Fall Festival
Indian Lake watershed tributaries receive excellent rating
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Written by Bellefontaine Examiner Staff
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Provided by Laker
Two of the largest tributaries carrying more than 50 percent of area runoff and containing the heaviest concentration of livestock in the Indian Lake watershed area were recently given excellent water quality ratings.
Students from the University of Dayton biology department earlier this summer tested one of the largest tributaries in the Indian Lake watershed area.
A report based on tests performed June 6 by the University of Dayton Biology Department showed 4 sensitive and 3 somewhat sensitive species of organisms were present in the south and north forks of the Great Miami River, which are indicators of good water quality. It was a first since monitoring began in 2001.
Since the ILWP began in 1990, farmers have helped improve the water’s quality in a variety of ways, including by trading in moldboard plows for no-till equipment, fencing livestock from streams, building wetlands and establishing grassed filter strips and waterways.
“We always knew the tillage changes farmers have made would have a positive impact, but none of us thought we would be able to bring so many tiny organisms back to life in these streams so quickly,” said Frank Phelps, area farmer and member of the Indian Lake Watershed Project Board of Directors.
Projects like this are long term and often take more than 50 years for nature to reestablish these key indicators of a stream’s water quality, program officials report.
“We are thrilled for both the users of Indian Lake and farmers in the watershed, especially since all the bad publicity that has been circulating because of the toxic algae scare at Grand Lake St. Mary,” said Dave Leiter, ILDC president.
“Farmers can take a lot of pride along with the lake sanitary sewer system in helping continue to make Indian Lake’s water quality safe for swimming and fishing.”
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Wetlands
Many people think of wetlands as swamps and mosquitoes. Wetlands,
however, can be very beautiful and play an important role
in nature. They provide habitat for waterfowl, fur bearing
animals and fish. Wetlands improve water quality by filtering
out pollutants - they are often referred to as "nature's kidneys".
Wetlands can help prevent floods.
Two new Wetlands have been constructed at Indian Lake State
Park
South of the nature center - will be used in programs for
students in schools participating in water quality education
programs. A dock platform has been installed on the wetland
so students can make first hand observations
East of the lake - This much larger wetland is located next
to the O'Connor Farm. It will be part of a large prairie/wetland
demonstration and education area.
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Indian Lake's memorial tree program
"Trees for Indian Lake" continues to be popular. In the fall persons wanting living memorials for loved ones can donate a tree. A memorial tree is planted by the park rangers in designated areas with a dedication plague. Several tree choices are available along with pricing. Contact the park office for more information (937) 843-2717
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