History of the St.
Joseph River Basin Commission
Efforts to develop a network of fish ladders along
the St. Joseph River--Lake Michigan Basin were started between the states of Michigan and
Indiana in the early 1980's. The focus of the project was the development of a trout
and salmon fisheries program from Lake Michigan to the Twin Branch Dam in Mishawaka,
Indiana.
An initial
ladder constructed at Berrien Springs, Michigan was eventually joined by ladders at
Buchanan and Niles, Michigan and South Bend and Mishawaka, Indiana. This
effort was the first interstate-funded anadromous fisheries project in the nation, which
included the construction of the Bodine Fish Hatchery, along the St. Joseph River in
Mishawaka. The final ladder was completed in the fall of 1992.
With the
anticipated hope that improved fisheries would bring many anglers to the shores of the St.
Joseph River, a new concern emerged -- the quality of the water in the River and its
tributaries may need to be better protected, to insure the fish and anglers were not
exposed to potential contaminants.
A new movement began, to develop a river basin
commission, whose prime focus would be maintaining and improving the water
quality. In 1988, the Indiana State Legislature approved the creation of the St.
Joseph River Basin Commission--the first basin commission concentrating on
water quality issues, rather than quantity issues. The Basin Commission is
currently headquartered in the offices of the Michiana Area Council of Governments
(MACOG), South Bend, Indiana. An ongoing partnership between the two agencies exists
through an inter-local agreement.
In 1990,
the St. Joseph River Basin Commission conducted a "snapshot" water quality
study. Recognizing that other agencies throughout the State currently conduct
periodic analysis of the River and its main tributaries, the Basin Commission shifted its
activities from conducting water quality analysis on a routine basis, to supporting
efforts related to the reduction of nonpoint source pollution in the River Basin.
Activities related to this effort include support of volunteer-based water quality
assessments, evaluating landuse changes and other issues that may impact water quality in
the area, compiling data obtained from other agencies and groups and identifying and
developing information opportunities to aid in the continued protection of water resources
in the Indiana portion of the St. Joseph River Basin.
The St.
Joseph River Basin Commission conducted a strategic planning exercise in 1997, facilitated
by the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. The
purpose of the exercise was to identify future goals and
activities, in keeping with the mission and purpose of the Basin Commission. The
work sessions brought together individuals from Indiana and Michigan, representing public
health, environmental and resource conservation issues, parks and recreation, fisheries,
tourism, business and development and agriculture. The 26 goals identified by the
group have influenced the direction of all future activities developed by the St. Joseph
River Basin Commission.
**Now Available--A
simple teaching tool regarding water-related people, transportation, energy and
power, and products that shaped the region of the St. Joseph River Basin.
St. Joseph River
Basin Commission
227 W. Jefferson Blvd.--#1120
South Bend, Indiana 46601-1830
PHONE: 574--287-1829 FAX: 574-287-1840
