Oak Orchard Watershed Protection Alliance meeting set

The Oak Orchard Watershed Protection Alliance was established in August to guide the development of the State of the Basin Report for the Oak Orchard Watershed. The Alliance, a multi-county effort sponsored by the Genesee and Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, is seeking participation and input from all of the stakeholders in the development of the "Oak Orchard State of the Basin Report" and future watershed planning efforts.

This State of the Basin Report will inventory assets and problems the watershed is facing and act as the first stepping stone to a watershed-wide plan. Funding for the State of the Basin Report was made possible through a Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FL-LOWPA) Special Projects Fund grant.

The water resources provided by Oak Orchard allow residents and visitors the ability to utilize water for recreation, economic benefit and aesthetic enjoyment. The watershed covers a large area, and provides a variety of uses and benefits to the community. The coordinated effort of all stakeholders within the watershed to identify those uses and benefits will enhance the use and enjoyment for years to come.

From the mouth of the river where the economy is driven by recreation, tourism and the sale of waterfront property, to electric power generation below two reservoirs, the ecologic value of wildlife refuges bordering both counties and the agricultural benefits including the unique muck land soils, this watershed is vital to both Orleans and Genesee counties. This State of the Basin Report is the first step in the development of a comprehensive watershed management plan.

The meeting will take place on September 15 at 7 p.m. at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Basom. Contact Nichelle Billhardt at 589-5959 for information.