A watershed is the land area that drains into a body of water. How we use the land has a direct impact on water quality. the map above shows the boundaries of the Little Blue River watershed, which contains approximately 67,483 acres. The inset box on the state of Indiana indicates the location of the Little Blue River watershed.
What we've done
From 2004 through 2010, local citizens have taken a close look at the Little Blue River Watershed. Using individual, local, state, and national resources we've funded a diagnostic study, developed a Watershed Management Plan, taken water quality samples, gone canoeing and fishing, cleaned trash from the river, educated children, held field days and workshops, and envouraged farmers to adopt agriculture practices that protect and improve water quality.Since March 2008 the Rush and Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation Districts have worked with the Indiana Department of Enviromental Management Protection Agency. Farmers have used grant money to imlement Best Management Practices such as organic and conventional hay plantings, no-till systems, nutrient and pest management, cover crops, stream bank stablilization, filter strips and field borders. These practices will improve water quality now and in the future. Over the next five years it is estimated these new practices will help water quality by keeping out og the river system:
Sediment - 950.2 tons/year
Phosphorus - 1,308 pounds/year
Nitrogen - 2,590 punds/year
What this means to you
The Little Blue River was formed long ago as a channel to take melt water from an ancient glacier. Today it serves as an important drainage basin so the land is available for farming, houses, businesses - for US! It provides a home for wildlife, a place to have fun and relax, and lovely scenery to behold. But over the years sediment from erosion has begun to fill in the river channel. Nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer cause algae to bloom, which depletes oxygen for fish and other aqualitc life. Some people have used the river as thier personal dump when getting rid of old furniture, tires, and trash. Let's not lose our beautiful river!
What we've learned
Volunteers checked water quality in the Little Blue River and its main tributaries at ten sites from August 2008 through April 2010. The charts on this page explain what our research found - that water quality is neither terrible nor great. If we start now we've got a chance to protect what we have and improve the river for future generations.
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