Headwaters is happy to announce the initiation of water-quality assessments for three tributaries of the North Fork of the Kentucky River: Crafts Colly, Sandlick, and Dry Fork. This is a long-awaited project and a major accomplishment in terms of long-term planning for the improvement of local waterways. As part of the assessments of the three streams, the Kentucky Division of Water has completed water-quality monitoring over the last year. The water-quality monitoring and assessments will lead to the development of a strategic plan for watershed improvement for the three tributaries of focus. This is a step-by-step approach to overall watershed improvement.
A major part of this project is to initiate and expand upon community water-quality improvement efforts in the North Fork of the Kentucky watershed. This is an exciting opportunity to further community engagement efforts surrounding watershed improvement. Headwaters looks forward to carrying out a leadership role in this and advancing the mission of the organization to improve local water-quality through community education, access to timely and accurate water-quality information, and encouragement of personal and community responsibility to care for local waterways.
For the first time in organization history, Headwaters has hired a watershed coordinator. Alex Beer, who has served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Headwaters for the past two years, has filled this position. Alex and Garth Adams, the current AmeriCorps VISTA, plan to work closely with community members and local project partners in identifying and addressing water-quality issues to improve the health of local streams and waterways.
This work is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Kentucky Division of Water under §319(h) of the Clean Water Act. Securing such funding is a significant step for Headwaters in both organizational development and expansion of watershed improvement programming. Headwaters looks forward to successful collaboration with Kentucky Division of Water, local and statewide partners, and community members to better waterways in Letcher County.
If you would like to learn more about this project or are interested in partnering or volunteering with Headwaters, please e-mail team@kyheadwaters.org or call 606-335-1856.