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State
Representative Jim Buchy
Commitment
Remains to Restoring Grand Lake St.
Marys
The
past three summers in the Grand Lake St.
Marys region have not been an ideal situation for our local
communities.
The constant question on our minds during these winter months is; will
the
algae be back next year; and will it be less troublesome or more than
the past
few years? Each year at the lake has been slightly
different.
However; local and state commitment to working on this issue has never
changed.
In
the past two and a half years the state has
allocated millions of dollars to this issue of state dollars and
federal
dollars. In addition, locally the Grand Lake St. Marys
Restoration
Commission has provided a voice for the local people in regards to the
lake’s
management and future. The Lake Improvement Association has
united the
lake community for common goals and provided a setting for the
community to
learn about the water quality issues at the lake.
The
agriculture community understands that
their methods need to change as a part of the efforts to clean up the
lake. Approximately 85% of the qualifying livestock farmers
in the Grand
Lake St. Mary’s watershed have submitted their nutrient management
plans in
accordance with the “Watershed in Distress Rules” developed by the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). One hundred and
thirty two local
farmers went above the requirements to complete a more detailed
comprehensive
nutrient management plan. Those farmers should be commended
for their
willingness to make a commitment to the future of our region.
Senator
Faber and I remain committed in the
legislative body to providing support for Grand Lake St.
Marys. The best
support for the lake has been from the local people and that is a
testament to
the good people that live in Mercer and Auglaize counties. We
will work
with the individuals on the ground and provide them the tools they need
for the
future success of the Grand Lake St. Marys.
With
reapportionment my office email has
changed to rep84@ohiohouse.gov.
Please follow this quick URL to complete an online survey and give me
your
thoughts to guide priorities for the next General Assembly:http://twelio.com/3cg0hb
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