Jim Silcox receives WACF’ Cattail Award
Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
Editor-In-Chief
Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s annual Lakes Celebration includes the presentation of the prestigious Cattail Award. This year, the award was presented to Jim Silcox.
John Bearss, WACF board chairman, announced the Cattail Award, stating Silcox is a member of the canoe team.
Bearss highlighted Silcox’s commitment to the community through his involvements, past and present, serving on the Wawasee Property Owners Association and the Turkey Creek Dam and Dike Conservancy. “Like many of us, he was introduced 20 years ago by taking his boys on the 10-lake canoe trip. In 2019, when he was newly retired, he was looking for a “healthy activity, giving back to the community and carrying on a great tradition. The canoe team on the top of his list.”
Bearss also stated for those who know Dan Berkey and Al Campbell, “they are great at setting the hook and reeling you in.” This is what happened to Bearss and Silcox after meeting the two men for the first time.
Silcox, according to Bearss, has earned the leadership position on the canoe team. He has expanded the attributes of what canoe trip participants are seeing and experiencing. “It’s been a pleasure,” said Bearss, noting Silcox has affected many people.”
Upon accepting the award, Silcox stated he is fully immersed now in transferring the knowledge from those before him and has learned of people he otherwise wouldn’t know. “I know WACF does a lot of great things … but from my perspective, it’s hard to find a better way to educate the people than this nice canoe float for four hours. … meet a lot of new people, hear a lot of great stories and I learn a lot of great things … this has been really rewarding for me.
He shared learning how to say “spadderdock” and how to strap canoes and unstrap canoes. He also joked that Doug Yoder yelled at him for the way he done that more than his father ever did. He also spoke of his experiences with the originators of the canoe trips — Dan Berkey and Al Campbell.
The annual meeting also includes project updates including hearing from Dr. Jerry Sweeten, with EcoSystems Connections Institute. Sweeten presented a brief overview of the Wawasee Inlet Nutrient Study, now in its fifth year.
“We know a lot about the wheels and cogs of this lake that will be used perpetually for the future and it truly is a legacy program for sure,” stated Sweeten.
While he didn’t provide numbers, he explained W.I.N.K., or what is not known, question raised that the study is answering, “you are far better off protecting what you have than trying to restore it.”
Those questions, which were fundamental were: How much phospherous, nitrogen and sediment are entering into Lake Wawasee and how much is leaving through the Turkey Creek outlet; how much nutrients and sediment entering the lake are accumulating - what happens once it gets there; the amount of nutrients needing to be reduced; which streams are the largest source of nutrients and sediment in the lake and what is the best strategy to protect the lake.
“The reports we provide should never sit on a shelf,” stated Sweeten. “These should be working documents for generations.”
Sweeten was followed by Beth Morris, a member of ecology committee, who alluded to several graphs available to review and the data now available. She noted the study has uncovered a chronic pollution problem in the lake that if left unchecked it will be a different situation down the road.
“We are taking action to change the trajectory,” she stated. The 25 projects undertaken to help with the solution were mentioned. Because of the W.I.N.S. data, WACF qualified for designation as a National Water Quality Initiative, through the Indiana Natural Resource Conservation Services, a division of the Department of Agriculture.
Morris explained $1.245 million has been made available through the county Natural Resources Conservation office and Soil and Water Conservation District, to work with farmers and others on programs to “shut off the tap” in nutrient and sediment entering the lake. She stated this is a three-year program with an opportunity to renew its qualification.
Additionally, the morning including the announcement of the incoming board president, Terry Clapacs, recognition and presentation to Chris Roberts as outgoing board member, and welcome to new board member, Brian Warren.
Officers for the coming year will be Clapacs as chairman; Tom Cottrell, vice chair; Donn Baird, treasurer; and Heather, executive director and secretary.
The breakfast served was donated by The Channel Marker.
CATTAIL AWARD — John Bearss, left, WACF board chairman, presents the 2023 Cattail Award to Jim Silcox.
ROBERTS HONORED — Chris Roberts who served on the WACF Board for nine years, including chairman, recived his “first ever” award. Roberts will be going off the board.
OUTGOING AND INCOMING CHAIRMEN — John Bearss, left, outgoing chairman of the WACF, turned the reins over to Terry Clapacs for the coming year.