Managing for Profit

A local approach to reducing runoff

Controlling runoff is a big concern in bodies of water from the Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Congressman Reid Ribble represents northeastern Wisconsin, he has brought together farmers, conservationists, environmentalists and other stakeholders to work on reducing runoff into the watersheds in his district.  Ribble says with everyone represented at the table, they are looking for solutions rather than assigning blame. He says when the main focus is finding a solution, the “temperature comes down” and progress is made.

He says they have divided into small groups by watershed because ever watershed is different: different soil types, different inputs and different concerns. There is no one-size-fits-all situation so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The large group will reconvene in about 90 days to hear what the smaller groups have come up with.