The committee formed when efforts to address the pollution problems of Patoka Lake began in December 2004, it was then that representatives from the Patoka Lake Regional Water & Sewer District contacted Toby Days with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water. The two organizations agreed to voluntarily work within the community to develop a Source Water Protection Plan (SWP) for the Patoka Lake Watershed and support implementation of voluntary best management practices (BMPs) in the watershed. As this progressed through the spring and summer of 2005, a draft SWP plan was developed for the Patoka Lake Watershed. A committee was needed to guide the creation of the plan. Thus, the Patoka Lake Steering Committee was born. Today the committee exists to provide guidance, oversight and implementation of the elements laid out in the SWP. The group is committed to ensuring that the water quality of the Patoka Lake Watershed is protected and maintained for future generations.

     The steering committee is made up of a variety of stakeholders of the Patoka Lake Watershed ranging from invested individuals to local, state and federal agency members. The committee meets regularly, typically monthly, to discuss and collaborate on projects to protect the watershed. They work to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. They also work to promote public awareness of the watershed through outreach efforts. If you or your agency is interested in sitting in on a steering committee meeting or getting on our mialing list, send coordinater Emily Russell, and email. Emily's email is: emily.russell0411@outlook.com