Stewardship
The WCIWA holds true to the adage that we borrow the earth from our children. It is our responsibility to not only protect our natural resources for our children, but for the other people and places which we affect. Our goal is to promote and implement programs that preserve, restore, protect, and enhance the water quality and the overall environment of the watersheds of the region.
Current Work
The WCIWA has completed an overall plan for protection and restoration of the Busseron Creek Watershed based upon the analysys of water quality testing results, inventories of stream and habitat health, land use, and other available data. Critical areas have been identified and are targeted for implementation of best management practices, restoration projects, and other means of conservation - allowing us to make the most effient use of available funds and volunteer hours.
Meanwhile, similar work has commenced in the Turtle Creek, Turman Creek, and Kelley Bayou watersheds. Completion of a watershed management plan for these areas is targeted for winter 2012.
10 Simple Things You Can Do Now
You don't need to wait for the official Watershed Management Plan to make a difference in your own backyard. A few simple things can make a difference!
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If you wash your car at home, make sure no soaps or oils enter the storm drain. Either wash you car without soap,
pull it onto your lawn, or take it to a carwash. - Keep motors and vehicles in good repair, making sure to fix any leaks... including boats, heavy equipment, and lawn mowers.
- Store chemicals (fertilizers, oils, paint, cleaners, etc.) securely and in proper containers. Make sure they cannot leak and be washed into the drainage system.
- Apply pesticides and fertilizers only when needed - and according to label directions.
- Sweep sidewalks and drives rather than hosing them.
- Maintain septic systems properly. Do not flush anything that cannot break down. Avoid excessive use of bleaches, cleaners, and anti-bacterial products.
- Protect exposed soil. Maintaining crop residue, sowing cover crops, and protecting home landscape projects are a few ways to help prevent soil erosion... one of the biggest contaminants in our nation's streams.
- Preserve streamside vegetation. It not only stabilizes banks, it can filter contaminants, and larger trees & shrubs can provide much needed shade.
- 9. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Make use of Recycling Trailers. Recycle Ink Cartridges on behalf of schools and non-profits. Donate cell phones to shelters. Recycle batteries - it's a great way to make sure they don't become an environmental hazard.
- 10. Don't litter. Don't dump anything that you would not want to swim in or drink into a storm drain or creek. Dispose of items that cannot be donated or recycled properly.
