Tyler Black of Bluffton, representing the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, was elected vice-president of the Ottawa River Coalition during its recent annual meeting. This is his first term on the board.

Black said, “The Ottawa River Coalition plays an important role in watershed management and clean water.

“Something that I know, as vice-chair of the ORC and as a resident of Bluffton, means a great deal to everyone in the region.”

The Ottawa River Watershed weaves its way around Bluffton and Beaverdam from the south in Ada and includes Sugar Creek plus streams on the extreme northwestern portion of Allen County. (see map below)

The coalition, now in its 28th year, recently held its 2021 annual meeting in a virtual format, according to Haley Belisle, executive director of the coalition.

Belisle said, “This annual event is a time for the coalition to reflect on the achievements of the organization and look ahead to future endeavors.

This year, the coalition was able to remove the Allentown Lowhead Dam in the Ottawa River. This was a significant effort from our members and partners to establish long-term improvements in water quality.

We are looking ahead to a drive-thru version of our annual Good Friday Fish Fry, as well as establishing a scholarship fund, which are also firsts for the Coalition.”

Belisle has served as the Director of the Ottawa River Coalition since early 2020 after Beth Seibert stepped down.

During the annual meeting, 2021 officers were elected. They are Joe Gearing, chairman, representing the Allen County Engineer’s Office; Tyler Black, vice chairman, representing Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District; and Sophia Fisher, treasurer, representing the City of Lima Community Development Office.

Two persons were recognized during the annual meeting. They were Nate Tessler, as an outstanding watershed partner and Beth Seibert, who received the Watershed Impact Award.

About the coalition
The Ottawa River Coalition is a nonprofit collaboration of agencies, businesses, and organizations all working together to understand and protect water quality in the Ottawa River Watershed.

Their common connection is a shared interest in the health and well-being of our community and the life-giving natural resource that runs through it – the Ottawa River.

The local nonprofit is celebrating 28 years of partnering for a healthier river system. For more information, visit www.thisismyriver.org.