Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation
Strategic Plan
September 7, 2001
Prepared for WACF
Jennifer Kwasny
Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation
Strategic Plan
Table of Contents Page
1. Overall structure of the strategic plan_____________________________________3
2. Strengths of the Wawasee Area Watershed_________________________________5
3. Threats to conservation of the Wawasee Area Watershed______________________5
4. Organizational planning recommendations – Planning Committee______________7
5. Tables with goals and action lists for each fundamental objective_______________7
Appendix: fundamental objective and detailed objective background______________18
1. Overall structure of the strategic plan
The mission of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, approved on September 27, 1992 states: “The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation is a local public foundation dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Wawasee Area Watershed for present and future uses”. In addition, the Goals and Action Plan Statement reads:
The geographical area covered by WACF’s mission statement is the watershed area for lakes Bonar, Papkeechie, Wawasee and Syracuse. The common denominator for all of them is water quality. WACF is, therefore, concerned with the factors which influence and affect water quality. In addition, this lakes area is a livable pleasant environment, with a high aesthetic value, and WACF will be involved with the factors which affect this environment.
The Foundation was formed to sense, search out and solve threats to this environment and to its water quality. It is intended to be an activist group, carrying out the mapping and testing studies which look for problems and which can take the necessary steps for their solution. This can mean conservancy easements or property acquisition or educational programs or tree plantings, as examples.
To accomplish these aims, WACF will develop a plan for financing this work, using a combination of techniques, again as examples memberships, donations, grants, sponsorships and fundraisers.
To integrate and encourage communication on these goals, WACF will be establishing networks and liaisons with other organizations, creating a climate which encourages citizens to voice their interest and support to this work while minimizing unnecessary duplications.
These, and other goals and objectives to be developed, will emerge as WACF moves forward.
The four elements of WACF’s mission, or factors that effect water quality that must be addressed are: 1. Wetlands conservation, 2. Wise management of Agriculture, 3. Community commitment to controlled development and water use, 4. Preservation of water quality of the lakes
The four fundamental objectives of WACF, designed to address
these issues are: 1. Land Acquisition and Management, 2. Ecological Advocacy
and Action, 3. Education, 4. Development. Each of these fundamental objectives
can be accomplished by a number of detailed objectives. The overall structure
of the strategic plan is pictured on the following page.
The strategic plan should use the strengths of the watershed as assets, while working to combat the threats to water quality. Therefore, the strengths and threats are outlined below.
2. Strengths of the Wawasee Area Watershed and advantages for WACF’s efforts
1. Relatively high water quality. The phosphorus and suspended solid concentrations are particularly low for the streams in the Wawasee Area Watershed, according to Harza (2001). Therefore, WACF needs to concentrate on preventing future water quality degradation.
2. Relatively high area of intact wetlands.
3. Low amount of dense urban development. According to the Harza (2001) study, only 3% of the total land area of the watershed is urban. However, the development that is taking place tends to be directly on the major lakes and water bodies throughout the watershed.
4. Relatively high degree of support from people living on Lake Wawasee. An example of this is the seawall refacing demonstration project. The high level of support for this project shows that people on Lake Wawasee are willing to work with WACF.
5. High potential for financial support. WACF has been relatively successful in fundraising and development recently, especially with its capital campaign. This success has come mostly from residents living on Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake. The potential for financial support increases when other residents of the watershed are included in development efforts.
3. Threats to the Wawasee Area Watershed
1. Runoff from property on the lakes. This includes both homes and the other facilities directly on or very near any of the lakes. Homeowners who fertilize their lawns contribute to nutrient runoff. The South Shore Golf Club and Maxwelton Golf Club are two major sources of chemical and nutrient runoff into the watershed, which is a serious threat to water quality.
2. Runoff from homes within the watershed but not directly on the lakes. These homes contribute to water quality just as those directly on the lakes. However, since they are not on the lakes, it is generally more difficult to educate the community about the effects of their actions on water quality.
3. Runoff from agriculture within the watershed. According to the Harza (2001) report, agricultural land comprises 51% of the land in the Wawasee Area Watershed, and thus contributes a large amount of the runoff. Farms contribute to increased nutrient runoff with fertilizer use, especially when located in highly erodible areas. Also, farm animal waste entering Turkey Creek and other streams is an issue. Government conservation programs are a useful mechanism for controlling this problem.
4. Development of wetland areas. This includes past and present development on or near wetlands. Many highly developed areas in the watershed are past wetlands that have been filled or altered in some way. Prevention of further wetland destruction and restoration of wetland function are two ways of increasing water quality.
5. Development of non-wetland areas. Development of land and clearing of vegetation leads to increased runoff of nutrients into the watershed from surrounding land. Better management of these cleared areas helps prevent excessive runoff.
6. Increased boat traffic. The increased number of boats as well as the greater number of large boats has negative effects on water quality. Heavy boat traffic, especially along the margins of the lakes near the wetlands, contributes to increased wave energy that decreases the extent of wetland vegetation. In addition, larger boats and boats that are driven at a speed that causes a deep draw and low prop stir up the bottom of the lakes and contribute to increased particles in the water.
7. Land use plans for Kosciusko and Noble counties generally not enforced. Although there are mechanisms in place for land use regulation in both counties such as zoning regulations and land use plans, these are not largely enforced. In addition, there are not provisions for water quality conservation in these plans. In the future, the planning boards of each county can be encouraged to include provisions such as the requirement of buffers along water bodies. Implementation of buffers would regulate the number of new structures that can be built on or near shorelines, as well as the renovations made to existing structures.
8. Abuse of the lakes by boaters and other users. The heightened use of the lakes in the watershed, especially Lake Wawasee, could lead to a decrease in water quality. Boaters who are not conscious of the ways in which their activities affect water quality could lead to an increase in fuel spills and in human waste deposited into the lakes. In addition, homeowners and lawn care companies continually dump grass clippings and leaves from properties directly on the lakes. Education of the community about the effects of such activities on water quality would help bring about changes.
Challenge to conservation of the Wawasee Area Watershed: The local community
The support of the community is essential in conservation. Therefore, community involvement should be a priority for WACF. There are several benefits to community involvement in conservation, including increased financial support, increased respect for water quality, better treatment of natural areas and WACF’s properties. The community in the Wawasee Area Watershed is rather unique, and thus presents several challenges in conservation of the watershed. In order to receive both short-term and long-term support, WACF must be able to address the issue of community involvement, despite the particular challenges that exist.
The first challenge to community involvement is that a large part of the community does not own property on Lake Wawasee. Some live on another lake, and some do not live on any lake. Therefore, in order to involve the entire community, efforts to conserve water quality in the watershed must include the whole watershed.
Second, many property owners, particularly on Lake Wawasee, only reside there during the summer months. This presents a particular challenge in involving the community since most of the efforts must be done during the summer. All of WACF’s activities are affected by the decrease in community throughout the fall, winter, and spring months.
4. Overall organizational planning recommendations – Planning Committee
There are five key ways in which the overall planning of WACF can be accomplished in order to use the strategic plan effectively. These should be done by the Planning Committee, with the assistance of other committees as needed.
• Take responsibility for updating and redirecting the
strategic plan
• Find and establish professional grant writing and procurement expertise
• Review WACF bylaws annually to determine if the organizational structure
is satisfactory
• Develop a relationship with a similar conservation organization, such
as the Geneva Lake Conservancy, in order to benchmark progress
• Find ways to streamline processes throughout the organization, especially
in areas of land acquisition, land management, and development so that the objectives
can be accomplished more easily
• Consider ways to increase effectiveness of financial operations and
oversight
5. Tables with goals and action lists for each fundamental objective
Following are outlines of the detailed objectives under each fundamental objective in table format. For each detailed objective, the applicable element(s) of the mission, general priority, goal(s) for the next 5 years, measure(s), action list and appropriate committee(s) are listed. In addition to the detailed objectives, recurring duties are listed under fundamental objectives where appropriate. These recurring duties are basic duties performed by WACF on a yearly basis.
Fundamental Objective: Land Acquisition and Management
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure(s)
Action List Committee
W Acquire land in priority wetland areas Acquire at least two properties each
year, or a total of 10 1. % of total prioritized wetland acres owned 2. # of
acquisitions per year 3. Acres acquired 4. Protected shoreline footage 1. Call
on, write letters, send cards, etc. to stay in touch with property owners Land
Acquisition
2. Inform landowners of their options via pamphlet; tell them of other success
stories Land Acquisition, PR
3. Complete mapping of Mudd Lake and prioritization of sites Land Acquisition,
Ecology
4. Continually survey potential new property sites Land Acquisition, Ecology
5. Consider acquisitions in certain nonpriority areas such as Dillon Creek,
Mudd Lake, Syracuse Lake Land Acquisition, Ecology
Focus on exceptionally key properties One-off success of Hardie, Nicholas, Byrd,
Ricks or Dunithan properties 1. Continue to contact in order to spark interest
in selling or donation via any tool, such as fee simple, conservation easement,
etc. Land Acquisition
2. Be creative and focused to earn respect, trust and understanding of key owners
Land Acquisition/entire board
3. Use leveraging opportunities such as N. American Wetlands Act to support
acquisition endeavors Land Acquisition
W, C Prevent public trespassing for hunting and dumping Determine major public
access points to properties and place WACF and "No Trespassing" signs
at these points Decrease in trash at site; evidence of hunters 1. Detailed investigation
of illegal trash dumping and evidence of hunters Land Management
2. Construct signs PR
3. Place signs at dumping sites Land Management
4. When trash is dumped, clean up the area quickly Land Management
Fundamental Objective: Land Acquisition and Management (continued)
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure(s)
Action List Committee
W Develop detailed management plans for properties Construct and implement land
management plans for two properties, at least one of which will include making
the site accessible for field trips, hiking, etc. Number of management plans
in use after 5 years 1. Determine properties for which to write plans Land Management,
Ecology
2. Work with a consultant to construct plans with specific goals for each property
Land Management, Ecology
3. Begin to implement plans, including construction of public trails Land Management,
Ecology, Education
W Organize stewardship teams for each major zone in watershed Land Stewards
assigned to every major zone Number of zones that have a stewardship team assigned
to them 1. Assign a land steward team to each property to oversee management
Land Management, Ecology
2. Survey each property regularly with the assistance of the land steward Land
Management, Ecology
3. Update records in Land Management database as needed Land Management
W Develop and maintain a Land Management database Database constructed, and
management data recorded for every property owned Percent of properties in database
1. Develop inventory database for all properties Land Management, Development
2. Gather information associated with each property, including tax information,
survey status, maintenance needs, etc. Land Management, Development
3. Update database on a regular basis Land Management, Development
Fundamental Objective: Land Acquisition and Management (continued)
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure(s)
Action List Committee
W, C Increase volunteer efforts for land management Implement appropriate portions
of management plan for each property 1. Increase in volunteer efforts 2. Management
plans accomplished 1. Organize one community action day every summer month on
a different property where necessary Land Management, Ecology
2. Determine which properties could benefit from large projects Land Management,
Ecology
3. Identify local experts who could share knowledge during work day Ecology
4. Advertise events in community in order to involve many people PR
5. Make use of college students as interns to undertake land management projects
Land Management
6. Keep records of people who help and contact them about future events Development
Fundamental Objective: Ecological Advocacy and Action
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure
Action List Committee
W, L Continue seawall shoreline stabilization project All seawall filled in
with glacial rock Length of seawall refaced relative to total length 1. Evaluate
response to demonstration project via survey of property owners after one year
Ecology, Seawall
2. Analyze trends in IDNR's data over one year, and then over a five year period
Ecology, Seawall
3. Distribute cost information and resident opinions to prospective property
owners Ecology, Seawall
4. Reface seawall wherever property owners approve Ecology, Seawall
W, L Decrease effects of boat wakes for wetland health Implement buoys near
wetlands, including Johnson Bay, Conklin Bay and Syracuse Lake wetlands Length
of wetland along which no-wake zones are implemented, relative to total length
where needed 1. Identify exact areas in which wakes destroy wetlands Ecology
2. Work with IDNR to determine appropriate distance from wetlands at which to
place buoys Ecology
3. Place buoys and signs along edge of no-wake zone Ecology
4. In order to increase compliance, educate boaters about the effects of boats
on wetland health via signs Education, Ecology
W Examine effects of no-wake zones on soft-stem bulrushes Conduct censuses before
and after Statistical test results 1. Examine old photos to determine baseline
state for bulrushes Ecology
2. Census populations in one future no-wake zone area where the species' presence
has decreased Ecology
3. Census population in one area that will not be in a no-wake zone Ecology
4. Re-census populations after 1, 2 and 3 years with no-wake zone Ecology
5. Work with IDNR to compare results of two counts Ecology
6. Determine future course of action to ensure increased survival Ecology
Fundamental Objective: Ecological Advocacy and Action (continued)
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure
Action List Committee
W, A, C Advocate aquatic resources provisions in land use plans of Kosciusko
and Noble Counties Talk to planning boards about inserting zoning provisions
1. Request a presentation from Planning with POWER for WACF and local planning
boards Ecology
2. Determine what provisions need to be included Ecology
2. Work with the Kosciusko County Lakes Council or Indiana Lakes Management
Society to lobby county planning boards Ecology
W, L Follow up Harza recommendations for implementation Implement four initial
projects and monitor nutrient runoff from South Shore Golf Course Projects implemented
1. Record water quality data in lake near South Shore Golf Course Ecology
2. Estimates from 3 engineering firms for drawings for enhanced wetland on Dillon
Creek, sediment trap in Bayshore Channel, check dam on Dillon Creek, check dam
on Martin Creek Ecology
3. Choose engineering firm and implement the four projects Ecology/ entire board
L Develop and implement a standardized protocol for measuring water quality
and documenting "how we are doing" relative to the Mission Adaptive
management plan in place after 5 years to ask more detailed questions where
data show undesirable trends Trends analyzed and management plan adapted accordingly
1. Take Secchi disk measurements once per month at 5 locations in Lake Wawasee,
one location each in Syracuse, Bonar, Papkeechie Ecology
2. Use Secchi data to determine phosphorus and chlorophyll a levels from Carlson's
TSI Ecology
3. Analyze the data trends over each year for each location, and over 5 years;
compare to historical data Ecology
4. Publish an annual report detailing the state of water quality over the past
year Ecology
5. Use results to ask further questions Ecology/ entire board
Fundamental Objective: Ecological Advocacy and Action
(continued)
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure
Action List Committee
W, A, C, L Recurring duties Regular contact with other local and national environmental
organizations 1. Regular contact with organizations such as the DNR, Indiana
Lakes Management Society, The Nature Conservancy, Land Trust Alliance Ecology
2. Keep in contact with other local land trusts and conservation organizations
Ecology
Fundamental Objective: Education
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure(s)
Action List Committee
C Hold formal educational events for children Increase number of activities
planned for fourth grade Number of age groups for which events are held 1. Become
involved in Project WET by attending one 6-hour workshop in order to receive
information relevant to grades K-12 Education
2. Talk to teachers about relevant activities, including service projects Education
3. Continue canoe trips for 7-10 year olds Education
Hold two events for high school students annually Number of events organized
for high school students 1. Talk to teachers about ways to complement existing
science curricula, especially biology teacher at Wawasee High School Education
2. Hold one activity in fall semester, and one in spring semester Education
C Educate local community about WACF and conservation Identify the components
of the Wawasee area community and implement programs to educate all Community
identified and programs implemented 1. Identify components of the community;
include those who affect and are affected by the watershed Education, entire
board
2. Develop ways to educate each constituent group within community Education
3. Update WACF brochure to detail past activities and landowners' options for
conservation PR, Education
C, L Educate lawn care companies about effects of lawn care on water quality
Construct and distribute a pamphlet detailing proper mowing, fertilizing and
landscaping practices for water quality Number of lawn care companies whose
practices change over 5 years, via survey before and after 1. Prepare a flier
similar to the one by Michigan State to distribute to lawn care companies PR,
Education
2. Survey lawn care companies after 2-3 years PR, Education
Fundamental Objective: Education (continued)
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure(s)
Action List Committee
A, L Educate farmers in the watershed about the effects of runoff on water quality
Increase amount of highly erodible land in watershed that is under CRP Increase
in number of acres in the watershed in CRP 1. Assess list of HEL sites by talking
to district foresters or local Farm Services Agency Offices Ecology
2. Identify which highly erodible land is under CRP, which is not, and which
CRP land will expire soon Ecology
3. Distribute information about the benefits of CRP to farmers who own land
not in the program Education
4. Encourage those whose contracts are about to expire to renew their contracts
Education
Educate farmers about animal waste and water quality Number of farmers contacted
1. Identify places in the watershed where animal waste is a problem Ecology
2. Contact the soil board for prevention alternatives Ecology
3. Talk to farmers where necessary Ecology, Education
C Recurring duties Regular articles in newspapers and community mailings, annual
meeting for community Articles published, annual meeting organized 1. Produce
at least one newsletter mailed to sponsors, certain potential sponsors and interested
members of the "community" PR
2. Write articles for WPOA's Neighbors guide PR
3. Inform newspapers about WACF educational events PR, Education
4. Invite sponsors, promote general community attendance and arrange the annual
meeting PR
Fundamental Objective: Fundraising
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure(s)
Action List Committee
C Focus diligently on $3.5 million Capital Campaign $2.3 million left in next
1.5 years % of 2.3 donated 1. Complete calls on identified families who attended
Tobias gathering Development
2. Identify the new set of potential donors Development
3. Have a gathering to make a presentation in late Summer 2001 or Spring 2002
Development
4. Develop and initiate plan to contact business community Development
5. Plan to obtain grants from other foundations and groups Development
C Modify development database in order to streamline record keeping and mail
query process Upgrade database to be more versatile and easier to use Turnaround
time decrease 1. Determine budget allowed for database upgrade Development
2. Hire a consultant to design database and convert to new format Development
3. Establish streamlined processes for data entry, mailing and thank-you letters
Development
W Apply for grants to fund projects that stem from Harza Engineering Feasibility
Study After design phase, apply for grants to implement four proposed projects
Grants applied for and obtained; projects started 1. After desired firm is chosen,
apply for additional grants based on cost estimate Development, Ecology
W Apply for grants as part of Capital Campaign Apply for grants in order to
leverage conservation purchases Grants applied for; amount of money awarded
1. Identify appropriate grants to fund conservation efforts Development, Land
Acquisition
2. Apply for grants as part of $3.5 million, in lieu of donations Development
Fundamental Objective: Fundraising (continued)
Mission* Detailed Objective General Priority Goals for next 5 years Measure(s)
Action List Committee
C Expand database Keep records of first-time volunteers Up to date records 1.
Obtain volunteer names and interests from action days and other events Development
2. Maintain separate databases for major sponsors and volunteers Development
3. Regular communication to sponsors and volunteers: send renewal notices to
sponsors annually; send notice of upcoming events to volunteers Development,
PR
C Consider contracting out the mail process for increased efficiency Use independent
service to assist with mailings, including printing, folding, stuffing, stamping
and sealing Decrease in turnaround time and volunteers needed to send mailings
1. Identify local company that could provide printing and mailing services Development
2. Work with company to maximize quality and accuracy while minimizing price
Development
C Recurring duties Four regular mailings sent per year, plus publishing of annual
sponsor donor results Mailings sent on time 1. Tax letters sent before January
20th to all contributors donating $250 or more Development
2. May solicitations to sponsors and non-sponsors Development
3. Annual meeting notice (August) Development
4. Fall follow-up mailing to sponsors who have forgotten Development
5. Publish list of sponsor donations annually Development, PR
Appendix
Fundamental Objective and Detailed Objective Background
Fundamental Objective: Land Acquisition and Management
Acquire land in priority wetland areas
This is the most visible aspect of WACF’s efforts. Of
particular interest is to establish protection or ownership in regard to 5 key
properties: Hardie, Nicholas,
Byrd, Ricks and Dunithan. Continue to pursue, where appropriate, the tool of
conservation easement to reduce cost and to leverage funds.
Prevent public trespassing for hunting and dumping
Many properties have been illegally trespassed upon for both hunting and dumping. Signs in areas where this trespassing occurs would help raise awareness that such activity is illegal. In addition, when dumping does occur, quick clean up will lower the likelihood of further dumping.
Develop detailed management plans for properties
Without proper management of WACF’s properties, the conservancy does not serve its mission to protect and enhance the watershed. For example, unless a wetland site is cleared of trash and certain invasive plant species, it cannot function properly. WACF should aim to complete and implement management plans for at least two properties in the next five years. In addition, a more general protocol should be developed for each property. Such a protocol would include the assignment of a steward for each property as well as an inventory of tax information.
Organize stewardship teams for each major zone in watershed
For each major wetland area within the watershed, a group of individuals should act as stewards. The stewardship team should perform regular site assessments of each property, including surveys and maintenance evaluations. The team should also lead clean-up efforts or other management projects on each property.
Develop and maintain a Land Management database
A system should be developed by which the management records for each property are managed. This database should include the tax information, maintenance needs, special conditions attached to the deed, and date of purchase of each property.
Increase volunteer efforts for land management
In order to implement land management plans for WACF’s properties, volunteer efforts for routine land management tasks must be increased. To increase volunteer efforts, organize three or four land management days per summer. If these were coordinated with a talk or demonstration from a local expert, they would likely be well attended. The demonstration should relate to the work being done or to the specific property. These events should be advertised to the community, and a list of volunteers should be kept for future mailings.
Another way to increase volunteer efforts would be to use college students as interns to do special land management projects. These could include noxious weed removal or building special viewing areas for use with education or development activities.
Fundamental Objective: Ecological Advocacy and Action
Continue seawall shoreline stabilization project
The seawall demonstration project has been received well by residents. Next summer, participating residents should be surveyed about their experiences. This will help WACF determine how it can work with other residents more efficiently in order to reface the rest of the seawall. The survey should include questions about how much residents would be willing to pay for the refacing, and ask for suggestions regarding future projects. In addition, data being taken by the DNR should be examined. Then, information about the demonstration project should be distributed to potential participants for the next phase.
Decrease effects of boat wakes for wetland health
The continuation of the buoy project, in cooperation with the IDNR would accomplish this objective.
Examine effects of no-wake zones on soft-stem bulrushes
Old photos of the wetlands surrounding Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake show soft-stem bulrushes where they do not currently exist. Many biologists believe that their diminishing presence is due to increased wave activity. In order to study the effects of wave activity on soft-stem bulrushes, one or two sites should be selected to be censused. The number of plants in the current population should be counted before no-wake zones are in place. Approximately one, two and three years after no-wake zones are implemented, the population should be censused again. The trend should be examined via a statistical comparison between the abundances at different times.
Advocate aquatic resources provisions in land use plans of Kosciusko and Noble Counties
A statewide organization called Planning with POWER that is based out of Purdue aims to incorporate watershed planning with land use planning. They have made a PowerPoint presentation available to local officials. A presentation can be requested by contacting Robert McCormick: (765) 494-3627. More information can be found on the website: http://www.planningwithpower.org.
Follow up Harza recommendations for implementation
Develop and implement a standardized protocol for measuring water quality and
documenting "how we are doing" relative to the Mission
In order to determine the state of the water in the watershed, Secchi disk measurements should be taken at several points throughout the watershed. Emphasis should be placed on areas where there is direct human contact. Five points within Lake Wawasee, including the middle of the lake, as well as one point each in Syracuse, Bonar, and Papkeechie Lakes are recommended. Data should be taken monthly at each location. These data should be examined after each year to determine yearly as well as long-term trends. In addition, previous Secchi disk measurements taken in the middle of Lake Wawasee should be examined with new measurements from the same point. These data should then be converted to total phosphorus and chlorophyll a levels via Carlson’s TSI. In areas where Secchi measurements are low, or chlorophyll and phosphorus are high, further testing can be done to answer more detailed questions.
Road salt used in the watershed could contribute to decreased wetland health due to increased chloride. In order to determine how much road salt affects the health of the watershed, more research should be done. The amount of road salt used, as well as the chloride levels in the watershed should be examined.
Each year, an annual report detailing the state of water quality in the watershed should be published. The Secchi disk depths and corresponding Carlson’s TSI values from the middle of Lake Wawasee should be published in this report. In addition, the annual report could include information on the state of zebra mussels in the watershed and any special studies being done by the DNR or other groups. This report could be sent to the community in the watershed, as well as the DNR and other local agencies. In addition, communication of water quality data with a similar organization that has its own data would be helpful to benchmark WACF’s efforts.
Fundamental objective: Education
Hold formal educational events for children
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is a program based
on promoting awareness of water resources. Its aim is teachers and resource
managers. A 6-hour workshop costs $12 and provides a curriculum guide for K-12,
as well as activity ideas. More information can be obtained from the national
website: http://www.projectwet.org or the Indiana website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/soilcons/wet.
Of particular interest is the annual Water Festival sponsored by Project WET,
held nationwide on Water Education Day in September. A free set of materials
for hands-on exhibits will be sent to schools and communities that apply.
Educate local community about WACF and landowners' options for conservation
The groups of people comprising the Wawasee area “community” must
be defined before education of the local community can begin. The community
should include all people who have an effect on, or are affected by the Wawasee
Area Watershed. These may include property owners, lawn care operators, public
boaters, commercial operators, renters and farmers.
Once the community is defined, programs can be developed to educate all groups that comprise the community. Annual efforts could include ecology fairs to educate local residents, a regular workshop or seminar, an increase in the number of newsletters mailed from one per year to four per year, and presentations at neighborhood association meetings. The WACF brochure should be updated also to include more recent conservation activities, as well as a guide to conservation options for landowners. In addition to these annual events, special events should be used to address issues concerning the community as they arise.
Educate lawn care companies about effects of lawn care on water quality
Six local lawn care/landscaping companies have been contacted, most of which are very small. All of the people surveyed were somewhat aware of environmental impacts of both mowing and fertilizing. All would be interested in receiving more information on water quality concerns. Construction of a handout similar to that distributed by Michigan State Extension would be useful in educating these companies. MSU’s handouts can be found at http://www.turf.msu.edu. Then, approximately two years later, a second survey should be conducted to detect any changes in practices.
Educate farmers in the watershed about the effects of runoff on water quality
The diagnostic/feasibility study done by Commonwealth identifies several places in the Wawasee Area Watershed in which there is field erosion on highly erodible land (HEL). It is important to reassess these areas and find new sites throughout the watershed on which HEL exists. Talking to farmers about CRP, and distributing information about their options would be effective. Sam Sinclair of the local soil board should be contacted for assistance.
Fundamental Objective: Fundraising
Focus diligently on $3.5 million Capital Campaign
In order to acquire and manage the desired wetlands throughout the watershed, $3.5 million must be raised. Thus far, WACF has raised approximately $1.2 million. Over the next 1.5 years, $2.3 million must be raised. This money will come from a focused effort, including follow-up contacts to potential sponsors and additional fundraising parties.
Apply for grants to fund projects that stem from Harza Engineering Feasibility Study
Grants for the design phase of several projects recommended by the Harza Engineering Feasibility Study have already been obtained. These projects are the enhanced wetland on Dillon Creek, the sediment trap in Bayshore Channel, the check dam on Dillon Creek, and the check dam on Martin Creek. Once the firm and design plans for these projects are finalized, WACF should seek grant money for their construction phase.
Apply for grants as part of Capital Campaign
Modify development database in order to streamline record keeping and mail query
process
Expand database
The database should be expanded regularly to include first-time sponsors and volunteers. A database that is updated regularly will ensure that sponsors and volunteers are contacted regularly and that their money and services are used effectively.
Consider contracting out the mail process for increased efficiency