Assuming hands-on project is desirable as opposed to an "academic study," four come to mind.  Each has very different levels of financial and mentoring needs. You might wish to consider describing all four as they are all fascinating, deserving of attention, in need of help, and could serve Valpo well as valuable demonstration work/study projects for science students as they help conserve our local environment. Despite what might seem to be a "seasonal nature" to each of these projects,
there is much to be done in preparation during the winter.

1. Biological Control of invasive purple loosestrife.  This on-going project is well developed, has a track record and we know how to do it.  We have practical experience, two or three entomologists who can  mentor students, a network of government and private volunteers, some equipment, and plenty of immediate need. We have already introduced gallerucella beetles into the natural environment and seen some resulting defoliation.  Similar projects are being conducted throughout the country with varying levels of success. We envision dozens of experiments that could be conducted in the lab or in the field that would further our knowledge and goals.

2.  Planting of native vegetation along shorelines as a method of reducing erosion and controlling Canada Geese. This project has also been well underway for three yeas at one location overseen by our group and at two other sites by the city or Valpo Parks Department.  We have two botanists, student and adult volunteers,  plots of land on both public and private property, and a substantial source of seeds and seedlings.

3. Installation of storm drain markers.  We, along with the Valparaiso Water Department, embarked on a plan to install plastic discs on street side storm drains notifying nearby residents that the drains ultimately lead to lakes and streams.  Though we have installed markers on a few hundred drains, a couple thousand remain un-marked.  We have some funding, a federal mandate, experience with volunteers, and much community backing for this one. It includes a significant component of public education by pamphleting and conversing with nearby homeowners who think storm drains are a great place to dispose of old paint, pesticides, and oil they remove from their cars and lawn-mowers.

4. Biological control of Eurasian Water Milfoil.  This project is only envisioned by our group.  We have one expert advisor who has limited experience in actually raising the natural predator, a weevil.  This project would be very experimental and could require a major grant for equipment and materials, permits and applications, and use of a greenhouse and/or laboratory.   

Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group, Inc.
(a 501-C-3 not-for-profit corporation)

   Our mission is to protect and maintain our lakes and surrounding environs through education, conservation, pollution monitoring, research, and invasive species control. We are committed to waste reduction, recycling and the use of best land-use practices to ensure that our lakes remain quality habitats for fish, wildlife, and human recreational use.

Sept. 15, 2003, Minutes of Meeting

Members present: Walt Breitinger, Phil Rowe, Phil Doolittle, Kevin Breitzke, Jim Rowe, Eric Biddinger, Randi Light, Noel Evans, Bryant Mitol, Jane and Dick Frye, Bob Simmons from IDEM, Peter Wilkins, Melissa Lucas, Kathy Luther, Lou and Harry Phillips.

Walt opened the meeting with passing out new brochures for the VCW. It celebrates many things that we do, believe in and are involved in. Given all that we support, four main topics were covered: Geese, E.Coli, Septic systems, and Invasive plants and fish. Distribution will be through door-to-door hand delivery. Noted is that we are a not-for-profit group and any donation would be appreciated.

The domain name of “Valparaiso Chain of Lakes.org” has been reserved. A web page needs to be created and a server located. If you are willing to donate your experience, please call Walt Breitinger, the president of the VCW.

After introductions, minutes were reviewed and approved as read. Phil Doolittle made the motion and Phil Rowe seconded.

Treasury: Warren Webb deposited a $1,000.00 check from the Storm Water Management Board. We will be paying $750 for the printing of the pamphlet (money coming from a NIPSCO Employees Challenge grant), $10 for the Indiana Secretary of State for renewing our  501-C-3 registration, $37.00 for stamps to Phil Rowe, motioned for approval by Kevin Breitzke, seconded by Harry Phillips.

Septic systems: Mr. Doolittle mentioned that the Indiana State Department of Health has proposed preliminary adoption of new rules for septic systems. These rules have been controversial and vigorously opposed by the Builder’s Association of LaPorte County and others. Key to the issue is nitrate reduction. The rule would require nitrate reduction in the form of secondary treatment on all systems installed in soils with a nitrate leaching index greater than 10. Typically, these soils are coarse sands.
-The rule requires two-compartment septic tanks (or tanks in a series) on all conventional systems-better systems but added cost to the homeowner. These costs for new homeowners could reach $8,500-$10,500 per system plus annual maintenance fees.
-The rule does not allow system installation when the ground is frozen, therefore reducing the construction season.
-Secondary treatment uses a special device. Only one has been approved in the rule and only 2 companies in Indiana distribute it. There are few qualified installers since only one system has been installed in Indiana.
-The list of requirements is long. Visit www.balc.org for updates.

At this time, we don’t know how these rules affect future and former septic fields surrounding our lakes.
Phil Doolittle suggested two different perspectives on the issue: 1) with the increased cost of septic systems, sanitary sewers may become more cost effective  2) with the cost of new homes increasing, people may be buying and enlarging older, existing homes without up-grading the septic system.
IDOH intended to put this new rule into place in 2004, but controversy may delay its acceptance for some time. So far, two local public meetings were held in July and August. Contact Mr. Alan Dunn of the Indiana State Department of Health, at (317) 233-7177 for more information.

All of our lakes are state property. Eurasian milfoil is taking over most of our lakes, which makes it almost impossible to use motors on them. It is quickly spread by propagation of plant parts by geese, property owners cutting paths through the plants, and boat propellers cutting up plants. This year the milfoil is extremely thick and continues to become a major problem. Attempts to eradicate it mechanically have spread it. The amount of chemicals required to treat our lakes would be cost prohibitive, is a short-term solution and could have a negative environmental impact. Grass carp will eat all of the vegetation without care for which plants they eat. Weevils have been used to kill the milfoil and could be a long-term solution, but they have not yet been proven to be effective.
Although we may never eradicate the Eurasian watermilfoil, we may be able to decrease its density to the point it is no longer a major problem. The fix might include a mix of the use chemicals to take care of the immediate problem, then use the natural approach for long term. In any event, we need state support to help control this problem.

Randi Light was introduced. For twenty years, she has worked as an environmental educator and trainer working with adults and children. Welcome to VCW!

Noel Evans has been raising native plants for Rogers-Lakewood Park. One area needs to be weeded so that the native plants and flowers can flourish. This area has been neglected but can be revived. Volunteers are needed for planting this fall.  Phil Doolittle volunteered to help reduce the overgrown grass and Eric Biddinger will ask the Master Gardeners for volunteers.

Biodiversity Blitz is a 24-hour biodiversity workshop that we could help sponsor in the near future. Several environmental groups have been contacted to work on one locally in 2005. It is a rapid assessment of what is living in a particular area at a given point in time. To those participating or witnessing one, a BioBlitz is ecological entertainment-part scavenger hunt, part marathon race and part story. Collecting specimens and bird watching are included in a whole variety of activities. To date, fifty-eight BioBlitzes have been held in twenty-five states. It would take a year to plan and a lot of dedicated work to make it a reality. Phil Rowe made a motion to further investigate the concept, Lou Phillips seconded. Walt will invite speakers to share information with the group, hopefully for our next meeting. Eric Biddinger stated his organization would participate 100 %.

Eric Biddinger mentioned that phosphorus free fertilizer is made from soybeans. It is environmentally friendly and can be purchased in Michigan. Eric said, “I have heard someone from IDEM state that if the current pace of fertilizer over use is not corrected now, we could see fertilizers become restricted use in twenty years.”
Eric said Pinney-Purdue Agricultural Center is constructing a conservation wetland just over the county line near Wanatah.
If you notice groups of dead red, black or pin oak tree, please notify Eric. The leaves originally turn bronze from the outside in. This may be oak wilt and these trees may hold onto their leaves, even though they are dead. Although the tree is dead and chopped down, the bacteria has traveled through the ground to other trees via their root systems. The tree leaves begin bronzing in May from the outside in. Eric is attempting to map out its range.
 For more information see www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-28.html

Next meeting will be Monday, October 20, 2003 at 6:30 P.M, Porter County Administration Building. Hope to see you there.

Note:  As much as 75% of all pollution is from non-point sources such as run off!!!!!

PROTECT OUR WATERSHED
-Reduce use of lawn chemicals, especially phosphates.
-Landscape wisely to prevent erosion & plant vegetation.
-Maintain and pump your septic system regularly.
-Don’t feed the geese or cut grass along the waters’ edge.
-Use non-toxic products only.
-Conserve water.
-Recycle oil, antifreeze, metals, plastics and paper.
-Attend Chain of Lakes seminars.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lou Phillips, secretary

Please mark your calendar (if you don’t mind getting muddy).  George Smolka and Walt are planning to dig loosestrife plants from Long Lake area on Saturday, Oct 25th. They need a few volunteers to help out in order to stockpile rootstock for use with local schools’ loosestrife control projects this winter.
Valparaiso Chain of the Lakes Watershed Group, Inc.

Our mission is to protect and maintain our lakes and surrounding environs through education, conservation, pollution monitoring, research, and invasive species control. We are committed to waste reduction, recycling and the use of best land-use practices to ensure that our lakes remain quality habitats for fish, wildlife, and human recreational use.
 

Minutes from the July 21st, ’03 meeting and seminars

Minutes from previous meeting were reviewed.  Bill Weiss moved & Dick Fryer seconded that minutes be approved.  All voted in favor.
 

Storm Water
Daryl Brown reported on meeting with the Valparaiso Storm Water Management Board at which he described the territory in which our group installed about 400 storm sewer markers.  Walt added that he and the VHS biology teacher who helped install markers discovered that some home owners still dump used oil and other pollutants into the storm drains not realizing the extent of environmental damage they are causing.

Invasive species
George Smolka reported that he has established a resident population of beetles  which eat loosestrife in the Griffith area and, when sufficient numbers are achieved, he will bring more to the Valpo Lakes. Walt reported that one of the North Long Lake loosestrife test sites has been defoliated by  gallerucella beetles.

Phil Doolittle reported that the Fish and Wildlife Department has turned over Canada Goose control decisions to the states at least so far as determination if the geese are migratory or resident.

Riverwatch Workshops

VCW member and Riverwatch Volunteer, Bryant Mitol, explained in detail the Riverwatch training and monitoring programs in which he has participated.

Riverwatch training was established by IDEM for not-for-profit organizations so they can collect and accumulate a data base so water  conditions can be monitored over the long term.  Each volunteer has a hydrologic “address” which he tests, monitors, and registers. The data is recorded and published on the internet and is considered official for each address.  Bryant’s address is a 200 ft strip along the Tippecanoe River. Chemical and biological tests are combined into an index number which is tracked for each site.

The volunteer keeps records of plants, animals, physical parameters (farm land, parking lots, forests, erosion, etc.) and points are granted for various habitat features for each site.  Water quality tests are taken 3 or 4 times per year.

Training explains how to perform chemical tests for dissolved oxygen, phosphates, nitrates, ph, temperature changes, turbidity, dissolved solids, etc.  Volunteers also take samples of invertebrates (such as insect larvae) which indicate pollution levels.  “Since some invertebrates are intolerant of pollution, these counts can be extremely revealing,” Bryant stated.

IDEM also sponsors training of similar tests which can be done on lakes.  Our group will keep an eye out for the next session and keep all members informed hoping for wide participation. There is no cost for Level One Riverwatch Workshops and it may be possible to arrange for one of our own if we can get 15 people to sign up.

Bryant emphasized that 75 % of all pollution is from non-point sources such as run-off !

Treasurer’s Report

Warren Web reported that we have a balance of $ 837.86 prior to the expected deposit of the reimbursement from the Stormwater Management Board.

Make it Safe for the Kids

Attorney, chemical engineer, and Director of Improving Kids Environment, Tom Neltner, took the limelight and mesmerized the audience with his fascinating , in depth, scientific coverage of hazardous substances inside and outside of the home, and in our lakes and streams. He addressed questions on asthma, general air quality, chemicals that effect our hormone systems, lead poisoning, molds, and other health concerns impacting kids environment.

 One rule of thumb to remember: don’t use insecticide sprays indoors. Spraying is both dangerous to kids health and ineffective as a control.  Use bate traps instead.  “If parents have concerns about the air quality in a particular school, you have the right to have it investigated,” Neltner stated.  He also discussed extensively the hazards of lead paint and lumber treated with arsenic. Recycled plastic lumber is a good alternative.  Atrazine and Diazanon were two additional  hazardous pesticides he discussed.

Regarding mosquito control, Tom recommended prevention (clean-up tires, gutters, etc.) and larvaeciding as preferable to spraying for adult mosquitoes. Spraying is ineffective and can harm human health.

Although cancer of  the central nervous system is increasing, data on cancer rates in Indiana is not well tracked or documented.

The Times ran a front page article with large color photos on July 28th praising Neltner’s lecture.

Zapper Evidence Shocks Audience

Though Tom’s presentation was lively and stimulated much discussion, the biggest shock to the audience occurred when Long Lake resident Phil Doolittle presented a plastic bag of over 2,600 dead “mosquitoes” accumulated in his bug zapper as evidence of its effectiveness in eliminating mosquitoes around his yard.  Those accustomed to our meeting were not surprised when two entomologists (Bruce Cummings and George Smolka) eagerly accepted the bag for inspection and retorted “they are probably mostly tricoptera” (a harmless non-mosquito). The debate goes on.

Water milfoil problem observed at Long Lake

Phil Doolittle took Walt to several sites around Long Lake where Eurasian water milfoil seems to be increasing dramatically. This invasive aquatic (submerged)  plant forms dense canopies, shading out our native vegetation and inhibiting swimming and boating.  It has been a serious problem in Flint Lake for many years and seems to be spreading rapidly into other lakes. Walt will contact aquatic botanist Robin Scribailo for positive identification of the plant and advise regarding its control.  Robin has conducted extensive research on the plant and reported some success with a weevil which bores down the stems of milfoil.

A proposal from Alan Resitar of the Chicago Field Museum

Onemeans of attracting more folks to theannual LWL get-together is to change the format (and possibly time of year to late summer) for one year. One way of doing this is to do a two-day, 24-hour"BioBlitz" at one or more sites inthe Chain of Lakes area (one or all of following would be ideal sites: Camp Lawrence property, Rogers Lakewood Park andSunset Hill Park).A well publicized BioBlitz should draw lots of folks. Did you get a copy of the BioBlitz brochure I was distributing at the Porter Co. Wildlife Management Board table yesterday? It gives a nice review of the BioBlitz concept.See also http://chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/fall2002/bioblitz.html

The great thing about a BioBlitz is that it appeals to kids. By appealing to the kids, the entire family is naturally drawn in. In addition,these folks become part of the PR mechanism and publicize the event by word of mouth.A BioBlitz is alsoa major, localmedia event. For example, the Times carried two high profile stories prior to and after the Calumet BioBlitz. A BioBlitz would also have appeal over a wide swath of NWI. Fortunately we havebotanical, zoological, geological, meteorological, astronomical, etc. expertise locally to do a great 24 hour survey of the natural and celestial environment of one or more sites in the Valpo Lakes area. The one problem I foresee is the event getting too big and possibly overshadowing the sponsoring group or groups - some problem right?

A BioBlitz is time, labor and $$$ intensive. The estimated cost of the Calumet BioBlitz was $100,000. A BB is a natural for attracting grant money because it combines education and the natural environment.Getting grant funds to conduct environmental surveys is tough. However, through the BioBlitz mechanism in which surveys are combined with an educational event, grant funding issues are less problematical. In an area like Porter County, a BB should also appeal to corporate donors.

If you are interested in a BioBlitz, I would like to suggest it as being a joint effort between the Valpo Lakes group and the Porter County Wildlife Management Board. There are several advantages to joint sponsorship which I don't have time to get into now..

I have to run but a BioBlitz can accomplish the following:
Major publicity for the goals and objectives of the Valpo Lakes group, the Porter County Wildlife Management Board and Camp Lawrence.
Intensive biological and botanical surveys of some Valpo Lakes sites.
Formation of linkage among organizations and government units for the benefit of Porter County's environment.
A recognition of the unique natural attributes of theValpo Lakes area,in particular and NWI, in general

Hope to see you all on September 15 th at the Porter County Administration Building at 6:30 PM.
 
 

Protect Our Watershed

Reduce use of lawn chemicals, especially phosphates
Landscape wisely to prevent erosion & plant native vegetation
Maintain and pump your septic system regularly
Don't feed the geese or cut grass along water's edge
Use non-toxic products only
Conserve water
Recycle oil, antifreeze, metals, plastics, and paper
Attend Chain of Lakes seminars
 
 

Respectfully submitted,

Walt Breitinger