Geist Watershed Alliance

Efforts to improve the water quality of the Geist Reservoir are making continued progress. The focus of recent activities of the Upper White River Watershed Alliance and Geist Watershed Alliance has been development of an Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for the reservoir.

Funded by an Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement Grant, the management plan will provide guidance to develop and maintain a stable, diverse aquatic plant community in the reservoir and watershed. The establishment of this community will help enhance the balance of predator and prey fish, wildlife species habitat and water quality. Other goals include helping improve the ecosystem’s resistance to minor habitat disturbances and invasive species, preventing or controlling aquatic invasive species, and providing reasonable public recreational access while minimizing the negative impacts public use on key plant, fish and wildlife resources.

Ecological consulting firm V3 Companies, which has a long history of analyzing Indiana watersheds, was selected to complete the management plan. The Spring Tier II Survey was completed in June while the Summer Tier II Survey was completed in August. Activities included sampling 100 different sites within the reservoir to evaluate the presence and abundance of aquatic plants. The results of the surveys – as well as management recommendations for the reservoir – will be presented at a Public Meeting on Jan. 27, 2010 at the Geist Elementary School Cafeteria, starting at 6:30 pm.