Groups Work Toward Improved Water Quality
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Ashleigh Reinsch-
However, these bodies of water would not be safe for the public without the efforts of the local lake associations to keep the water clean.
In the 1970s, the Winona Lake Preservation Association was formed to keep Winona Lake and the surrounding watersheds clean. It became officially incorporated Feb. 15, 1984. The WLPA and town of Winona Lake teamed together to find ways to make this happen.[[In-content Ad]]"Both entities recognize Winona Lake, Little Eagle and the streams entering into the lake as major assets of the community," said Joy Lohse, a member of Winona Lake Town Council and the Board of Directors of the WLPA. "All community members can make a difference in the protection and preservation of the lake water quality through preventing pollution from entering the lake from their homes and using phosphorus-free fertilizer on their lawns."
The WLPA has made weed control its focus. Members strive to prevent the growth of invasive weeds in order to preserve a healthy balance. They also monitor the quality of the water.
Chris Cummins, president of the WLPA, measures the water color and clarity for the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program eight times during the warm months.
The WLPA also partners with Winona Lake to organize a shoreline cleanup day during the last weekend in April.
"We request that community volunteers join both organizations to walk along the shoreline and streams to gather rubbish that has gathered over the winter months," Lohse said.
This year, the WLPA will also assist with the protection of the 4-H shoreline off of Smith Street in Warsaw.
"The goal is to prevent land erosion from entering the lake, destroying the shoreline and clogging surrounding canals with the erosion," Lohse said.
The WLPA will partner with the 4-H Fairground Committee to help with financial support in creating a natural sea wall to secure the 1,200-foot shoreline around Winona Lake near the 4-H fairgrounds.
Property owners around Center Lake formed the Center Lake Conservation Association. According to Troy Turley, CLCA president, water quality and weed control serve as its members' main concerns. Volunteers monitor water quality, especially during the summer months.
More information about local water quality efforts will be available to the public during the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival June 27. Activity booths, marine dealers, and entertainment booths will be set up in Central Park on Canal Street in Warsaw, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, log onto water.grace.edu or contact Eileen Boekestein at 574-372-5100, Ext. 6446, or [email protected]
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However, these bodies of water would not be safe for the public without the efforts of the local lake associations to keep the water clean.
In the 1970s, the Winona Lake Preservation Association was formed to keep Winona Lake and the surrounding watersheds clean. It became officially incorporated Feb. 15, 1984. The WLPA and town of Winona Lake teamed together to find ways to make this happen.[[In-content Ad]]"Both entities recognize Winona Lake, Little Eagle and the streams entering into the lake as major assets of the community," said Joy Lohse, a member of Winona Lake Town Council and the Board of Directors of the WLPA. "All community members can make a difference in the protection and preservation of the lake water quality through preventing pollution from entering the lake from their homes and using phosphorus-free fertilizer on their lawns."
The WLPA has made weed control its focus. Members strive to prevent the growth of invasive weeds in order to preserve a healthy balance. They also monitor the quality of the water.
Chris Cummins, president of the WLPA, measures the water color and clarity for the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program eight times during the warm months.
The WLPA also partners with Winona Lake to organize a shoreline cleanup day during the last weekend in April.
"We request that community volunteers join both organizations to walk along the shoreline and streams to gather rubbish that has gathered over the winter months," Lohse said.
This year, the WLPA will also assist with the protection of the 4-H shoreline off of Smith Street in Warsaw.
"The goal is to prevent land erosion from entering the lake, destroying the shoreline and clogging surrounding canals with the erosion," Lohse said.
The WLPA will partner with the 4-H Fairground Committee to help with financial support in creating a natural sea wall to secure the 1,200-foot shoreline around Winona Lake near the 4-H fairgrounds.
Property owners around Center Lake formed the Center Lake Conservation Association. According to Troy Turley, CLCA president, water quality and weed control serve as its members' main concerns. Volunteers monitor water quality, especially during the summer months.
More information about local water quality efforts will be available to the public during the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival June 27. Activity booths, marine dealers, and entertainment booths will be set up in Central Park on Canal Street in Warsaw, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, log onto water.grace.edu or contact Eileen Boekestein at 574-372-5100, Ext. 6446, or [email protected]
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