States do not have all the appropriate and necessary water quality standards and monitoring to determine if standards are met. Policy makers often make decisions based on popular opinion rather than science. A lack of continuity in methods for data collection, research and demonstration limits federal effectiveness and credibility. A lack of public awareness and interest among the public limits management success. Identify gaps in research knowledge and help initiate coordinated research to fill those gaps.
Gaps are especially significant in ground water systems.
Continually improve the assessment of grazing land conditions and the use of models for predicting the quality and quantity of water. Market grazing lands as the most valuable asset for the production of water quality and quantity. Use a variety of organizations and media to transfer new technology to users. Focus attention on the critical need for research on the role of underground biomass on water quality and quantity. An unstable economic environment in the agricultural sector often contributes to the degradation of the natural resource base and consequently to social and community costs when producers must operate on the margin.