The Vernon Fork Steering Committee sends their Watershed Management Plan of the Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River Watershed to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for review and approval.

Once the plan is approved, applications will be accepted for those interested in getting cost share to help implement conservation practices, such as cover crops, heavy use area pads, water systems for livestock, etc. If interested, a person will need to contact the Jackson or Jennings Co. SWCD / NRCS Service Center. A person will meet with the landowner or operator of the farm and get their ideas, fill out the ranking sheet and the steering committee will review and approve funding based on the ranking. The paperwork is simple, and the project is locally led.

The committee listened to the nitrogen management study results that was performed over the last three years within the Vernon Fork watershed. Professor Landon Yoder, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, spoke about nitrogen loses in correlation with rainfall events, soil types, and tillage used.

The Vernon Fork logo and several creeks' names will be installed this summer to educate the public about protecting the waters of the Muscatatuck.

Meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is scheduled July 2, however that is based upon the watershed plan being approved. Information will be sent out.