Urban
Conservation
Given
the rapid nature of urban development in our district, the Elkhart County
SWCD has identified Urban Conservation as a critical natural resource
issue. For this reason, we
have developed partnerships to help protect and conserve natural resources
in the urban areas of our county.
A
big part of this effort is helping the municipal and county governments
comply with state rules regarding stormwater quality and runoff
management. The SWCD currently
houses a Stormwater Coordinator (Eric
Kurtz) who works with these partners to implement their stormwater
quality plan, and is also responsible for coordinating public education
and involvement efforts.
A
related component of urban conservation efforts is helping construction
sites comply with state and local pollution prevention rules (“Rule 5”
and local equivalents). The
Urban Conservationist (Jason
Kauffman) reviews site plans, visits sites, and provides technical
assistance to developers and contractors so they can meet these
requirements.
The
SWCD is an integral part of the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater
Partnership, the partnership of municipal governments who are working to
meet federal and state stormwater or “MS4” requirements.
Below
you will find an index to helpful information regarding the Elkhart County
SWCD's Urban Conservation Program. Click on the links below to read
this information.