This initial watershed management planning effort has been fortunate to have consistent commitment and input from a diverse group, ranging from professionals to laypersons, both as community participants and as members of the Steering Committee.  Their dedication and perseverance provided the focus of this plan.  From pre-planning stages, the intention has been to create an electronic, web-based plan; one that would provide greater accessibility and flexibility for all users than a “paper” document.  Savings have been achieved through all phases of this planning project in paper, postage, printing and energy. 

Daytime meetings have been the rule in this project.  The electronic nature of this Watershed Management Plan also allows anyone to participate on a timeframe suited best to the individual.  Inclusion of a Discussion Board on the website provides a mechanism for two-way communication and interaction to assist “filling in the blanks” for those unable to attend meetings or who may have missed a meeting.  Meeting summaries have been electronically provided to all who have attended Steering Committee meetings.  These summaries are posted to the website and available to any interested party.  KIESER & ASSOCIATES, the compilers of the plan and the website, has continuously maintained open and available communication channels for anyone wishing to comment or provide feedback. 

Operational Guidelines for the Steering Committee (SC) were adopted early in the process (e.g., frequency of meetings, selection of a Chairperson, openness to broad opinions, no one person could speak for the SC without approval of the SC on the materials, every person has one vote).  A press release was issued at the beginning of the project.  Monthly meetings of the Steering Committee were held in several communities prior to settling at the WMU Fetzer Center.  Periodically a Steering Committee meeting would be eliminated in favor of more intensive meetings and work sessions at the subcommittee and subwatershed work group levels.

The Education Subcommittee, Technical Subcommittee, and four Subwatershed Subcommitees met consistently, though often at different locations offered by participants throughout the four subwatersheds.  All meetings have typically been well attended, focused and productive in terms of moving project elements forward.  Not enough can be said about the contributions prepared and provided by individuals within these groups.  Their efforts are responsible for shaping this into a balanced community plan. 

The number of meetings held over the course of this effort since July 2001 illustrates the scope of such commitment. 

·14 Steering Committee Meetings

· 4 Technical Subcommittee Meetings

·9 Education Subcommittee Meetings

· 11 Axtell Creek Subcommittee Meetings

· 9 Arcadia Creek Subcommittee Meetings

·  4 Portage Creek Subcommittee Meetings

· 5 West Fork of Portage Creek Subcommittee Meetings

In summary, community interests of these subwatersheds have been well served by those individual participants concerned with water quality and related issues.  An expressed desire to continue on with the steps initiated in this WMP via scheduled meetings and stakeholders commitments will bolster future citizen involvement, participation and follow through on improvements.  Such actions will continue to positively impact both physical surroundings and water quality.