John McManus

The board meeting included a historical presentation about Claremont County, public participation segments regarding political issues and local history, and various administrative actions. Key approvals included payments to vendors, the execution of an agreement for the Vantage Senior Community Service Employment Program at the County Animal Shelter, an amendment to a subrecipient agreement for the Bethel Museum Concrete Asphalt Improvement Project to cover additional foundation work, and a cooperative purchase agreement for the repair of a retaining wall on Felicity Cedar Rule Road. Additionally, the board adopted a resolution to proceed with the Amelia Olive Branch Road water main replacement project and authorized the advertisement for bids.

This strategic plan, approved in November 2023, outlines the long-range efforts of the District through 2030. Based on public input, the plan prioritizes being more effective, more efficient, and better known, acknowledging its dynamic nature and adaptability to changing conservation needs.

The Middle East Fork Watershed Action Plan outlines a roadmap for enhancing the biological, chemical, and physical integrity of the East Fork Little Miami River and its tributaries. It provides a comprehensive watershed inventory, assesses water resource quality, and identifies community water management goals. Key focus areas include addressing non-point source pollution from agricultural practices, failing septic systems, and urban stormwater runoff, as well as managing point sources. The plan emphasizes habitat protection, land use planning, and fostering community involvement to achieve the Clean Water Act's objectives of 'fishable, swimmable and drinkable' streams.

This Nine-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic Plan for the East Fork Little Miami River - Fivemile Creek HUC-12 aims to mitigate water quality impairments and improve aquatic health. It focuses on critical areas within the Fivemile and Pleasant Run subwatersheds, addressing nonpoint source pollution from agricultural land use through practices such as cover cropping, fertilizer injection, conservation crop rotation, and grassed waterways. Other key strategies include establishing riparian buffers, restoring degraded stream habitats using bioengineering, and rehabilitating septic systems. The plan also incorporates education and outreach and includes the removal of the Williamsburg Low-Head Dam as a priority project. The overall goal is to enhance biological and habitat conditions, reduce nutrient loads, and achieve full attainment of aquatic life use designations, with anticipated positive impacts on downstream water bodies.

The Middle East Fork Watershed Balanced Growth Plan is a voluntary and incentive-based strategy designed to protect and restore the Middle East Fork Watershed. Its overarching purpose is to ensure long-term economic competitiveness, ecological health, and quality of life within the region. The plan identifies priority areas for development (PDAs), conservation (PCAs), and agriculture (PAAs). Key goals include protecting public health, promoting economic development, safeguarding water quality and watershed health, preserving natural character and agricultural land uses, and encouraging sustainable growth. Objectives focus on implementing best land use practices, maintaining growth near population centers and existing infrastructure, developing local incentives, and protecting prime farmland.