Many years of sampling, study and discussion of the Switzerland County Indian Creek Watershed have resulted in the receipt of a wonderful grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).  The Section 319 water quality grant for $130,000 has provide a two-year study of the Indian Creek watershed.  Through the cooperative work of the Switzerland County Soil and Water Conservation Office, Historic Hoosier Hills, Switzerland County High School, Switzerland County Health Department, Purdue Extension Service and community volunteers, the Indian Creek watershed will be the focus of intense study.

            The Indian Creek watershed project has an interesting history.  In the spring of 2001, Switzerland County Environmental Science students, under the direction of Mrs. Bonnie Fancher, developed a strong concern regarding the presence of bacteria in Indian Creek water sampling.  Student concerns were taken seriously and immediately addressed by community officials from the Switzerland County Health Department, SWCD and Purdue Extension Service.  An Indian Creek watershed taskforce of local officials, concerned citizens and students was formed to discuss and further study the water quality of Indian Creek.  Numerous meetings were held over a two-year period.  Additional Indian Creek water sampling was completed and data evaluated.  The Indian Creek watershed taskforce decided that action was necessary to address concerns about Indian Creek water quality.  Mr. Terry Stephenson, coordinator for Historic Hoosier Hills Resource Conservation and Development Inc., led the group in developing a 319 water quality grant application.  Also instrumental in the grant writing process were Joe Spiller, of the Switzerland County Health Department, Tim Schwipps and Casie Auxier of the SWCD, Bonnie Fancher, Switzerland County High School, and Switzerland County Council member John Keeton.  The grant was finalized in December 2003.  The watershed taskforce was notified by IDEM of the grant approval by USEPA in the spring of 2004 and grant activities officially began in November 2004. 

            This is an exciting time for the Switzerland County community.  Educational opportunities and improved environmental quality will positively impact our county in years ahead.  Community citizens can look forward to announcements of project activities and meetings through the local media.  For further information on the Indian Creek watershed project contact Katie Collier at the Switzerland County SWCD, (812) 427-3126 extension 3.