The little blue river project

Do you work, play, live or farm in the Lower Pigeon Creek Watershed?

In 2021, the Shelby County SWCD launched efforts to protect and improve the Little Blue River Watershed.

What is a watershed?

The Little Blue River Watershed Project focuses on protecting and improving water quality in the Little Blue River Watershed. All of the land from which water drains into a singular waterbody forms a watershed. These drainage boundaries are determined by land elevation rather than state or county lines, political boundaries, or residential property lines. View the Little Blue River Watershed.

Goals for the Little Blue River Project

1. Watershed Management Plan: The Little Blue River Project will connect stakeholder concerns with water quality and computer generated data to develop a step-wise plan to protect and improve the Little Blue River Watershed, its landscape and its water quality. The planning process will include regularly-schedule steering committee meetings with watershed plan drafts posted for review. Review the current draft of the Little Blue River Watershed Management Plan.

2. Water Quality Monitoring: Water quality at six locations in the Little Blue River Basin will be monitored once per month for one year. Samples will be collected for a variety of nutrient and sediment parameters and combined with historic water quality data. This compilation will provide a foundation for identifying water quality issues and probable sources of pollutants. The baseline will also provide a foundation for measuring future changes in water quality.

3. Engagment and outreach: The Little Blue Riveer Project will engage youth and adults through Hoosier Riverwatch monitoring; annual project meetings; agricultural and urban-focused workshops; newsletters; local tours; and more.