There are many streams and lakes that surround our local communities. These bodies of water are used for drinking water, water for agriculture and manufacturing, and offer recreation activities for families. Protecting the quality of water in the Cedar Creek watershed is the topic for two upcoming public meetings.

The Flint-Henderson watershed has been designated as a nitrogen priority in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. As a sub watershed, the Cedar Creek watershed is located primarily in Warren County with a small portion falling in Knox and Henderson Counties.

Illinois Extension is collaborating with University of Illinois Department of Urban and Regional Planning to develop a watershed-based management plan for the Cedar Creek watershed. This plan will summarize the overall condition of the watershed, and provide an integrated, holistic framework to effectively and efficiently restore water quality in impaired waters, as well as protect water quality in other waters adversely affected or threatened by point source and nonpoint source pollution.

University of Illinois Extension is asking those who live or work around the Cedar Creek watershed, and those interested in improving local water quality to join them for one of two meetings to discuss water quality concerns and potential solutions that could be addressed in the watershed based plan development.

For public safety, the Zoom meetings will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. and at 5 p.m. Advanced registration is required to receive the link to log in, or a phone number to call in. 

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact Rachel Curry at (217) 265-0851 or by e-mail, or Carrie McKillip by e-mail. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for the requested accommodation.