The Great Lakes Commission has awarded the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership (BRWP) a $147,330 Great Lakes Basin Funding grant for sediment and phosphorus reduction in the Tiderishi Creek watershed. The Tiderishi Creek watershed is located in Hancock west of Findlay.

Since most of the land use in the Tiderishi Creek watershed (79.5%) is for cropland

(BMPs) in fields to prevent the loss of phosphorus and soil from the fields. The eligible practices will be nutrient management plans, Controlled Water Structures, In-Stream sediment removal, phosphorus filter, cover crops and conservation tillage. Each practice will involve a cost-share for the farmers. Interested farmers should contact the Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or Phil Martin, watershed coordinator (419-422-6487).

The BRWP had written and received full endorsement of a nine element nonpoint source implementation strategy (NPS-IS Plan) for the Tiderishi Creek watershed earlier this year by the EPA. A NPS-IS Plan is require by the EPA to receive funding.

The BRWP represents the six counties of the Blanchard River Watershed is a non- profit organization dedicated to improving water quality through developing citizen involvement and watershed action plans. Volunteers are welcome to join activities at any time.

Learn more about the Blanchard River on the BRWP website at www.BlanchardRiver.org.