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Initiative
History
A 1995 report titled,
"Weed Killers by The Glass" published by the Environmental
Working Group brought to light the problem of herbicides found
in Fort Wayne, Indiana's tap water. In the report, a single
sample of tap water taken on June 1, 1995 contained nine different
herbicides. Fort Wayne had the second highest level of atrazine
in its tap water of all the cities identified in the report.
Citizens concerned
about this report organized a partnership with various agencies
within the St. Joseph River's three-state watershed. In March,
1996, the newly formed group brought together local and state
natural resource professionals and political leaders to share
information and to discuss issues and solutions to water quality
issues. At the “Conference on the St. Joseph”,
participants provided the guidance and motivation to drive
the development of a strategic plan.
After the “Conference
on the St. Joseph”, the group formed a steering committee
to develop the organizational structure of the St. Joseph
River Watershed Initiative. The Initiative undertook a three-year
baseline water quality study in 1996 to 1) determine the current
water quality conditions in the watershed, 2) identify priority
areas with distressed water quality on which to focus conservation
efforts, and 3) establish baseline points on which to measure
future improvements in water quality. Water samples were collected
at the mouths of each of the major tributaries where they
joined the St. Joseph River.
The steering committee
also developed a strategic plan, which outlined the mission
and vision of the Initiative. The target issues in the watershed
were defined and strategic planning points were identified
to address the target issues.
The steering committee
also raised funds, through donations from three agri-chemical
companies and a Section 319 grant (US EPA funds administered
by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management) to
hire a public outreach coordinator. A public outreach coordinator
was hired in February, 1998 to begin the educational and outreach
efforts and to oversee the day-to-day operation of the St.
Joseph River Watershed Initiative. Up to the present time,
the Initiative office has been housed in the Allen County
Soil and Water Conservation District Office.
The first St. Joseph
River Board of Directors was formed in April, 1998 and was
incorporated in October, 1998. On January 21, 1999 the Internal
Revenue Service designated the Initiative as a 501(c)(3),
not-for-profit organization.
In the winter of 1999, the three-year
water quality data were reviewed and analyzed with the help
of the US Geological Survey and Purdue University. The study
results were used then to select two sub-watersheds of the
St. Joseph Watershed in which to begin work. |
