One size does not fit all. Prescriptive programs and mandatory management practices that may be necessary in one watershed may not work in a different watershed. In fact, the cost of implementing mandatory management measures in some areas may not be justified for the level of water quality benefit that is derived. Changes to improve water quality have to work on the farm to be sustainable. Michigan's trading program does that by allowing the farmer to decide which land use and management measures work best on their farm.
Credit is given for the reductions that actually achieve water quality improvements.
The program is performance based so the farmers know in advance that credits will be created as long as the land use and management practices are properly implemented and maintained. Revenue from the sale of credits is determined by and goes to the farmer. Farmers are comfortable and willing to work with traditional agencies. They do not trust regulators. We were able to break through the barriers of mistrust and regulations by working through traditional agencies like NRCS and the SCD and local leaders in the agricultural community.