(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first part of a three part story examining the Tippecanoe River logjam removal project, which is to begin Thursday. Part 2, which will examine the environmental concerns of the project, will be released tomorrow.)

Sunset Drive, along Pike Lake Canal, was one of the many roads inaccessible after flooding caused from heavy rainfall that began on April 17.
(photo by Alyssa Richardson)

After receiving record breaking rainfall during the Spring season, many along the Tippecanoe River and surrounding waterways are breathing a sigh of relief for the log removal process to begin this Thursday. The project is to reduce flooding of Kosciusko County waterways.

Though many are looking forward to some reprieve from flood waters, others are not quite as certain that the log removal process is a “good idea.”

Recently, a flier has circulated through the community demanding that Tippecanoe River property owners not sign a form from the county requesting access to the river from their properties. The flier questions whether the county has done a study on the removal of fallen trees and other snags that impede water flow.

In addition, the flier questions whether anyone knew of the committee responsible for the clean up efforts and if that committee ever contacted property owners for their opinions. Lastly, the flier states that in the 1980’s, a company was hired to put snags and drop trees into the river and infers that the removal process could be harmful for endangered species.

The petition closes with the statement: “Unless you want to live on the Warsaw Ditch or Sanitary Canal, DON’T SIGN.”

According to Amy Bloemendaal of Kosciusko Lakes and Streams, the project to clear the river of obstructions has been a collaboration between the Kosciusko County Office of Emergency Management, the Kosciusko County Surveyor’s Office, Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners, Kosciusko Lakes and Streams and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation District and The Nature Conservancy were consulted in the process and development of this project.

According to Kosciusko County Emergency Management Director Ed Rock, the decision to remove the logs was not based on a study, but on the fact that grant money was available from the IDNR to remove logjams along the river. Upon the discovery that this grant money was available through the Lake and River Enhancement program, Rock stated parties involved in the logjam removal project began investigating whether that grant money might be well utilized in the area. After examining the Tippecanoe River, it was discovered that a total of 111 jams exist west of Warsaw alone. That does not include the blockages east of Warsaw to Oswego.

“In reality, if you ask about what study was done, I would have to say no, no study was done,” said Rock. “There were grants available to remove logjams in the river. We decided we’d look at it and see if we had any. (After discovering) 111 logjams, we thought maybe we should get some of those out of there before it creates a major issue.”

Rock added the project to remove logjams is not a new one, instead, efforts have been in effect for over a year now to not only seek out public opinion, but to raise the 80 percent match mandated by the DNR to begin the removal process.

Bloemendaal and Rock both noted that the public was notified on several occasions over the past year of the intent to remove logjams along the river. According to Bloemendaal, two stakeholder meetings were held on Aug. 24, 2012 and Sept. 6, 2012. Invitations were sent to environmental organizations and agencies, lake associations and property owners along the stretch of river and other potentially interested parties. In addition, on both Dec. 19, 2012, and Jan. 2 of this year, the project was presented on the Kosciusko County Commissioner meeting agenda.

See related:
Tippecanoe River Clean-Up Efforts Near Reality