Watershed Evaluation of Beneficial Management Practices Research (WEBS)

DUC is investing in research on seven watersheds across Canada that will evaluate how good farming practices will assure that we have a strong supply of quality water for agricultural, wildlife and human use on a watershed basis. One of these seven sites is Thomas Brook, located just north of Berwick, NS.

The WEBs program is a four-year, $5.65 million project. This project is designed to examine the effectiveness of certain Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs), which are land practices that minimize potential impacts of agricultural activities on the environment by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff into water bodies. The economic impacts of incorporating these practices are also being measured.

Understanding what land management practices are most effective will help government and conservation organizations like DUC develop more effective agricultural programs in an effort to protect natural resources. By evaluating these farming practices there will be a better understanding of which tools will have the biggest impact in various situations.