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An Update of
1890-1994 Institutions Water Quality Collaboration Research
Sam O.
Dennis
Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research
Seminar Series
Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
October 8, 2003
Recognizing
the high level of interest in water quality research and education in
Native American communities and the potential for mutual benefit in
fostering 1890 institutions and 1994 institutions collaborations, a
study was designed to survey tribal communities’ water quality awareness
and opinions. The project brought together three 1994 land grant
institutions (Fort Belknap College, Chief Dull Knife College and Salish
Kootenai College) and two 1890 land grant institutions (Florida A&M
University and Tennessee State University). The goal was to establish a
shared framework for the 1890 and 1994 land grant institutions to
develop collaborative research, education and/or extension projects that
address high priority water quality issues in the tribal communities
they serve. The specific objectives were to: (1) promote mutual
understanding and partnership building among 1890 and 1994 water quality
scientists; (2) identify and document water quality needs in tribal
communities served by 1994 or 1890 institutions; and (3) develop
collaborative strategies for addressing the identified needs through
research, education and/or extension activities. In order to meet these
objectives, project personnel participated in site visits to the Montana
campuses in May 2003. A survey instrument was developed to assess water
quality needs in tribal communities in Western and Eastern Montana,
Southern Florida, and West and East Tennessee. The survey will be
administered in Tennessee in fall of 2003. The questionnaire and its
results will serve as a template for other states anticipating surveying
Tribes or other underserved communities’ water quality issues. The
anticipated outcomes for the project will include: (1) enhanced
coordination and resource sharing among the 1890 and 1994 institutions;
(2) increased collaboration between the 1890, 1994 and 1862 institutions
as well as with USDA-CSREES and other agencies; and (3) active
participation and contributions to the 406 Regional Projects and
National Water Quality Programs.
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