Acknowledgements

Among the many people who provided assistance and support throughout the writing of this book, we’d especially like to thank the following Valpo Chain of Lakes board members and advisory staff:

Phillip Rowe.  This book was Phil’s idea.  He and his wife, Mary, hosted the countless authors’ meetings feeding, cajoling and showing appreciation for the considerable effort each put forth.

Phil grew up in the watershed, graduated from Tri-State University with a degree in civil engineering, and worked as a project manager & superintendent in various industries   including Corp of Engineers Environmental Clean-up projects. An avid hunter, fisherman, canoeist and snowmobiler, Phil now spends his workday as Vice-President of Biesen Excavating while managing his family owned nursery, Rowe-Ling Acres, during evenings and weekends.

Phil Doolittle    Phil has resided in the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes watershed since 1944, once residing in the Long Lake Hotel, and has been active in conservation since age 12.   His original hunting, fishing and swimming experiences included Burlington Beach and Loomis Lake long before the park was established.  A VU graduate in the year 1962, Phil is a licensed professional engineer.  Phil served as president of the Porter County Conservation Club and remains an avid fisherman, hunter and swimmer.  He aids local conservation efforts by tree planting.   

Phil was elected treasurer of the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group, Inc in May of 2002.

Matt Jarvis

Began my career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a student trainee in 1991 in Columbus, Indiana. During my last semester at Purdue University, worked in the USDA National Erosion Lab on the Revised Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE).  After graduation from Purdue University with a B.S. in Natural Resources continued with NRCS in Jasper, Indiana as a Soil conservationist.  In November 1995 moved to Greenfield, Indiana as a Resource Conservationist for the Hancock/Henry Rush Counties Work Team with NRCS.  In August of 1999 accepted the position of Regional Watershed Conservationist, which is a liaison position with NRCS and Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Watershed Management Section.  Currently responsible for assisting groups throughout Northern Indiana in the development and implementation of watershed plans.  Now located in the Delphi, Indiana USDA Service Center.    

Daryl Brown

Bill and Maureen Weis

Dick and Jane Fryer

Dr. Michael Leland

Sandy O’Brien

Mike DeSt.Jean

Don Roberts

David Ortel

Will Webb

Marylou Phillipps