Big Walnut project to improve water quality launched

Do you live, work, farm or play in the Big Walnut or Deer Creek drainages?

A new project focusing on assessing, protecting and improving water quality; engaging individuals interested in the Big Walnut and Deer Creek drainages; and updating a plan for the Big Walnut and Deer Creek drainages will host its first public meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Putnam County Farm Bureau building, 1001 N. Jackson St., Greencastle.

The project is funded through an Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) section 319 grant received by the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District and its partners.

The $100,002 grant will lay the foundation for future, voluntary, on-the-ground conservation implementation efforts.

“The Big Walnut Watershed 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 Big Walnut Creek and Deer Creek drainages,” Sara Peel, project coordinator, indicated. “These efforts will include the initial project launch meeting as well as water quality monitoring, educational opportunities, local tours and more.”

Peel pointed out that more than 20 community agencies and organizations are supporting the effort. The groups include: City of Greencastle, Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District, Boone County Solid Waste Management District, Hendricks County Soil and Water Conservation District, Purdue Extension, Putnam County Surveyor’s Office, Putnam County Health Department, Hendricks County NRCS, Little Walnut Conservancy District, Indiana DNR, Big Walnut Watershed Alliance, DePauw University, Central Indiana Land Trust, Clear Creek Conservancy District, Heritage Lake Property Owners Association and more.

The project is currently in its initial stages of gathering data and information, developing the project steering committee and coordinating gathering of public opinion. Persons interested in participating in the project may contact Project Coordinator Sara Peel at speel@arionconsultants.com.

Additional information about the project’s progress and the upcoming public meeting can be found at https://tinyurl.com/BigWalnut.