Tanners Creek is Focus of Committee
Trash in the creek, financial incentives for landowners, and septic system maintenance; these are just a few common concerns brought to the attention of the Tanners Creek Steering Committee during the first public meeting regarding the Tanners Creek watershed. On April 17, 2001 the steering committee hosted an hour-long public meeting at Perfect North Slopes that drew landowners, government officials, and concerned citizens for one common cause; the well-being of Tanners Creek and its watershed.

The meeting began with a short history of the steering committee. Cynthia Merrill, chairperson of the Tanners Creek Steering Committee, presented a slide show of opportunities and perceived problems in the watershed. "I never realized how beautiful the creek was until a few of us canoed down it" Merrill states, "there are some really fantastic sites!" The meeting then turned to a question/answer session facilitated by the regional watershed coordinator, Andy Ertel. Community members voiced their concerns anywhere from gravel bars in the creek to a need for financial assistance for landowners. Also mentioned was a concern for the amount of trash being dumped into the creek. Attendees cited garbage by their land as small as coke cans to as large as dishwashers and refrigerators. The steering committee will work to develop solutions for these concerns throughout the year.

The Tanners Creek Steering Committee is partnering with the Solid Waste Management District to coordinate a Tanners Creek Clean-up scheduled for June 9th, 2001. This all day event will give an opportunity for community members to lend a hand in their neighborhood and create valuable friendships. Lunch will be provided to the volunteers at no cost. If you'd like more information on this Clean-up, or would like to sign-up to be a volunteer, contact B.J. Ault at the Solid Waste Management District at: 812-537-8757 or Kris Streb at the Soil and Water Conservation District at: 926-2406 ex. 107.

The next Tanners Creek Steering Committee meeting will be held on May 1, 2001 at 7:00pm in the Ohio Room at the Dearborn County Hospital. The steering committee meetings are open to the public and we would enjoy hearing from you!


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