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WEPS the Final Steps. Mike Sporcic Wind Erosion Specialist National Technology Support Center January, 19, 2010. Where We have been. We have been working on WEPS for 16+ years. Seems like a long time I started in about 2005 Millions have been spent
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WEPS the Final Steps Mike Sporcic Wind Erosion Specialist National Technology Support Center January, 19, 2010
Where We have been • We have been working on WEPS for 16+ years. • Seems like a long time • I started in about 2005 • Millions have been spent • The need for wind erosion control is strong
Where we are • We continue to have major issues with wind erosion • Dry conditions, inappropriate mgt systems, and high wind events cause trouble • Four years and a lot of database and climate work have the model ready to roll out. February, 2007
WEPS Is Ready • All items needed for the model have been completed. • Last week the final science change was made (adjustment to Erodible Fraction)
Current needs • Update training material • Short final testing for Central and West (Feb) • CCE approval (3 months starting Feb) • Train the Trainer (second round) • West and Central face to face, East by Web • Roll out in May
Past Roll Out • With new things come new challenges • I anticipate current crop being used in ways I have not imagined causing the to not run. • New crops not thought of • Biomass removal work • Programs not fitting the new erosion rates (for sure in the East) • Changes needed in all the data areas • Moving to integration with planning
Help • I know most of the state and regional agronomist will need to help me • Some are actually excited (not sure why) • We all need to embrace the change
Questions for You • Do I spend time on the NAM (if so when and how)? • Do I need to make presentations at the SWCS and ASA national conferences? • Should I try to publish a paper showing how NRCS has adapted WEPS to work in the FOs? • I am very skeptical of Wed training. We have information from staff they do not like it. Should training be face to face? • Should there be a NEDS course?
Thank You Winter Cover Crops No-till Sugarbeets Happy Wind Erosion Staff