SWCD previews Paydirt event, expands post‑construction outreach and training

Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Stormwater Department leaders reviewed 2025 accomplishments and laid out plans for 2026 outreach and training.

Jim Hess (SWCD) highlighted partnerships with the University of Notre Dame to develop a watershed assessment tool for the Elkhart River and described a county‑specific 'water quality of life' manual. Hess said conservation practices implemented in 2025 kept about 175,000 tons of sediment out of county ditches.

Todd Clark (SWCD) described operational metrics — roughly the same number of new plans reviewed year‑over‑year and 156 inspections last year — and announced Paydirt programming: an in‑field session Feb. 25 and a Feb. 26 conference with breakfast and CSGP training. Paydirt will be locally focused, free to attendees, and includes a bus tour of Brinkley RV stormwater structures.

Commissioners asked about providing sample post‑construction inspection sheets and easy public access to recorded post‑construction plans. Jason Kaufman (City of Goshen stormwater coordinator) explained Goshen records post‑construction plans and is working to make them available online; SWCD staff said outreach and training will emphasize post‑construction maintenance and that staff can provide sample forms on request.