and Climate Update

Weekly Water and Climate Update November 3, 2016 The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S. High-elevation snowpack has begun to accumulate in the mountains of the West. The map of the western U.S. modeled snow depth is from the National Weather Service, National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center. The northern Cascades and northern Rocky Mountains have over two feet of snow in the higher elevations, whereas the Sierra Nevada snowpack is over one foot at the highest peaks. The central and southern Rockies have been warm and dry and are reporting a few inches of snow depth in the south to nearly two feet farther north in the Teton Mountains of western Wyoming. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/support/drought/dmrpt-20161103.pdf

Next Meeting

Well it was a tie so I am going to go with the one close to our "normal" meeting date. The next meeting will be December 2, 2016 in the conference room of the NMSU Plant Science Center 67 four Dinkus Road starting at 10:00 am and ending at or before 12:00 noon. Thank you for participating in the doodle poll.

Pecos Basin Study

Please do help us get the word out. The ISC is working with Bureau of Reclamation on a Pecos Basin Study – attached is an info sheet that describes the project in more detail. Essentially this project aims to: 1) Look at possible climate variability over the coming decades, especially the likelihood of severe drought 2) Evaluate the associated implications to water users in the basin by using hydrologic modeling approaches 3) Suggest, and model, a range of adaptations that would support resiliency We would love for anyone from the PVWUO or the Lower Pecos Valley Regional Water Planning Steering Committee to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from stakeholders in the basin before our big modeling push this winter. Here are the meeting details: When: Wednesday, November 2 1pm to 3pm Where: Roswell Office of the State Engineer 1900 W Second St. Can you forward this out? I am happy to answer any questions. Thanks so much, Hannah

Determine the next meeting date by doodle pool

Heard from the ISC and the presentation of the addendum to the Lower Pecos Regional Water Plan will be December 12th in Roswell. We need to select two delegates to do the presentation, and some other items of concern. I have included a hyper link to a doodle pool please complete this as soon as possible. http://doodle.com/poll/9k522t4et24yhs6y

EPA Awarding $1.3 Million to Revitalize America’s Urban Waters and Surrounding Communities

EPA Awarding $1.3 Million to Revitalize America’s Urban Waters and Surrounding Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $1.3 million to 22 organizations in 18 states to help protect and restore urban waters and to support community revitalization and other local priorities. “Often underserved communities in our nation’s cities face disproportionate impacts from pollution, and too often they lack the resources to do something about it,” said Joel Beauvais, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water. “EPA provides support to empower these communities to improve the quality of their waterways and to help reconnect people and businesses with the water they depend on.” Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets, and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can enhance economic, educational, recreational, and social opportunities in surrounding communities. This year’s Urban Waters grantees will inform and engage residents in stormwater management and pursue community-based plans to address pollution in waterways. To accomplish these goals, many projects will address trash in waterways; test rivers, streams and lakes for pollutants; and prepare the next generation of environmental stewards for careers in the green economy. The 22 organizations receiving EPA grant funding are as follows: Mystic River Watershed Association, Massachusetts ($60,000) will partner with towns and cities near Boston to create a multimedia education program to increase awareness of stormwater pollution for a regional coalition of municipalities. Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Massachusetts ($60,000) will develop a green infrastructure plan for Day Brook in Holyoke to reduce stormwater flow into the brook and resulting combined sewer overflow discharges into the Connecticut River. NY/NJ Baykeeper, New Jersey ($48,150) will expand its plastic pollution reduction project by identifying, reducing, and preventing plastic transported via stormwater from reaching the lower Passaic River watershed and Newark Bay complex. Sarah Lawrence College, New York ($60,000) will work with community scientists to investigate the severity and local sources of water pollution while increasing community engagement and stewardship in four underserved urban watersheds in the Lower Hudson River region. Anacostia Watershed Society Inc., Maryland ($50,000) will educate and train middle-school students from low-income communities in Washington, DC on the problems associated with stormwater runoff and mitigation strategies through a variety of activities. Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia ($59,773) will develop a community greening and green infrastructure plan for its two urban campuses and the Richmond Arts District. The Conservation Fund, Georgia ($60,000) will expand community engagement in planning for two future green infrastructure projects aimed at reducing stormwater runoff located in the headwaters of Proctor Creek in Atlanta. University of Tennessee, Tennessee ($59,995) will, through a community-driven effort, collect nutrient data across the Baker Creek watershed, which will help the City of Knoxville and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation develop a watershed restoration strategy. Openlands, Illinois ($60,000) will, in partnership with the Healthy Schools Campaign, manage the Space to Grow program which transforms schoolyards into vibrant places that benefit students, communities, and the environment. The University of Toledo, Ohio ($59,988) will, in collaboration with North Toledo community members, Vistula Management, United North, and the Toledo-Lucas County Sustainability Commission, develop a plan to incorporate green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) at low income, multi-family housing sites in Toledo, Ohio. Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, Lousiana ($60,000) will partner with several New Orleans-based underserved schools to assess neighborhood stormwater runoff. The data from which will be used to improve local pollution mitigation practices. Amigos Bravos, New Mexico ($55,508) will work with an underserved community located in Alburquerque’s South Valley to address chronic flooding due to poor stormwater management. Saint Louis University, Missouri ($58,793) will evaluate whether the use of brine pretreatment as an alternative to chloride used as road salt will help reduce local chloride water pollution. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska ($59,935) will improve stormwater and green infrastructure training and assistance for Omaha’s workforce, students, and residents. City and County of Denver, Colorado ($60,000) will develop the Heron Pond Regional Open Space Master Plan to consolidate and restore into open space approximately 80 acres of land surrounding Heron Pond, with an ultimate goal of reducing urban runoff pollution, improving wildlife habitat, and creating recreation opportunities for the highly urbanized, industrial, and underserved Globeville neighborhood. Groundwork Denver Inc., Colorado ($60,000) will work with local high school students from Sheridan, Colorado, an underserved community located at the mouth of Bear Creek, and Metropolitan State University, to determine the sources of E. coli feeding into the creek. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, South Dakota ($58,996) will develop and promote a stormwater and green infrastructure educational program for K-12 and college students and the broader community, culminating in a community design charrette for the planning of low-impact development and green infrastructure practices for the proposed Rural America Initiatives development. Arizona State University, Arizona ($58,227) will work with students and Girl Scouts Troops to monitor water quality in local waterways and recreational fisheries to develop recommendations for community- based solutions. Constitutional Rights Foundation, California ($59,673) will, in partnership with Los Angeles Waterkeeper and UCLA, expand its teaching curriculum for local undeserved high school students on community stormwater assessments to include enhanced STEM education, and will conduct local civic-minded community environmental projects. Heal the Bay, California ($59,998) will partner with Los Angeles Trade Technical College and local high schools to monitor bacterial water pollution in the Los Angeles River, which will be used to make recommendations to local government agencies and watershed stakeholders for improving water quality and protecting public health. Lummi Indian Business Council, Washington ($56,433) will teach third- through fifth-grade students at the Lummi National Schools about how a watershed works, water quality parameters, sources of impairments, and how this impacts the salmon and shellfish that the Lummi Nation depends on for subsistence, economic, and cultural needs. The Lands Council, Washington ($45,250) will offer green job training and career pathways through the Green Sleeves Program at the Geiger Correctional Center in Spokane and will work with local high school teachers to develop and teach a year-long environmental science curriculum focusing on stormwater pollution and low-impact remediation. The Urban Waters Small Grants are competed and awarded every two years. Since its inception in 2012, the program has awarded approximately $6.6 million in Urban Waters Small Grants to 114 organizations across the country and Puerto Rico, with individual award amounts of up to $60,000. To learn more about the funded projects, visit https://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/urban-waters-small-grants Information on EPA’s Urban Waters program: https://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters R160

BLM Office Information.

Dear Partner in Conservation: The BLM Carlsbad Field Office is developing an outreach program to address the dangers of litter on the public landscape including impacts to animals both domestic and wild. To do a great job, they'll need high quality photographs of animals interacting with trash (e.g., cows eating a pump jack drive belt or plastic bag, fish/turtles swimming among pollution or trash, ducks with 6-pack necklaces, javelina playing kick-the-can, etc.) Please feel free to submit any pictures you may have to offer to me or directly to Terry at tgregsto@blm.gov. Please include photo credits where applicable. Thanks in advance and please forward this request to someone that may have pictures!

ISC- Regional Water Planning Presentation.

Due to scheduling issues, the ISC meeting for the Regional Water Plan presentation and acceptance scheduled for October 20th has been postponed. ISC is continuing to work on comments received on the draft document. We expect the meeting will be scheduled in December, but the date is still being finalized. We will distribute the final plan prior to the meeting date. Thank you, Laila Sturgis PO Box 445 or 115 W. Abeyta St. Suite A Socorro, NM 87801 Amec Foster Wheeler Office: (575) 835-2569 Cell: (505) 975-9499 amecfw.com

NOTICE OF EXTENTION OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR RIO RUIDOSO TMDLS

Surface Water Quality Bureau Total Maximum Daily Loads ________________________________________ NOTICE OF EXTENTION OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR RIO RUIDOSO TMDLS In response to a request for an extension, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Surface Water Quality Bureau (SWQB) has extended the comment period for an additional 7 days on the draft Rio Ruidoso plant nutrient TMDLs. The draft TMDL is available on the SWQB website at: https://www.env.nm.gov/swqb/index.html All comments must be in writing. Electronic comments submitted via email are preferred. Comments must be received no later than 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2016. All written comments and SWQB responses will be included in an appendix of the TMDL. Please direct all comments via email, mail, or fax to: Heidi Henderson Surface Water Quality Bureau PO Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502 Fax: (505) 827-2901 Email: heidi.henderson@state.nm.us SWQB plans to request approval of the TMDL from the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission on November 15, 2016. ________________________________________ TMDL and Assessment Team: Shelly Lemon shelly.lemon@state.nm.us or 505-827-2819 https://www.env.nm.gov/swqb/

NMSU water survey.

Below is a question are you can copy and paste to email listed below. Call me if you have questions. Questions regarding NMSU and New Mexico Water Issues New Mexico State University (NMSU) conducts research and Extension/outreach programs to provide unbiased, science-based information to all people of New Mexico. NMSU does not have legislative, regulatory, or enforcement responsibilities. Please answer the following questions, keeping in mind NMSU’s role. 1. What are your top two water issues/most important water concerns for New Mexico? 2. What NMSU water-related programs are you familiar with? 3. What NMSU water-related programs do you use? 4. What do you consider to be the top NMSU-related water research, Extension, or outreach needs? 5. Any other comments? I am/represent (please check one of the following boxes): □ rancher/farmer or other private landowner □ county, state, or federal agency □ non-agricultural industry □ university □ other Please return form to facilitator. You may send additional comments to: sloring@nmsu.edu.

NM WRRI’s Annual New Mexico Water Conference

NM WRRI’s Annual New Mexico Water Conference Press Release This Conference, held October 5-7 in Silver City, brings the state’s water community together each year to discuss critical issues concerning our most precious resource‒water. Join us in October in beautiful Silver City and connect with faculty and students, water agency staff, water planners, and stakeholders from all sectors of the state’s economy. This year’s theme, Where Does All the Water Go? History, Hydrology and Management of New Mexico’s Scarce Water, will be discussed by an impressive group of water experts. Register here

Pecos Valley Water Users Organization Update

Well I am waiting to find out the schedule of when and where we are to present the updated revision of the Lower Pecos Regional Water Plan. If you recall the Interstate Stream Commission was to get back with us in late August or Early September so we could select our representatives and plan the presentation. I have contacted Hanna at the OSE and she has not been able to get me any information except that planner the OSE had hired has take a position in another state. So if you think we should have a regular quarterly meeting e-mail me and I will send out a doodle poll on dates.

USDA Investments to Improve Drinking Water and Waste Infrastructure for 168 Small Towns

USDA Investments to Improve Drinking Water and Waste Infrastructure for 168 Small Towns ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 12, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making investments to improve water and waste infrastructure for 168 small towns across the country, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The investment, totaling $283 million, is made through USDA Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which provides assistance and financing to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems for communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. "Strong infrastructure is critical to keeping America's communities of all sizes thriving, and USDA is proud to partner with the National Rural Water Association to help improve the livelihood of our smallest towns by providing access to reliable water and wastewater systems," said Vilsack. "Projects like these are critical to the economy, health and future of rural America, and today 19 million residents now have improved water and wastewater services in their communities thanks to investments USDA has made since 2009." USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf here at the National Rural Water Association's WaterPro conference. The city of Monticello, Ill., for example, is receiving a $14.3 million USDA loan to construct a wastewater treatment plant to benefit the city's 5,500 residents. The funding will help the city expand its sewage capacity and comply with environmental regulations. In Mississippi, the Mt. Olive Water Association, a non-profit organization serving approximately 368 customers, is receiving a $297,000 loan and a $238,000 grant for a water systems improvement project. The funding will provide a water storage tank, fire hydrants and a generator for this small system. Mt. Olive is one of the first applicants to use Rural Development's new online application system, RD Apply. In this new process, applications can be submitted by anyone, anywhere in the country, any time of day. That means even the most remote rural communities can submit an application as long as they have access to the internet. USDA's Water and Environmental Programs division launched RD Apply at the National Rural Water Association's WaterPro conference in Oklahoma City on Sept. 28, 2015. Funding for each project announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. In 2015, the Ozark Mountain Regional Public Water Authority completed a water treatment plant to bring safe and plentiful water to Boone, Newton and Searcy counties in northwest Arkansas. USDA provided $62 million in loans and grants. The rural water systems in these counties were plagued by excessive amounts of naturally occurring radon, radium and fluoride in their groundwater supplies, causing them to be under administrative orders from the state health department. Approximately 20,000 rural Arkansas residents now have a safe, dependable supply of water as a result of USDA's investment. Newton and Searcy counties are persistent poverty counties and are within USDA's StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity initiative. Launched in 2010, StrikeForce is part of the Obama Administration's commitment to address persistent poverty across America. Today's funding builds on USDA's historic investments in rural America over the past seven years. Since 2009, USDA has worked to strengthen and support rural communities and American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development (@USDARD) has invested $13.5 billion for 5,739 water and waste infrastructure projects, benefiting 19.1 million rural residents; invested nearly $13 billion to start or expand nearly 112,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 9,200 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. USDA also has invested $31.3 billion in 963 electric projects that have financed more than 185,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving 4.6 million rural residents. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results. # ________________________________________ Contact Us STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences | Delete profile | Help ________________________________________ This email was sent to whoughto@nmsu.edu using GovDelivery, on behalf of: USDA Office of Communications · 1400 Independence Ave SW · Washington DC 20250 If you have questions about USDA activities, please visit our Ask the Expert page. This feature is designed to assist you in obtaining the information you are seeking. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).