Public opinion on the recovery of the Eel River through downtown North Manchester will be sought during a March 27 meeting. The Middle Eel River Watershed Initiative is addressing the future of the river as it flows through downtown North Manchester where the riverbanks are eroded and have become a dumping ground for trash.

A $17,000 state funded feasibility study that will address protecting, stabilizing and restoring the banks of the downtown stretch of the Eel River needs advice and opinion from the community, said Terri Michaelis, coordinator of the initiative.

At next month’s meeting, the public will learn about the study that is a first step in gathering input and support for restoring the Eel River stream bank through downtown North Manchester. Following the study, the Initiative will pursue additional funding from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lake and River Enhancement Program, as well as the community and other partners.

“There are many possibilities for this project and its potential to positively impact the town of North Manchester,” said Michaelis. “We hope the community will join us at this public meeting to learn about these possibilities and share their thoughts and ideas with us.”

The public meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, in the Blocher Room of the North Manchester Public Library.

The study will focus on the Eel River stretch from the Market Street Bridge east 500 feet to behind the parking area near the American Legion. The river runs along the alley behind Main Street businesses that borders the Community Trail Network.

The steering committee is planning three public meetings on the project. The committee is comprised of representatives from the Wabash County Soil and Water Conservation District, North Manchester Chamber of Commerce, North Manchester Town Council, North Manchester Parks & Recreation, Manchester Main Street, Manchester University and local citizens.

For more about the Middle Eel River Watershed Initiative, visit the Watershed website.