| |
The
inception of Blanchard River Watershed Partnership
(BRWP) began from a lunch meeting between the
OSU Extension
West District Watershed Agent, the
Hancock County Development Services Director
(position phased out i and the Interim Hancock
County Regional Planning Director on Dec. 13th,
2002. Discussions revolved around local issues
including flooding, a greenways project,
agriculture, water quality and the need for a
unification of collaborative efforts already
occurring.
Eventually many stakeholders came
together including representatives from 4 primary
counties and agencies in the watershed: Hancock,
Putnam, Allen and Hardin counties. Regular meetings
began in November of 2003 leading to the groups'
initial declaration of being identified as an
informal group called the Blanchard River Watershed
Partnership.
In spring, 2006, the BRWP began
the process of seeking
501(c)(3)
status from the United States Internal Revenue
Service. The granting of this designation
would assure that the BRWP is operating as a
non-profit organization. That would allow
membership fees, donations and in-kind contributions
to be tax deductible for the donor. The
application process is lengthy and is in the pending
stages as of August 1, 2006.
OUTREACH EFFORTS
In its brief existence, the BRWP has undertaken efforts in
getting the public involved in caring for the
Blanchard River watershed.
wIn
August, 2005, the BRWP hosted a field trip for the
public. The Ohio EPA was
conducting a fish count on the Blanchard
River at Blanchard Landing adjacent to
State Route 235 in Hancock County.
For well over an hour, EPA employees
explained and fielded questions regarding
the fish count, their work and water
quality.
wIn
May, 2006, the BRWP hosted a public watershed forum
at The University of
Findlay. Topics focused on the water
quality of the Blanchard River and some its
tributaries. Nearly 100 people were in
attendance to view watershed-related
displays and hear presentations by Steve Davis,
Resource Conservationist with
the Lima branch of the USDA-NRCS; Katie McKibben,
Nonpoint Source Program
Specialist; Ohio EPA-Northwest District
Office Division of Surface Water, Mylynda
Shaskus; Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water
and Dr. Michael Homsher,
Associate Professor,
The
University of Findlay School of Environmental and
Emergency Management.
wTwo-hour
educational canoe floats were hosted in June and
July, 2006.
|
|
