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From the Article: “Hoosier streams still have high levels of mercury” –
Reduction in air emissions isn’t reflected in waste water." Indianapolis Star.
Rudavsky, Shari. Feb. 2, 2009
How do planting grasses and seeds help?
No. 1 POLLUTANT =
Siltation / erosion / sedimentation is the #1 pollutant in our watershed.
*Grasses help to settle out suspended sediment in the water to help hold down
the soil that could be washed away because there is nothing to hold down the
barren soil when the water comes rushing down during a rain event.
*Grasses filtrate sediment by holding water for a longer period of time so the
sediment settles to the bottom instead of traveling downstream.
*Removal of nutrients from the water before it passes downstream.
*Plants produce enzymes which will absorb and “eat” bacteria
Natural removal of chemical pollutants like fertilizers and waste materials
removes nitrogen, phosphorous and toxins from surface water.
*Creating more shade helps to create Dissolved Oxygen that is
needed in the water for fish and other wildlife to “breathe.”
*Floods problems can be alleviated - grassy knolls and trees can capture, store
and slowly release water over a longer period of time
*Protect shorelines through reduction of destructive energy from
fast moving / rising water
*Alleviate pools of standing, stagnant water so West Nile will
not have the opportunity to be passed on in the bird, mosquito or human population
1. Improve water quality by breaking down, removing, using or retaining
nutrients, organic waste and sediment carried to the wetland with runoff from
the watershed
2. Reduce severity of floods downstream by retaining water and releasing it
during drier periods.
3. Protect stream banks and shore lines from erosion.
4. Recharge groundwater, potentially reducing water shortages during dry spells.
5. Provide food and other products—such as commercial fish and shellfish—for
human use.
6. Provide fish and wildlife—including numerous rare and endangered species—food
habitat, breeding grounds, and resting areas.
Introducing...
Lake Erie Waterkeeper
Save Maumee Program
Save Maumee Grassroots Organization research began in 2001
Save Maumee Projects, Remediation & Advocacy began in
2005
We joined forces with Lake Erie Waterkeeper in March, 2012
Lake Erie Waterkeeper ....Save Maumee program was formed to create
awareness about the conditions of the three rivers in Fort Wayne, Indiana, while
facilitating ecosystem restoration projects to help Lake Erie.
Ultimately, we attempt to repair and
improve the St. Joe, St. Mary, and Maumee Rivers while working to reverse years
of pollution. Revitalizing the St. Joe/Maumee Watershed will protect and restore
the environment, while improving the economic, aesthetic and recreational value
of the rivers.
We are organizing projects that place a high
priority on erosion control techniques to help with erosion/sedimentation to
restore the rivers with a positive environmental impact.
We focus on the Maumee because the St. Joe and the St. Mary's come together to
form the Maumee headwaters in Fort Wayne, IN - the most populated city in the
Upper Maumee Watershed
The Maumee River is the largest and longest contributing stream to the Great
Lakes in the United States!
Up to 80% of a streams water quality is
inherited at its headwaters.
The Maumee River empties into Lake Erie via
the Western Basin
Save Maumee Waterkeeper wants fishable, swimmable
water.
Reminiscence of The Three Rivers Festival Raft Race
and Johnny Appleseed Park Beach that are no longer appropriate due to pollution
and related illness.
Fort Wayne, Indiana ~ The Summit City ~ Known for
it's 3 Rivers
The Maumee River remains on the 303 (d) list for impaired water
(Integrated Report 2010).
Other impaired
beneficial use means:
1. restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption
2. tainting of fish and wildlife
3. degradation of fish wildlife populations
4. fish tumors or other deformities
5. bird of animal deformities or reproduction problems
6.
degradation of benthos-collection of organisms living on the lake/river bottom
7. restrictions on dredging activities
8.
eutrophication or undesirable algae
9. restrictions on drinking water consumption, or taste and odor problems
10. beach closings and limited recreational activities
11. degradation of aesthetics
12. added costs to agriculture or industry
13. degradation of
phytoplankton and zooplankton populations
14. loss of fish and wildlife habitat (EPA: Area of
Concerns, Maumee River, 2010)
Success & Action Call Save Maumee
Waterkeeper Project
invites you to attend our monthly action meetings ~
Meetings at Don Hall's Old Gas House -
The FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH - 7PM-8PM sharp
Meeting location is outside on the
deck - we will be inside if weather is not cooperating. Free coffee and
tea will be served. CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS
305 E. Superior St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Upper Maumee Watershed Group formed in July, 2009!
Save Maumee is represented as one vote, among many, for your waterways! Come and
be another vote for clean water!
Join Us -
www.uppermaumeewatershed.com
This group will write a watershed management plan for our area.
email
Nicole Grindley
to get involved!
"To preserve, protect, and improve the watersheds, waters, and fish of Lake Erie,
The Great Lakes' warmest, shallowest, most biologically productive lake, and to
increase public awareness through collaboration, education and advocacy."
River restoration is a necessity,
not a luxury. U.S. citizens depend on the services that healthy streams and
rivers provide.
Let's all join together! Please invest in Natural Capital!
Please email Abigail
King or call (260) 417-2500 if you have any questions or
comments.
Lake
Erie Waterkeeper Inc.
