Quarterly Progress Report: Second Quarter FY 07

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EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1 (Hydrilla / Hygrophila Demonstration Projects - Osceola County, FL)
                                   
Project description and Goals:

This project is a combination of studies that will result in improved water quality and natural habitat in Osceola County lakes.  Hydrilla and Hygrophila are exotic invasive weeds that are dominating the lakes aquatic ecosystem, shading out natural vegetation, reducing oxygen level, increasing the amount of sediments, and impacting flood control in lakes and canals. The project objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness of Experimental Use Permit herbicides, biological controls and application methods of herbicides in the treatment and control of Hydrilla and Hygrophila using small-scale fieldwork, large-scale field demonstrations and public outreach on the progress and findings.

Participants:

Eleanor Foerste, Project Manager, Osceola County              
Hilda Hatzell, EPA Project Officer, Region 4

Reporting period:

Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007 January 1 – March 31, 2007

Project activities during reporting period: 

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

  • Final Draft of the QAPP was submitted and is under revision based on feedback from Denise Goddard and Hilda Hatzell, EPA. 
  • The biologist position was re-advertised, interviews were held and the position was offered to one outstanding candidate. The Biologist position will be filled by Sarah Berger. Start date: 4/16/07.
  • A vehicle has been purchased. The county must install approved devices and apply decals to the vehicle before it can be relinquished for use.

Element 1

  • Candidates for the biologist position were evaluated and interviewed.
  • Assisted Dr. Netherland with revising and clarifying the QAPP.
  • Pleasant Hill Road pond surveys were conducted.
  • Hydrilla and native aquatic plants were collected for screening and trials.
  • Ft. Lauderdale REC faculty position has been re-advertised.

Element 2

  • Lake Cypress endothall treatment completed by the FLDEP and SFWMD. Samples were collected per the conditional QAPP approval.
  • Lake Cypress sample sites marked.

Element 3 Task 1

  • Lab evaluations of Mt formulations and methods.
  • Collaborative research with NC State.
  • Identified field sites in Osceola County and submitted EUP requests.
  • Pilot-scale commercial production.
  • Outdoor testing of best formulations on hold pending QAPP approval.
  • Initiated small field demonstrations in Osceola County, pending QAPP approval.

Element 3 Task 2

  • New PhD student arrived in Gainesville.
  • Protocol developed for field identification and data collection of Hygrophila spp.
  • On-line real time data submission form in development.
  • Initiated collaboration with Dr. Carol Ellison with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International.

Element 3 Task 3

  • Revised the QAPP.
  • Sub-contracts sent to collaborators in Nairobi, Kenya, and Miami, FL.

Element 4

  • Organized the grant Kick-Off event for April 21, 2007.
  • Website style and structure have been developed.
  • Literature search of APIRS database and articles tagged.
  • Retractable banners were developed.
  • PowerPoint lessons have been developed.
  • Teacher training workshop is being planned for May, 07.
  • Attended meetings for hydrilla and hygrophila control in Osceola County.
  • Articles, presentations and displays in development.
  • Conducted interviews for the biologist position.

What problems, if any, were encountered? If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it? 

  • The QAPP was revised to include input from multiple participants and suggestions made by the EPA. Approval of the revised draft is anticipated early in the third quarter. 

Is the project on schedule for the quarter? For the project?

  • The QAPP must be approved before data collection can begin, so the project is slightly behind predicted schedule for second quarter tasks.  However, it is anticipated that this will not delay the project significantly and no extension or budget changes are needed at this time.

Are there any changes in key contacts?

  • There are no changes in key contacts at this time.

Project spending for reporting period:

$12,716.84 was expended this quarter; therefore the remaining balance is $ 2,425,929.70.
(2,881,00.00- 12,716.84) .

Project spending for report period.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:      Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
January 1 – March 31, 2007

Person Reporting:     William Haller

Element:  Element 1 Development and Testing of New Aquatic Herbicide

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

The following activities were undertaken from 1 January – 31 March, 2007 on Element 1.

  1. Candidates for the Osceola County field biologist position were evaluated and interviews held in Gainesville and Osceola County.
  2. Assisted Dr. Netherland in revisions and clarifications on the QAPP plan that was submitted to EPA in March.
  3. Preliminary surveys of ponds on Pleasant Hill Road were undertaken to determine plant status in these retention ponds.
  4. Hydrilla and native aquatic plants have been collected for future screening and selectivity trails.
  5. The Ft. Lauderdale REC faculty position [Cody Gray replacement] has been advertised and interviews will occur in late April/May.  This position will be conducting research on hygrophila as described in the R and D project.
  6. What problems, if any, were encountered? No problems encountered.
  7. Is the project work on schedule?
  8. This quarter?   Yes, waiting on QAPP approval.
  9. For the project?  Yes

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:

Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
January 1 – March 31, 2007

Person Reporting:

Michael D. Netherland

Element:

Element 2 Evaluation of Currently Registered Herbicides for Control of Hydrilla

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

Summary of Treatment:

In conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) a large-scale endothall treatment was planned to control hydrilla on Lake Cypress, FL.  Lake Cypress is approximately 4,500 acres in size and the hydrilla coverage at the time of treatment was estimated between 2500 and 3000 acres.  On March 7th and 8th 2007, 6000 gallons of Aquathol K were applied via helicopter to impact hydrilla in the southern 1/3 of Lake Cypress.  The southern 1/3 of the lake contained large expanses of dense hydrilla.  A total of 21 sample sites were located within and outside the treatment zone in order to determine treatment efficacy and dispersion and degradation of endothall residues.  The water sampling and efficacy monitoring for this treatment is still ongoing.        

Sampling Efforts:
On February 27, 2007, a total of 21 sample sites on Lake Cypress were marked via the use of 2 separate Garmin Map 76 GPS units (Figure 1).  The waypoints were recorded as UTM coordinates.  The water depth, hydrilla coverage (0.1 m2 pvc frame), and percent volume infested (height of hydrilla canopy in relation to the water depth) were recorded at each sample site.  Water quality measurements (temperature, pH, DO, and conductivity) were recorded with a calibrated YSI 556 meter at selected sample sites.  Waypoints, water depth, and hydrilla density for each site are shown in Table 1.  A map of the lake showing the relative position of the sample sites is shown in Figure 1.

Table 1.  Sample sites, water depth, hydrilla coverage and percent volume infested for selected areas on Lake Cypress.

Sample sites, water depth, hydrilla coverage and percent volume infested for selected areas on Lake Cypress.

Map showing location of sampling waypoints on 4500 acre Lake Cypress.

Figure 1.  Map showing location of sampling waypoints on 4500 acre Lake Cypress.

With the exception of turbidity measures, initial water quality readings varied only slightly depending on the location of the readings and hydrilla density.  Turbidity measured via the use of a LaMotte Turbidity meter indicated that values within plant beds (2.4 + 0.35 NTU, n= 4 sites) were significantly reduced compared to values taken in open water sites (8.5 + 1.2 NTU, n= 4 sites).  Readings taken from 6 sample sites indicated the water temperature averaged 21.5 C, conductivity averaged 186 mS/cm2, dissolved oxygen averaged 9.3 mg/L, and pH averaged 8.3. 

Endothall Treatments were applied via helicopter on March 7 and 8th, 2007.  There was a strong southerly breeze on the treatment dates (weather station data is forthcoming).  Water samples were collected at mid-depth from the water column on March 7, 8, 9, 13, 15, 20, and 29.  Additional water samples and initial treatment efficacy assessments are scheduled to be collected on April 3 and 13.  Water samples have been stored in refrigerators and 189 samples are scheduled to by analyzed later in April. 
Water quality measures taken between 0900 and 1100 hrs at selected sample sites indicate that no immediate changes occurred following treatment; however, as hydrilla density decreased in the southern end of the lake in response to treatment, changes in the dissolved oxygen levels were noted (Table 2).

Table 2.  Selected water quality parameters recorded following a large-scale Aquathol treatment on March 7th and 8th.

Selected water quality parameters recorded following a large-scale Aquathol treatment on March 7th and 8th.

Observations to date suggest that the treatment removed a large amount of hydrilla in the southern end of the lake.  Plants in the middle third of the lake remain rooted and standing in the water column; however, there are signs of endothall treatment injury.  The plants in the northern 1/3rd of the lake remain healthy and vigorous. 

The initial efficacy assessments at 5 weeks post-treatment and the results of the endothall residue analyses will be provided in the next quarterly report.

  • What problems, if any, were encountered? There were no specific problems encountered during the first phase of this work.
  • Is the project work on schedule?
    • This quarter?  - Work is on schedule for this quarter
    • For the project? – We are still awaiting full approval of the QAPP. This work was conducted with special approval from the EPA.   

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:

Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
January 1 – March 31, 2007

Person Reporting:

Mark A. Heilman   

Element:

Element 3 Task 1 Demonstration of Hydrilla Control in Osceola County, Florida using Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (Mt), a new contact bioherbicide, for Aquatic Plant management

Project activities during reporting period:

  • What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter

Six different activities were described for Q2 in initial grant work plan.  Activities in each area will be described below.

Lab Evaluations of Mt formulations and methods

  • For this reporting quarter, the majority of work in this area was again related to in-progress research with the USDA, US Army ERDC, and SePRO under separate cooperative study agreements.  The studies conducted were five screening trials looking at new Mt materials produced by USDA.    These screening trials are not a component of EPA-funded project since they relate to initial evaluation of new, proprietary combinations.  Laboratory evaluations funded by this grant will be focused primarily on providing larger-scale, laboratory-based, comparative data on efficacy of Mt product(s) chosen for field application in Osceola County.  These studies were scheduled to begin Q2 pending completion and approval of final QAPP.   Delay in QAPP approval means these studies will not begin until Q3.

Collaborative Research with NC State

  • Decision was made to engage a post-doctoral scientist instead of masters-level student, and to seek additional support for this position through NC Biotechnology Center, which provides matching grants for collaborative biotechnology studies. A postdoctoral scientist would not be available under these revised timelines until FYQ4.  Under parallel work, Dr. Rob Richardson with NCSU was recently awarded an IR-4 grant to investigate spectrum of activity of new Mt bioherbicide materials on various submersed weed species including monoecious hydrilla.

Identify field sites in Osceola County and submit EUP requests

  • Various regulatory actions have occurred in this area.  Three pond locations (two treatments, one control) were located through FDOT.  All are along the US-192 corridor.  Special Use Permit was applied for and received from FDOT.  A specific USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service  permit to move Mt materials to Osceola County and apply at field sites up to 10A was approved in March.  Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have also approved applications up to 10A in Osceola, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection has also been properly notified.  However, USEPA Biopesticide and Pollution Prevention Division denied initial request to conduct bioherbicide testing in up to 10A.  Current status would limit 2007 applications to a maximum of 1A of total treatment, but we are still pursuing EPA permission for expanded small-scale field test acreage.  Expanded formal EUP request for 2008 work is still planned for submission in FYQ4.

Pilot-scale commercial production

  • Contact has been made with several different potential commercial fermentation companies and disclosure agreements are completed or pending with three of them to discuss specifics of production.

Outdoor testing of best formulations

  • Initiation of these activities is on hold pending final approval of QAPP document by EPA.  Additional QAPP edits and additional information were provided this quarter to Mike Netherland for further revision of QAPP document.

Initiation small field demonstrations in Osceola County

  • As described above, test ponds for initial small plot trials have been located and preparations such as supply purchases and equipment check-out have been made to begin program pending final approval of QAPP.  Request from Osceola County per QAPP comments from EPA to confirm proper condition of test ponds was passed along to FDOT.  FDOT provided acknowledgement back to Osceola on this question.

What problems, if any, were encountered?

  • EPA BPPD did not approve original request to expand field test acreage from 1 to 10 acres, although FDACS and USDA-APHIS approval.  This does not limit initial 2007 field demonstration treatments that were intended to be small

If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it?

  • Follow-up request will be made again to EPA-BPPD seek reconsideration of expansion request supported with additional detail on test site characteristics.

Is the project work on schedule?

  • The project work is just slightly behind schedule due to QAPP approval delays.  Initial field and mesocosm trials under grant program should hopefully occur in early FYQ3 versus Q2.

Does the new schedule require a time extension

  • At this time, current status merits no significant changes to schedule assuming QAPP approval in early Q3.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:

Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
January 1 – March 31, 2007

Person Reporting:

James P. Cuda

Element: 

Element 3, Task 2:  Foreign Exploration for Natural Enemies of Hygrophila

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

  • The new Ph.D. student Mr. Abhishek Mukherjee arrived in Gainesville from India in early January 2007 and enrolled in the University of Florida for the Spring semester.  He is presently taking two courses, both of which are relevant to the project:
  • BOT 5725: Taxonomy of Vascular Plants
    This course deals with the phylogeny of angiosperms (flowering plants), and their field level identification; and
  • ENY 4905: Aquatic Entomology
    This course covers all the aquatic insect orders, how to collect them and aquatic insect identification
  • Mr. Mukherjee initiated a literature review; he is compiling and cataloging all relevant hygrophila references related to the project.
  • A protocol was developed for field level identification and data collection of Hygrophila spp.
  • The on-line real time data submission form that is being developed in collaboration with Dr. Overholt’s hydrilla team is nearing completion.
  • County extension agents are being solicited to collect hygrophila specimens throughout Florida for genetic analysis. 
  • The PI also initiated collaboration with Dr. Carol Ellison, a plant pathologist with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI-Europe), in Silwood Park, United Kingdom.  Dr. Ellison’s expertise with plant pathogens for invasive weed management will contribute significantly to the discovery of hygrophila diseases.  The PI will be meeting Dr. Ellison in person to discuss the project while attending an International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds in Montpellier, France, 22-27 April.
  • Presented information at the Aquatic and Terrestrial Workshop on March 27 via Polycomm to Extension Offices throughout the state.

What problems, if any, were encountered?

  • If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it?
  • Funding for the project was allocated to the PI during the last week of the first reporting period (22 December 2006).  However, we are not allowed to collect data until the QAPP is officially approved.  The PI spent considerable time revising Element 3, Task 2 of the QAPP and prepared the new DQO table in order in order to facilitate getting the project approved.

Is the project work on schedule?

    • This quarter?  No; the project was not officially initiated during this reporting period because the QAPP has not been officially approved
    • For the project?  It is anticipated that due to complex sub-contracting regulations at the University of Florida, establishing a sub-contracts with Indian collaborators could result in future delays in accomplishing project goals and objectives.
    • If the project is not on schedule, what is proposed for a revised schedule?   Because the project was just initiated, there is no need to revise the schedule at this point.

 

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:

Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
January 1 – March 31, 2007

Person Reporting:

William A. Overholt

Element:

Element 3 Task 3 Collaborative effort to search for natural enemies of hydrilla in East Africa (Project Ongoing)

Project activities during reporting period:

  • What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter? 
  • Revised the Quality Assurance Project Plant (QAPP)
  • Prepared and sent sub-contracts to collaborators at the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya and at the University of Miami.
  • Using funding from other sources
  • Surveyed several lakes in Uganda and Burundi
  • Identified hydrilla populations in four lakes in Uganda and one lake in Burundi
  • Reared insects from all identified hydrilla populations
  • Improved rearing methods
  • Initiated studies on insect herbivore biology by dissecting hydrilla plants to determine locations of insect feeding
  • Collected hydrilla samples for DNA analyses in Florida and Africa, and through collaboration with USDA, received samples from several Asian countries.
  • Conducted preliminary analyses of chloroplast DNA.

What problems, if any, were encountered?

  • The major problems with the project have been administrative in nature.  The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) required additional modifications, which are underway.   Funds cannot be spent on data collection prior to approval of the QAPP.

If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it?

  • The QAPP is being revised.  Once the QAPP is accepted, funds can be provided to collaborators in Africa and at the University of Miami so that the technical work can commence.

Is the project work on schedule?

  • This quarter? Since the work is on-going utilizing funding from other sources, the project has not fallen behind.
  • For the project?  Same as above.  However, if we cannot soon provide funding to collaborators from this project, especially in Africa, the work could stop, which would clearly affect the schedule.

 

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:

Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
January 1 – March 31, 2007

Person Reporting:

 Karen Brown

Element:

Element 4 Demonstration and Outreach

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

Task 1, Year 1

Kick off Event – this event is being organized by Tina Bond.  A display featuring aquatic plant management methods and Hydrilla and Hygrophila, staffed by Elizabeth DeGroat, is being set up by the UF / IFAS / Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Task 2, Year 1&2

  • Draft outline, flowchart, and master style sheets for website (Dec ’06)
  • Website launch (Mar ’07)
  • Informal, in-house usability study by June 2007.

The master style sheet and basic site structure have been developed.  Currently, a home page style sheet has been designed and we are awaiting content from Osceola County. The EPA Work Plan Table of Contents and Introduction are completed.  The entire EPA work plan will eventually go online, with each chapter as an html page, linked from an html table of contents page.  The same will be done with the QAPP, unless it is decided that a PDF document will suffice.  Both documents will be available as PDF documents.  The web site will be launched no later than April 21, 2007.
At the launch date, the following information will be online:

    • Home page
    • EPA Work Plan
    • QAPP
    • Relevant Database Citations

Task 3

Literature search of APIRS database, tagging records pertinent to project (Dec. ’06)
Literature review online (Mar ’07)

A preliminary search of the APIRS bibliographic database has been performed and 17 annotated citations have been prepared for the website. These references all pertain to Osceola County or Kissimmee, and hydrilla or hygrophila.
 
Task 4

3 introductory displays (Oct 06 – Dec 06)
Another set of displays (Dec 07)

A "3-panel set" of free-standing retractable poster displays (i.e., retractable banner stands) were developed on the history of aquatic plant management in Florida, illustrating the improvements made in mechanical harvesting, biological and chemical control techniques. Also a single retractable banner was created, "What Happened to My Lake?” to raise awareness about the problems that can occur from hydrilla infestations and the actions citizens can take to help prevent further infestations. These displays have been made available to the Osceola County Extension office for use in public venues.          

Task 5

Science curricula for teachers: 4 PPT lessons, 2 web-based activities, hands-on lab/field activities & modules tailored for Osceola County for UE, MS, HS.  (June 08)

Four separate PowerPointÔ lessons have been developed for use in the classroom to help explain the environmental and economic challenges and impacts related to invasive aquatic plants: Silent Invaders; A Fish Tale; Why Manage Invasive Plants?; and Viva la Difference! – an introduction to the biological productivity of Florida’s freshwater systems, why these systems are unique, and the role plants play in the equation. These lessons are currently being reviewed by science teachers and will be showcased at a teacher workshop in Osceola County in early May. The next step will be to develop lab/field activities that correlate to the lessons and the specific problems in Osceola County (i.e., hydrilla and hygrophila).

CAIP staff (Amy Richard) met with Osceola County staff and the county Curricula Specialist to discuss these lessons and arrange for the upcoming May workshop.

Task 6

Two additional strategies to demonstrate and educate stakeholders re: hydrilla and hygrophila management.

Two preliminary ideas are being considered:

  • development of a small educational booklet about the history of the project and actions citizens can take to help prevent the spread of invasive plants. These could be printed in large quantities and inserted into the local newspaper (weekend edition).
  • publishing a number of plant identification modules (in various web-based media such as flash, mpegs, etc.) to the new Osceola website for use by the general public and by field technicians looking for clarification/identification of non-native and/or invasive plants, along with other educational public service announcements.

Task 7
One paper and one poster per year to share research progress and management technology, to be published on EDIS and presented at meetings.
           
This task is being carried out by Osceola County Extension staff.

What problems, if any, were encountered? 

  • None.

Is the project work on schedule?

  • This quarter?  Yes.
  • For the project?  Yes.

 

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:

Second Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
January 1 – March 31, 2007

Person Reporting:

Tina M. Bond

Element: 

Element 4: Demonstration and Outreach

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

    • Attended industry meetings dealing with hydrilla/ hygrophila issues including:
      • Shingle Creek Trail Workshop Meeting
      • Hydrilla Interagency Group Meetings
      • KBMOS (Kissimmee Basin Modeling and Operations Study) Meetings
      • Earth Day/ Grant Kick Off Event Meetings
      • Met with the president of the Turtle and Tortoise Club of Florida to discuss concerns with aquatic weed management and turtle habitat. 
  • Attended 2 Aquatic and Right of Way Workshops to maintain pesticide applicator license and keep up to date on aquatic plant management. Also helped coordinate the Aquatic Workshop that was held at the Osceola County Extension Offices by collecting aquatic and terrestrial weeds that are invasive to our area. The weeds were displayed with educational information and identification characteristics.

Right of Way workshop images.         Right of Way Workshop images.

  • Assisted with the Leadership Osceola/ Leadership Legends Environmental Day. Spoke to participants regarding the issues concerning hydrilla, hygrophila and other aquatic weeds and their impacts on the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Presentation conducted on the water.
  • Obtained a Department of Environmental Protection Permit for aquatic plant importation, transportation, non-nursery cultivation, possession and collection from UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
  • Developed a visual display for fairs, meetings, and other events.
  • Osceola County Fair Exhibit. Displayed information on aquatic weeds that should not be planted in ponds. Theme: “Don’t put these in your pond!” Provided literature and information on aquatic weeds.
  • Displayed information and live aquatic weeds at the St. Cloud Life Expo. Provided information on aquatic weeds and how to stop or prevent their spread. Theme: “Help Stop the Spread”

St. Cloud Life Expo images.    

     St. Cloud Life Expo. images.

  • Attended In-Service training titled: Nutrient/Water Quality- Land Use Information Tools. Discussed concerns with water quality and nutrient loading in water bodies, pesticide contamination of water bodies, water dynamics, etc.
  • Toured the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes via air boat to become familiar with the location of the lakes as well as problem areas within the lakes. Also toured Boggy Creek to find populations of hygrophila since it is only found in areas of flowing water.
  • Interviewed candidates for the biologist position. Hired Sarah Berger. Start date: April16.
  • Starting to develop literature, presentations, newspaper articles and other media to bring the grant into public eye.
  • Preparing for the Kick-Off Event being held on April 21.
  • Began working with the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants on the website (content and design). Projected date for live site is April 21.
  • Met with Osceola County Science Curriculum Resource Specialists to discuss curriculum needs for science teachers. Contacted Dan Willis with LakeWatch to get water quality kit pricing. The kits will be provided to the teachers to aid in providing hands on experience to the students.