Participating in the dedication of the Cottrell Turkey Creek Inlet are, from left Jeff Herdrich, Priscilla Brown, Tom Cottrell, Heather Harwood and Bob Fanning. Photo by Deb Patterson.
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews
SYRACUSE — “It is a generational impact,” said Tom Cottrell, North Cedar Point High Road, Syracuse about the new Cottrell Turkey Creek Inlet property. ”Turkey Creek has a big tributary and brings in a lot of water to the lake.” Because of this and knowing the benefits ownership by Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation would have, Cottrell and his wife Nancy made a goal of the WACF happen.
The Cottrell Turkey Creek Inlet property was dedicated Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 26. The 5.5 acres is located at Turkey Creek at the east end of Lake Wawasee, near Runaway Bay. The property includes approximately 365 feet of Wawasee frontage shoreline.
“We are thrilled,” said Heather Harwood, WACF executive director. “This is one of our most important wetland acquisitions since our founding in 1991.” “We are humbled by these donors that have stepped forward to help us make this purchase and drive our mission. Without their strong commitment to preserving our watershed, this acquisition may not have been possible. We also recognize the support of the community who also share their time, talent and treasure with us. Preserving and protecting our lakes takes the collective work of many. Together we are making a difference!”
Patricia Ricks, Bethesda, Md., aquired the property by inheritance. Her father purchased it in the early 1950s from the Nathanial Crow family. After Ricks’ passing, the wetland was transferred to her estate and WACF was able to secure the property from her son, Brian Ricks.
“This is such a significant piece of the puzzle,” Cottrell stated. “It is something we want to help with. … big property, we’d like to do something about this.”
Cottrell is the third generation to enjoy Lake Wawasee. His grandfather bought the first cottage on the lake. Today, the fifth generation is enjoying lake life.
He stated they had not told family members about their contribution. When it was made public, he heard from his children, nephew and siblings. “They are very pleased,” he stated, noting his siblings have contacted him stating their parents and grandparents would be proud of his efforts.
The property was designated as a crucial piece of property in a 1995 Commonwealth Engineering Study. The property was identified as a crucial acquisition opportunity as it held considerable wetlands in need of protection. The WACF Ecology committee set this property as a high priority for WACF.
Harwood stated it is important to note Indiana ranks tied for third worst state in loss of wetlands since 1780 according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Eighty-seven percent has been lost because of drainage for cropland, channeling around lakes, flood control, etc. “A tour around our lakes will confirm the Wawasee Watershed has experienced similar loss. The state estimates wetland losses continue at 1% to 3% each year and WACF believes the loss of even one acre of important wetlands is too much.
“Wetlands represent a lake’s natural counterbalance because they filter out excess nutrients. Phosphorous and nitrates feed organisms that lead to blue-green algae and poor water quality. Sediment carries the nutrients into the lake and it too leads to poor water quality. As mentioned, this property encompasses the mouth of Turkey Creek, the dominant tributary feeding water through the lake system. The wetlands on this property are considered emergent wetlands, the last remaining on Lake Wawasee.
“Coupling these strategic facts with the sensitive location of this property makes it stand out as extremely high in priority for protection. Strategically and ecologically it may be the most significant acquisition WACF could make for achieving long-term water quality objectives.”