Current Projects: Lower St. Joseph-Bear Creek Watershed Planning Project
Creation of a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) for two sub-watersheds, the
Lower St. Joseph and the
Bear Creek
(Indiana) is being led by the St. Joseph River
Watershed Initiative. The project is funded by a Clean Water Act (CWA) Section
205(j) grant (ARN A-305-5-73) that was awarded to the City of Fort Wayne Water
Utilities Department, and subcontracted to the SJRWI.
Begun in June, 2005, the grant is scheduled to end in June, 2007. The project
includes creation of the
LSJ-BC Watershed Management Plan as well as a ranking system that helps to
determine priority for placement of future conservation practices, and creation
of maps and other documents that will assist local government in their efforts
to protect and enhance the watershed.
Stakeholder input is critical to watershed plans. The public is encouraged to
participate in quarterly stakeholder meetings conducted by the SJRWI.
This watershed planning project also includes an effort to recruit,
train and
support local citizen volunteer
water quality monitors. The SJRWI offers basic training for the Hoosier
Riverwatch citizen volunteer monitoring program, which is aimed at increasing
public awareness of water quality issues and concerns. The SJRWI sponsors
quarterly support events for trained volunteers, and has four complete quality
monitoring kits available for use by trained volunteers.
Through the Hoosier Riverwatch program, we provide education and training on
watersheds and the relationship between land use and water quality. We promote
responsible stewardship of water resources. Results of Hoosier Riverwatch water
quality monitoring is made available to citizens and government officials
working to protect rivers and streams on the
Hoosier Riverwatch website.
Attachments and Links
|
