Current Projects: Cedar Creek Watershed
Plan Implementation,
Phase I
(6-64)
The
Cedar Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP) was funded by a Section 319
grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management
(IDEM). The plan was completed and approved by IDEM in 2005.
In 2006, the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative received a grant for
$465,000 to begin implementation of the Cedar Creek WMP. Funding to complete
several projects is included in this grant, which is scheduled to end in
November of 2008. The project’s area of implementation includes the Upper and Lower Cedar Creek subwatersheds Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC) numbers 04100003080 and 04100003090.
Among the projects supported by the grant are:
- Cost-share funding for
replacement of failing septic systems. The Cedar Creek Septic System Replacement
Project (CCSRP) will provide homeowners with up to $3,000 in cost-share when
they replace their failing septic systems.
- Cost-share funding for installation
of Best Management Practices (BMP)
such as wetland
restoration, buffers and
filter strips ,
reforestation,
raingardens, and
bioswales.
- Water quality monitoring across the Cedar Creek and the St.
Joseph River. Twenty–four sites are monitored weekly by the SJRWI during the
recreational season, April through October. Ten of those
sites are in the Cedar
Creek subwatershed.
- Public
educational outreach, including workshops on topics such as septic systems, wetlands,
urban and suburban lawns and
gardens, post construction stormwater management,
wildlife and
biodiversity are being offered through
2008. Additionally, brochures and materials aimed at improving the knowledge of
watershed stakeholders is being developed and distributed across the watershed.
- Cedar Creek Signage. The grant funds placement of up to 14 watershed signs
which will help the public learn more about the boundaries and the importance of
the Cedar Creek.
- Environmentally friendly landscaping. Do you know how much
your landscaping choices affect water quality? Does your land attract
nuisance
geese? Call the St. Joseph River Watershed
Initiative office for more information about participation in this
program and to locate demonstration sites.
Attachments and Links
|
