2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): Principal focus of the CEAP Watershed Studies is to evaluate the effects and benefits of conservation practices at the watershed scale, in support of policy decisions and program implementation. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): The effects of conservation activities on water and soil quality will be assessed at the watershed scale using models such as ARS' Soil and Water Assessment Tool, in combination with ARS long-term watershed data sets, expertise, and resources. 3.Progress Report: The money received from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the St. Joseph River Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) was used to service the St. Joseph River watershed CEAP Watershed Assessment Study, through a Specific Cooperative Agreement with DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), which is responsible for servicing field equipment and processing samples in the watershed. DeKalb SWCD also ensured data collection of cropping system attribute data from the watershed. Funds from NRCS were also used to assist with calibration and validation of the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model for the St. Joseph River watershed, to allow assessment of conservation practices at the field scale within the watershed.