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Friends of Scioto
Brush Creek Highlight Involvement at Annual Meeting
January 2010
Outdoor writer, Tom Cross, discusses his book, Fishing Ohio,
during the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek Annual Meeting in
Rarden.
Over the past 100
years, few streams in Ohio have maintained water quality as
excellent as Scioto Brush Creek. Recognized as one of the
highest quality streams in the state, Scioto Brush Creek has
maintained most of its original fish fauna and the watershed
surrounding the stream is home to more than 30 rare plants and
animals. To help preserve this natural resource, a group of
motivated citizens formed the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek. In
recent years, the organization has increased its involvement in
the community, as the group has worked to inform residents of
the significance of the stream.
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Friends of Scioto Brush Creek President, Martin
McAllister, discusses the organization's accomplishments
in 2009. |
More than
30 members gathered in Rarden, Ohio to learn more about
the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek’s efforts and
successes and hear from author, Tom Cross, during the
group’s annual meeting. President Martin McAllister
highlighted several of the group’s accomplishments
during the year, stressing volunteers’ role in those
successes. Through events such as Scioto Brush Creek Day
- a field day that introduces Northwest Elementary
students to the creek’s excellent water quality - to
cleanup activities like the Adopt a Highway litter
pickup and the Scioto Brush Creek Sweep, Friends of
Scioto Brush Creek volunteers have educated hundreds of
students and gotten many adults involved in preserving
the stream. Among
the group’s successes include a collaborative effort
with Brush Creek Township and the Township Park
Committee to establish a community park near Otway.
Volunteer Thelma Shirey discussed the park’s progress
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and
construction that occurred in 2009 as well as plans to
enhance the park in the current year. Through an Ohio
Department of Natural Resources Nature Works Grant, the
park committee will install a shelter house this spring.
Funds to establish the Brush Creek Township Park were
raised through grants and local donations.
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| The
Friends of Scioto Brush Creek also recognized John and
Judy Tepas as the “Best Friends of Scioto Brush Creek”
for their support and continued involvement with the
organization. Property owners on Scioto Brush Creek, the
Tepases have taken an active interest in the stream and
have been involved in preserving it for years. Since the
Friends of Scioto Brush Creek’s induction, the Tepases
have volunteered with numerous community involvement
projects and have shared their knowledge of the stream
with neighbors and other group members. |
Jeff Montavon recognizes John and Judy Tepas as
the Best Friends of Scioto Brush Creek for 2009. |
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 Outdoor
writer, Tom Cross, was the featured speaker at the
meeting. Cross discussed and read excerpts from his
book, Fishing Ohio. In 2006, Cross spent 13 weeks on the
road, visiting more than 200 public fishing spots
throughout Ohio. During his trip, he lived out of his
pickup truck, fishing the waters and talking with
fishermen and wildlife professionals to conduct research
about every site. The book describes the water at every
public fishing spot in Ohio and where to find game fish
at each location. It also provides angling tips,
information about access points, lodging information and
fishing regulations. Since its release in 2008, Fishing
Ohio has topped both natural resource and travel and
tourism bestseller lists. Copies of the book can be
purchased at most book stores, as well as the Adams
County Travel and Visitors Bureau.
Concluding
the annual meeting, the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek
auctioned a painting donated by artist and Friends’
Volunteer Paul Smith. For years, Smith has made a hobby
of painting and often donates his creations to benefit
outdoor organizations. Paul’s painting raised $100 to
benefit the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek’s awareness,
education, and involvement activities.
This
spring, the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek will sponsor
an Adopt a Highway Cleanup, Scioto Brush Creek Day, and
the Scioto Brush Creek Sweep. For more information about
upcoming events check the
calendar or call (740)
259-9231. |
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