By JONI TRUEX
KLA Public Information Director

SYRACUSE — Kosciusko Leadership Academy met at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation to learn about Aquatic Ecology in Kosciusko County. Nathan Bosch, Ph.D., director of Center for Lakes and Streams, explained the far reaching effect of the lakes.

Economic impact of the lakes include the lake values total over $3 billion. The fishing industry contributes $28 million annually. The total monetary impact of boating tourism and retail sales is
being studied. The county tax revenue is $15 million increase between lake and non lake property and the value of all vacation homes.

The Lakes & Streams has formed many partnerships and have resulted in joint projects, such as the Tippy river logjam removal. The center third of the river is being cleared throughout our county. The logjam has to cover the entire river all the way across in order to qualify as a logjam. So far, 155 of the designated 200 jams have been cleared. The Tippecanoe River is one of the eight most valuable
rivers in the country for its biodiversity.

Center for Lakes & Streams also partners with the cities of Warsaw and Winona Lake for the Lakes Festivals. Partnering with area schools — Lakes & Streams offers Lakes in The Classroom and Field Days. This year Kiwanis Club of Warsaw sponsored a Field Day. Wawasee Area Lake Conservancy and other organizations concerned with improving and preserving our lakes are additional partners.

Over this past year there have been five chemical spills — three in Winona and two in Wawasee. The Center for Lakes & Streams has been instrumental in investigating, testing, resolving, and future
prevention.

Executive Director of Wawasee Area Lakes Conservancy Heather Harwood addressed the KLA Cadets and guests.

The WACF was formed as a local not-for-profit foundation dedicated to the preservation and
protection of the Wawasee watershed. There have been five major areas for acquisition, including 820 acres and acquisition of 48 wetland properties. The conservancy hosts an education center, new pier, pavilion, three miles of walking trails on the property.

The Wawasee watershed land use is mainly agricultural. The focus is on high erosion of soil. There is also promotion of good boating practices. The hope to have a boating education center at the
conservancy someday. The WACF also offers Saturday morning lake talks and canoe trips.