2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): The primary objective is to measure the effectiveness of the BMPs associated with the Mississippi River Basin Initiatives (MRBI) via water quality parameter measures (Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Orthophosphate, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus) prior to, during, and following BMP implementation. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): The Little River Ditches Watershed, listed as impaired due to turbidity and total dissolved solids is a watershed of enormous environmental and economic significance and steps must be taken to ensure its continued use. Water quality measurements of TSS, turbidity, DO, pH, nitrates, nitrites, orthophosphates, total Nitrogen, total phosphorus will be sampled weekly for the duration of the 3-year study. The study sites include three subwatersheds of the Little River Ditches Watershed (08020204). 3.Progress Report: Submitted monitoring proposals for two Mississippi River Basin Initiative Projects. Middle Cache River (MCR) Mississippi River Basin Watershed Project was funded for FY 2012. The SY and collaborator will lead the monitoring effort for the MCR. A graduate student has been identified and will begin research on water quality monitoring of MCR in August 2012. Existing edge-of-field monitoring at five paired sites continued through FY 2012. In total, 1,097 samples were collected from 10 monitoring sites in cotton, soybean, and rice. Nutrients analysis was completed on 920 samples during FY 2012. Submitted a Conservation Innovation Grant as collaborators with University of Arkansas for edge-of-field monitoring.