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Dear Elkhart Truth Editor:
Before the political rhetoric overtakes the
People's Forum, I'd like to point out two reasons to be grateful in 2008.
First, a big thank-you to the many sponsors utilizing tax revenues in a positive
way and publishing the "Elkhart County Waters: Ours to Protect" 2008-09
calendar. They include Elkhart County Parks and Recreation, the Elkhart
Environmental Center, the Elkhart EnviroCorps, Goshen Parks and Recreation, and
the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District. This two-year calendar
is a great tool for education and enlightening the citizens of Elkhart city and
county. It highlights the natural resource that helped build our dynamic
agricultural and manufacturing area.
Each of us can stand on Island Park, which is the bottom of the Elkhart River
watershed, and marvel at the natural beauty there. It comes via the 573 miles of
Elkhart River watershed (all upstream from us), with names like Lake Wawasee,
Pigeon River, Yellow Creek and Chain 'O' Lakes, among others. Elkhart alone uses
331 billion (yes, with a B) gallons of water each year from groundwater sources.
Additionally, Elkhart and St. Joseph counties respectively have the
fastest-flowing aquifers in the state at nearly 1,200 gallons per minute.
Everything that happens upstream from us affects our quality of life, and
what we do affects everything and everyone downstream from us. So, as I
continue to volunteer my time and give my presentations on groundwater issues,
the Midwest watershed system and sustaining habitat, I now have additional tools
and resource material to validate my facts.
Secondly, I am grateful for the heavy snows and rains this season, which have
helped replenish our groundwater levels and topped off water storage tanks. I
write this as my basement leaks from a yard severely saturated by melting snow
and heavy rains. We all have to suffer when there are weather extremes. Let's
not forget those folks in the drought-stricken Southeastern U.S.
I felt compelled to distribute a large number of these calendars to family and
friends and even the children on my school bus route. One student proudly
carries it in his backpack for use throughout the year.
My hope is that the next generation of citizens will understand what these fine
sponsors have provided for us, and also how important it is to respect and
manage our ground and surface water system. Every drop is vital.
DWIGHT FISH
Elkhart
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The calendar that Dwight speaks of is made available by the
Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership, a cooperative effort of local
government entities aimed at improving the quality of surface water in Elkhart
County. Their goal is to better manage and treat stormwater to keep our
waterways safe and clean. The partnership is comprised of the Town of
Bristol, City of Elkhart, City of Goshen, and Elkhart County.
For more information, visit
www.stormwaterelkco.org or call
574.533.3630, ext. 3.
To obtain a free copy of this calendar, click on the above
link and scroll down to the free calendar link. |
