Lake of the Woods and McClish Lake Watershed Diagnostic Study
We led the assessment and planning efforts necessary to set water quality improvement goals and complete a comprehensive Watershed Diagnostic Study for the Lake of the Woods and McClish Lake Watershed. The Lake of the Woods and McClish Lake Watershed is located in northeastern Indiana in the counties of LaGrange, Steuben, Noble and DeKalb. It is a small watershed comprised of only 3,370 acres. The watershed is a part of the larger Little Turkey Lake – Turkey Creek Watershed. The effort included engaging stakeholders from the local lakes and larger agricultural watershed. The final report provided Best Management Practice (BMP) recommendations and outlined the next steps necessary for conservation implementation. The Plan met the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Lake and River Enhancement diagnostic study standards and therefore positioned the Lake Associate for future funding.
PROJECT TASKS
- Completed full watershed assessment and authored diagnostic study
- Led strategic planning discussion, facilitated meetings, and built consensus among residents regarding lake management strategies
- Conducted environmental assessments and develop project GIS
- Synthesized and communicated water quality findings to the public
- Identified specific lake management recommendations
- Developed public education and outreach strategies
Little River Watershed Diagnostic Study
The Little River Watershed encompasses approximately 141,000 acres in north-east Indiana. The watershed crosses four counties, includes very diverse land uses, and is home to important urban centers like the newly annexed Aboite area of Fort Wayne and the City of Huntington. The river’s headwaters are heavily influenced by urban stormwater from Fort Wayne, industrial discharges from gravel operations, and sediment and nutrient inputs from the eastern tributaries. Our team led the assessment of wetland restoration opportunities and riparian buffer characterizations that aided in the identification of key water quality recommendations and solutions. We also compiled an Institutional Resources Assessment of all area stormwater programs, conservation initiatives, and watershed partnerships to help guide SWCD personnel toward effective future cooperative efforts. Particular attention was paid to the complex and staggered efforts of various MS4 programs, as well as educational venues and strategic planning approaches associated with local watershed partnerships, including the Allen County Partnership for Water Quality and the St. Joe River Watershed Initiative.
PROJECT TASKS
- Developed project GIS to identify critical areas
- Conducted stream buffer analysis and water quality sampling
- Created wetland, soils, and floodplain planning maps to identify restoration opportunities
- Completed Institutional Resources Assessment for use in outreach planning
- Coordinated public education and outreach materials
Big Walnut Creek Watershed Management Plan
The Big Walnut and Deer Creek watersheds encompass 270,000 acres in west-central Indiana. The primarily agricultural watershed is home to unique aquatic resources, regional agricultural initiatives, DePauw University, and several reservoirs. Our team lead the assessment and planning efforts necessary to set water quality improvement goals and complete a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan that meets Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) 319 standards. The effort included stakeholder engagement from a variety of industries, state institutions, federal agencies, the Nature Conservancy, and the local Plan Commission. The final product identified several Best Management Practice (BMP) recommendations and has gone on to become the framework for conservation implementation in the area. The project continues to receive both state and local funding and has made such significant improvements in water quality that it is routinely pointed to as one of the region’s best examples of a watershed project success story.
PROJECT TASKS
- Authored EPA/IDEM compliant Watershed Management Plans
- Conducted water quality and habitat assessments
- Analyzed and mapped critical resources via GIS and field investigations
- Implemented landowner cost-share program and technical assistance
- Fostered and produced regular media communications and community event
- Develop creative public education and outreach programming for youth and adults
- Coordinated the Steering Committee and several topical subcommittees
Sue Crafton
Putnam County SWCD
Jeff Frey
Big Walnut
Maple Avenue Improvement Project
The Maple Avenue Improvement Project was part of the City of Noblesville’s Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) for its combined sewer system infrastructure improvements. This project utilized low-impact development (LID) principles to mitigate local stormwater impacts and remove a significant volume of stormwater from the combined system. Our team collaborated on design ideas and led the public involvement elements of the project. We utilized a creative outreach approach that focused around block captains to garner local input and quickly build awareness and support among residents. We led this local design advisory committee through instructive sessions on water quality challenges, impacts, and solutions to stormwater problems. The end-product was a streetscape that sets the design standard for near-downtown neighborhoods and one in which local residents feel pride and ownership. Win-win outcomes were achieved for traffic, parking, aesthetics, and the environment.
PROJECT TASKS
- Led all aspects of public involvement
- Created all public outreach materials
- Collaborated on stormwater design solutions
- Facilitated input from the local Design Advisory Committee
- Synchronized project with other City initiatives
- Coordinated local educational events