WACF Acquires Property To Safeguard Wawasee-Area Watershed
August 12, 2021 at 9:30 p.m.
WACF Acquires Property To Safeguard Wawasee-Area Watershed
By Staff Report-
The wetland includes 25 acres located at Turkey Creek Road at the east end of Lake Wawasee. The property includes the inlet stream and mouth of Turkey Creek and has 365 feet of frontage shoreline. WACF secured this wetland through the estate of Patricia Ricks, through her son, Brian Ricks, according to a news release from WACF.
Indiana ranks tied for third worst state in loss of wetlands since 1780, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A tour around the lakes will confirm that the Wawasee Watershed has experienced similar loss and WACF believes the loss of even one acre of important wetlands is too much.
“WACF has been focused on preserving and protecting our watershed for 30 years,” stated Tom Yoder, WACF Board member and land acquisition chairman. “The Ricks property was identified in 1991 as an important acquisition due to its location and dense wetlands. We are grateful we can honor the Ricks family and protect this property.”
Wetlands represent a lake’s natural counterbalance because they filter out excess nutrients, the news release states. Phosphorous and nitrates feed organisms that lead to blue-green algae and poor water quality. Sediment carries the nutrients into the lake and it leads to poor water quality. This property encompasses the mouth of Turkey Creek, the dominant tributary feeding water through the lake system. The wetlands on this property are considered emergent wetlands, the last remaining on Lake Wawasee.
“WACF is grateful to the Ricks family for their willingness to continue dialogue with us for nearly 20 years as they considered how to best manage their property,” said Heather Harwood, WACF executive director. “We are humbled by the donors that have stepped forward to help us make this purchase and drive our mission. We also recognize the support of the community who share their time, talent and treasure with us.”
In 1991, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was created to protect, preserve and enhance the Wawasee Area Watershed for present and future generations.
Since its inception, WACF has focused on land acquisition, land management and education. It has protected nearly 1,000 acres of property within the watershed and nearly 13 miles of shoreline. On its properties, WACF has reconstructed wetlands, designed and implemented sediment control measures and developed activities aimed at limiting erosion and improving water quality in the Wawasee Area Watershed, thanks to the support of many generous partners in this work.
For more information about WACF, contact Shannon McNett-Silcox at 260-760-9153 or [email protected] or visit WACF.com.
The wetland includes 25 acres located at Turkey Creek Road at the east end of Lake Wawasee. The property includes the inlet stream and mouth of Turkey Creek and has 365 feet of frontage shoreline. WACF secured this wetland through the estate of Patricia Ricks, through her son, Brian Ricks, according to a news release from WACF.
Indiana ranks tied for third worst state in loss of wetlands since 1780, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A tour around the lakes will confirm that the Wawasee Watershed has experienced similar loss and WACF believes the loss of even one acre of important wetlands is too much.
“WACF has been focused on preserving and protecting our watershed for 30 years,” stated Tom Yoder, WACF Board member and land acquisition chairman. “The Ricks property was identified in 1991 as an important acquisition due to its location and dense wetlands. We are grateful we can honor the Ricks family and protect this property.”
Wetlands represent a lake’s natural counterbalance because they filter out excess nutrients, the news release states. Phosphorous and nitrates feed organisms that lead to blue-green algae and poor water quality. Sediment carries the nutrients into the lake and it leads to poor water quality. This property encompasses the mouth of Turkey Creek, the dominant tributary feeding water through the lake system. The wetlands on this property are considered emergent wetlands, the last remaining on Lake Wawasee.
“WACF is grateful to the Ricks family for their willingness to continue dialogue with us for nearly 20 years as they considered how to best manage their property,” said Heather Harwood, WACF executive director. “We are humbled by the donors that have stepped forward to help us make this purchase and drive our mission. We also recognize the support of the community who share their time, talent and treasure with us.”
In 1991, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was created to protect, preserve and enhance the Wawasee Area Watershed for present and future generations.
Since its inception, WACF has focused on land acquisition, land management and education. It has protected nearly 1,000 acres of property within the watershed and nearly 13 miles of shoreline. On its properties, WACF has reconstructed wetlands, designed and implemented sediment control measures and developed activities aimed at limiting erosion and improving water quality in the Wawasee Area Watershed, thanks to the support of many generous partners in this work.
For more information about WACF, contact Shannon McNett-Silcox at 260-760-9153 or [email protected] or visit WACF.com.
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