Lower Elkhart River Watershed project launched

Do you live, work, farm or play in the Lower Elkhart River Drainage?

A new project focused on assessing, protecting and improving water quality; engaging individuals interested in the Lower Elkhart River Drainage; and developing a stepwise plan for the Lower Elkhart River Drainage will host its first public drop-in meeting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Shrock Pavilion in Shanklin Park, 411 W. Plymouth, Goshen.

Drop in and share your perspectives on the Elkhart River, its lakes, streams and watershed and any suggestions you have on water quality or quantity, land use, stream and lake quality, recreation or other topics. While the Upper Elkhart River Watershed Project is a year into its work, additional planning efforts are just beginning in the lower portion of the watershed and your input is valuable. RSVP to Sara at speel@ arionconsultants.com or (765) 337-9100.

The project is funded through an Indiana Department of Environmental Management Section 205j Water Quality Planning Program Grant received by the City of Goshen, the Elkhart River Restoration Association and its partners. The $154,725 grant will lay the foundation for future, voluntary, on-the-ground conservation implementation efforts.

Sara Peel, project coordinator, said, “The Lower Elkhart River Project is structured to allow community input on what they want to see happen in terms of regional planning to improve water quality within the Lower Elkhart River Drainage.

“These efforts will include the initial project launch meeting as well as volunteer water quality monitoring, stream cleanup events, educational opportunities, local tours and more.” in a fun and relaxed environment.

Peel pointed out that more than 30 community agencies and organizations are supporting this effort. These groups include the City of Goshen Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4); Elkhart County Commissioners; City of Nappanee MS4; Elkhart County MS4; Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District; Elkhart County Surveyor’s Office; Elkhart River Restoration Association; Goshen College; Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District; Kosciusko County Surveyor’s Office; Natural Resources Conservation Service; Purdue Extension-Elkhart, Kosciusko and Noble counties; Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Lake Papakeechie; Noble County Building Inspector, Commissioners, EMA and Surveyor’s Office; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi; Dewart Lake Improvement Association; St. Joseph River Basin Commission; cities of Elkhart, Goshen and Nappanee; Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation; and more.

The project is currently in its initial stages of gathering data and information, developing the project steering committee and coordinating the gathering of public opinion. If you are interested in participating in this exciting project, contact the project coordinator, Peel, at speel@arionconsultants.com or Jason Kaufman with the City of Goshen at jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Registration is required in advance. Sign up in person, at (574) 8347122 or cervin@nweb.lib.in.us. For more information about any library events, call (574) 834-7122, visit nwcpl.org or click onto the library’s Facebook page.