Ross SWCD To Host Water Panel Discussion

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(Chillicothe) – The Ross Soil and Water Conservation District is forming a panel of experts to discuss water resources and water quality. The panel discussion will take place at the district’s annual meeting and banquet on September 7th at the Ross County Fairgrounds.

Since water has been a popular topic in the news this year, the Ross Soil and Water Conservation District wanted to get a local perspective from local professionals about where our water comes from and what steps are taken to keep our drinking water safe and abundant.

Doors open for the event at 6pm and an Italian dinner will be served by BFI Catering at 6:30pm on Thursday September 7th at the Ross County Fairgrounds Multipurpose Building at 344 Fairgrounds Road in Chillicothe, Ohio. Tickets are $15 per person. Residents can make reservations at 740-772-1711, extension 3 or make reservations by emailing the district at admin@rosscountyswcd.org. The RSVP deadline is August 28th.

The district will also award a farming cooperator of the year and award a conservation educator of the year. Clarksburg farmer Zach Zurmehly will be recognized for the numerous conservation practices on his farm. And Tar Hollow Naturalist Amy Fitton will be recognized for her wildlife and environmental education programs.

Several professionals are scheduled to take part in the panel discussion. Chillicothe Utilities Director Brad Long will attend representing the Chillicothe city water system. Ross County Health District Environmental Health Director Kelly Spindler will discuss wells and private water systems in Ross County. Rachel Taulbee with Ohio EPA will present information about protecting Ohio waterways. And from Heidelberg University, Laura Johnson will highlight activities by the National Center for Water Quality Research, which has been sampling water from the Scioto River in Chillicothe three times a day for over thirty years.

The conservation district’s history dates back to the dust bowl era of the 1930’s and was organized in 1947. The Ross Soil and Water Conservation District was formed to encourage and implement practices to prevent soil erosion, protect water quality, and promote the stewardship of natural resources. The district receives most of its funding from the Ross County Commissioners and additional funding from the State of Ohio. The district is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Supervisors.

Ross SWCD provides free technical assistance to property owners implementing conservation practices through the farm bill or for the CAUV tax program. The district provides county services related to geographic information systems, residential neighborhood drainage and runoff, wildlife habitat, and a broad range of conservation initiatives. Residents can find more information at the district website www.rosscountyswcd.org or by calling the district office at (740) 772-1711, extension 3.

Bob Neal of Ross County Soil Water Conservation District Office will be our guest on Litter Media LIVE- Special Edition Thursday, August 3rd at 10am.