The Conservation Effects Assessment Project was established in 2002 to quantify the environmental impact of the United States Department of Agriculture's conservation program. The project focuses on how watersheds are affected. CEAP monitored 14 benchmark watershed sites. The CEAP's vision is to enhance "natural resources and healthier ecosystems through improved conservation effectiveness and better management of agricultural landscapes. The goal is "to improve efficacy of conservations practices and programs by quantifying conservation effects and providing the science and education base needed to enrich conservation planning, implementation, management decisions, and policy."
Sustaining the Earth's Watersheds-Agricultural Research Data System
Sustaining the Earth's Watershed-Agricultural Research Data Systems was created by a group called the Watershed Assessment Studies a team within the CEAP. STEWARDS is a system that consists of a database to allow users to search and analyze various watershed conditions. The anticipated benefits include data preservation, faster data access, and improved ability to collaborate research between watersheds.
Watersheds affected
Mahantango Creek Experimental Watershed in Pennsylvania
Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed in Idaho
Little River Experimental Watershed in Georgia
Little Washita River Experimental Watershed in Oklahoma
Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed in Arizona
Partnerships
Lead USDA agencies
Natural Resources Conservation Services which works to reduce soil erosion while also enhancing water supplies and improving water quality.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture another section of the USDA.
Farm Service Agency, a government agency that equal serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through agricultural programs that benefit all Americans.
U.S. Geological Survey is an impartial science organization that provides the public with information on the ecosystems and environment.
USDA Forest Service manages national forests and public grasslands.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 's mission is to protect the environment as well as human health. They ensure that federal laws to ensure human and environmental health are implemented and enforced.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management, makes sure that the water in the watersheds is clean and that there is an adequate supply.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, focuses on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere, it is a federal agency.
Additional partners
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is the point place for state fish and wildlife agencies. The represent the state agencies on Capitol Hill on important conservation and management policies.
Soil and Water Conservation Society is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization. They advocate for science-based practice, programs, and policy and conservation professionals.
The Nature Conservancy protects the land and water in order to preserve the plants, animals, and natural communities.
The Wildlife Society addresses national and international issues that effect current and future North American wildlife. The society is made up of professional wildlife conservationists.
