Promoting the Wise Use of Our Natural Resources Through Service and Education

 The Clermont SWCD held two kick-off meetings in May to initiate planning for the Middle East Fork Balanced Growth Project.  Earlier this year, Clermont SWCD and the Clermont County Planning Department were awarded a grant through the Ohio Water Resources Council to develop a Watershed Balanced Growth Plan for the Middle East Fork, a 56 mi² sub-watershed of the East Fork Little Miami River Watershed located in and around Batavia.  The objective of the Middle East Fork Balanced Growth Project is to help the Middle East Fork communities develop a locally-driven watershed land use plan that supports economic development and conservation of important natural resources.
 
 A Watershed Planning Partnership has been formed to oversee the planning and implementation of the Middle East Fork Balanced Growth Plan.  The Partnership includes representatives from each Township/Village in the planning area, along with other key stakeholders representing public agencies and private organizations and interests.  Selected members of the Partnership are also serving as members of the Technical Committee, which is charged with analyzing data/information and developing implementation tools/strategies.

The planning process will take place over the next 18 months.  During the summer and early fall of this year, the Partnership will organize public meetings to present the goals of the Balanced Growth project and provide an opportunity for additional stakeholders in the planning area to offer their comments/opinions.  The Partnership recognizes that public involvement is critical to the success of this project and we will make every effort to provide opportunities for the public to be involved in the planning process.
 
 Updated information will be posted to the Clermont SWCD website.  Please contact our office if you have additional questions or comments.

Balanced Growth Website