Friends of Cedar Creek works to ensure the highest water quality for Cedar Creek and to protect and preserve its watershed including geologic features, native plants and animals.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, May 15, 6pm
About FoCC
Welcome
The Cedar Creek Wildlife Project was created in 1965 to protect the stream in its natural state, our members consist of mainly property owners in the Cedar Creek watershed.
In 1968 the Maumee River and its Indiana tributaries were named to be studied for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The Cedar Creek failed designation in the National program because its naturalized portion was short of the 25 miles needed.
In 1973, the State of Indiana enacted the Natural, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act and in 1974, the General Assembly, by resolution, asked for study of Cedar Creek for designation into protected rivers system. After review of the national studies, on-site evaluation and public meetings, in 1976 the Indiana Natural Resources Commission established 13.7 miles of the Cedar Creek, from County Road 68 in DeKalb County to the confluence with the St. Joe River in Allen County, to be designated under the Act - with an overwhelming body of public opinion in favor.
The Commission ruled that although the 13.7 miles of Cedar Creek were designated under the Act, the Natural Resources Department could only accept gifts or negotiate with willing parties if Conservation Easements were created and a maximum of two canoeing access points.
Since then Friends of Cedar Creek (formerly known as Cedar Creek Wildlife Project - CCWP) has participated directly in creating public policy to fulfill our preservation mission, including:
Designation of the entire stream in Allen County and a mile into DeKalb County as a scenic river under the Indiana Natural, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act.
Supporting the dedication of a number of private and public properties along the stream under the Indiana Nature Preserves Act.
Encouraging the conveyance of protective and restrictive easements, as well as outright land gifts contributing to the preservation goal.
Consistently opposing all public and private actions incompatible with protecting the natural features of Cedar Creek and its associated ecosystem.
In September 2000, Friends of Cedar Creek joined with other Indiana environmental groups to lay the groundwork for a lawsuit against a new state law that weakens water quality standards.
Natural Resources Study Committee Statement (September 17, 1997)
