Residents invited to shape watershed management plan

Residents might not often think about the watershed area they live in, but these water systems can have a big impact on agriculture, drinking water quality, plant and animal life, weather patterns and recreation options.

Now, landowners, farmers and those who use waterways for recreation are being invited to help shape the health and future of the Upper East Fork of the Whitewater River watershed, which spans Fayette, Randolph, Union and Wayne counties in Indiana and Darke and Preble counties in Ohio.

Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a public meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, in First Bank Kuhlman Center at Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond. The event is focused on gathering resident perspectives on water quality of the Whitewater River, its lakes and streams, and the surrounding watershed.

The gathering kicks off a planning project that allows people to “contribute to the health and sustainability of the local water resources that impact your community, from drinking water and recreation to the natural environment,” according to a news release.

“This is a vital opportunity for the community to directly influence the future health and vitality of the Upper East Fork Whitewater River Watershed,” said Sara Peel, watershed project coordinator, in the release. “We encourage everyone who cares about this important natural resource to attend and share their insights.”

The planning project is made possible through a federal grant that awarded $125,500 to WCSWCD. The funds will pay for a consultant, lab costs, staff time and related expenses, resulting in a watershed management plan that could shape related policy decisions and organizational priorities for years.

Past water quality monitoring has identified concerns. IDEM reports show E. coli issues in over 50 miles of the watershed’s streams in Indiana, and toxic chemicals in fish tissue in 27 miles. The project aims to address those kinds of issues and provide assistance to residents and farmers impacted by them.

Those interested in attending the meeting are asked to register online or to call 765-966-0191 x3 for more information.

Plant sale orders due April 30

WCSWCD will also be offering its annual plant sale through April 30. Starting at $3, native plants, kiln-dried cedar nest boxes and feeders, rain barrels and compost bins are available for ordering as a part of the annual fundraiser.  

This year’s plants have been grown in-house by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservationist Kade Sheffield, who intends to develop an educational program for local schools to help grow the plants in future years. 

For ordering, visit waynecountyswcd.org/news-and-events/fundraiser. Payment must be made with cash or check. Discounts are available for orders of 20 plants or more. Pickup is available from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 6-8 at the USDA Service Center, 823 S. Round Barn Road, Richmond. 

Call 765-966-0191 for more information.