Public invited to shape the future of the Big Raccoon Creek Watershed

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 9:45 AM

By Paul Gable

Residents who live, work, farm, or play in the Big Raccoon Creek Basin are invited to share their valuable input at a public meeting to kick off the Big Racoon Creek Watershed project.

This informational session will be held on Tuesday, August 19, from 5:30 pm to 7 p.m. at the Parke County Soil and Water Conservation District Office (252 S. Ridgewood Drive, Rockville, IN). RSVP is requested at bit.ly/BigRaccoonPublicMtg (case sensitive). This is intended to be a drop-in-as-your-schedule-allows meeting.

This initial stage of the project aims to gather data and information, develop the project steering committee, and begin formulating the gathering of public opinion. Your perspectives on the Big Raccoon Creek, its streams and watershed are crucial. Share your thoughts and suggestions regarding water quality, quantity, stream quality, recreation, or other related topics.

"This is a vital opportunity for the community to directly influence the future health and vitality of the Big Racoon Creek Watershed," said Sara Peel, Watershed Project Coordinator. "We encourage everyone who cares about this important natural resource to attend and share their insights."

The Big Raccoon Creek Watershed project is in its early stages, with planning efforts just beginning in the community. Getting involved in a watershed project offers a direct opportunity to contribute to the health and sustainability of the local water resources that impact your community, from drinking water and recreation to the natural environment.

This project is made possible through partnerships with Partnership Parke County, Parke Community Foundation, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Purdue Extension Parke County, Purple Ribbon Seed, NRCS - Parke County, Keystone Cooperative, Ouabache Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Parke Trails Alliance, Farm Bureau, Parke County Health Department, Parke County Surveyor and Parke County Plan Commission.

If anyone is interested in participating or has more questions, please contact Amy South at parkeswcd@gmail.com or Sara Peel at 75-337-9100 or speel@arionconsultants.com.