2013 was a great year for the Flatrock-Haw Creek Watershed Project that is sponsored by the Bartholomew County SWCD! During 2013, many producers took advantage of the cost-share program. Due to the increased interest in the cost-share, IDEM granted us an additional $100,000.00 for the efforts of implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Although it seems that the BMPs take full reign over the program, education and community service are still very important. In 2013 Cummins Engine Plant hosted three river cleanups. The first was held on the Haw Creek along Central Avenue. Another park cleanup was held in Mill Race. In November, another group of Cummins volunteers spent the day cleaning up Owens Bend Park and the area around it. Bartholomew County 4H and Jr. Leaders put on their waders and cleaned along the waters throughout Mill Race Park. It was a great accomplishment having so many wonderful children participating and enjoying themselves.
Another valuable aspect of the project has been water monitoring. Five sites are monitored monthly in the watershed. All of this is done by amazing volunteers who graciously give up their time one Sunday a month. The data collected by the monitoring is sent to Hoosier Riverwatch and is used for research on the quality of water in the Hoosier state.
The Flatrock–Haw Creek Watershed Project is not limited to the agricultural community, however. Citizens in urban areas have been taking advantage of the cost-share monies as well. Rain barrels have been installed in homes all over the watershed. This may seem like a small practice, but it is the gateway for bigger and better practices being implemented!