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Developing and Delivering Environmental Leadership Training

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  Paper number  022116,  2002 ASAE Annual Meeting . (doi: 10.13031/2013.9842) @2002
Authors:   G. Morgan Powell, Judy M. Willingham, Daniel W. Kahl, Donald D. Snethen
Keywords:   environmental leadership, KELP, water protection, watershed management, watershed protection, watershed stewardship, water quality issues

Following mandates to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for surface waters in Kansas, the Kansas Environmental Leadership Program (KELP) was conceived. The goal of KELP is to teach citizens the environmental knowledge and leadership skills to enhance water quality protection efforts at the local level. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 319 grant funds supported curriculum development and expenses related to conducting class sessions. In addition, scholarship and other funding support were provided by the Kansas Water Plan Fund, state agencies, and employers of participants. A pilot class was held in 1999, two other classes have been completed, and about 70 graduates are applying the principles learned.

Participants in the Kansas Environmental Leadership Program (KELP) attend five sessions spaced over a year. Each 3-day session is held at a different location in the state, and includes speakers, group activities, and field trips related to leadership, watersheds, surface and ground water protection, and other water quality issues. An important experience is developing a locally applied leadership project (ALP). Teams identify a water-related issue, develop a work plan and proposal for grant funds, and complete a grant-funding proposal, and then complete the project. Graduates take back to their communities improved leadership skills, better comprehensive environmental understanding, and a manual filled with resources and information. The registration fee includes meeting rooms, meals, lodging, field trip transportation, and materials for all sessions.

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