As a result of improved water quality, an increasing number of Hoosiers began to recognize the West Fork of the White River as a valuable resource that must be restored and protected. The River Walk in Anderson, the White River State Park, and the Indianapolis White River Greenway are but three examples of a renewed interest in this historic stream. Donations from many groups and individuals indicate that they are willing to pay their share to accomplish this. Ithas attempted to cooperate with governmental agencies to affect changes necessary to improve the river to the extent that it would be safe for area residents to engage in all of its potential uses. FOWR has become increasingly aware that governmental agencies are under certain constraints that prevent them from making a concentrated effort to improve the physical, chemical and biological quality of the White River and its tributaries.
More help is needed to refine and expand restoration efforts.
FOWR has proposed a long-term program to restore the river and its tributaries. The group will seek funding from various sources, and create partnerships with other local and regional organizations to correct identified problems, including non-point source pollution, erosion and habitat degradation. Excerpted from FOWR s Upper West Fork of the White River Preliminary Restoration Plan. A more comprehensive version of the restoration plan will be posted shortly. A FOWR board member, John Winters retired from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management after 40 years as an environmental professional with the State of Indiana.