A Hierarchy of Stream Health
We certainly know that neglect of local Creek Systems is a world-wide problem and a principal cause of environmental decay. For generations we have changed local ecosystems to suit our own individual and collective needs. And now it’s finally starting to make a significant impact in how we see the world ; and how the world treats us. The problem of creek neglect is one that has to be solved locally. Why? it takes a reteaching, a showing if you will to those that are unaware that the way they are acting towards the sensitive areas around them is not the correct one.
A viable solution to this is a volunteer group who has oversight from professionals in hydrology (UofL Stream Institute for example). It has been predicted that streams impacted by Urban Stream Syndrome have substantially more erosion and, significantly less biodiversity than those that are not. Furthermore, it has been shown that this cause of stream decay is second only to the agriculture industry.
Calling on this, I say that a community action group ought to be put together to protect this creek properly. For if we cast a blind eye, if we ignore this, the world as we know it will not be. No longer will kids be able to hunt for crayfish in the streambeds for the crayfish cannot live there. No longer can one sit and listen to the gentle flow of water because it would be a torrent of water cutting through the streambed the bedrock.
Although some may object and claim that a community action group is not needed or, is too strong an action.I would reiterate to these people the ecological disaster that has occurred since mankind has stepped in and took hold of the natural Watershed. Because of Our actions, crucial factors such as biodiversity reduction, total stream population reduction and unprecedented dominance by a single species in aquatic stream habitats. This is not the way a stream should exist. It is an unfortunate place for it and it leads to a negative impact to us.
The naysayers will inevitably retort “Community action never works” and “We need a government initiative to get serious about this” I find that sentiment ridiculous, and I call to your attention the irrevocable success of the “Appalachian Trail Conservancy” an entirely non-profit community led initiative to maintain the natural environment. One that has for generations kept the Appalachian trail a hiking path that is some 2100 miles long just as majestic as the day it was dreamed of.
My point is not that we should expect a community service organization such as the "Appalachian Trail Conservancy" for our creeks, but instead to show that folks can come together to protect something without the backing of big government. Non-profit organizations can work remarkably well if enough time and effort are divulged into them in meaningful ways.
So in conclusion, if the good lord's willing and the creeks don't rise (or perhaps even more so if they do rise!) the creation and maintenance of a Kentucky Creek Preservation Collection becomes not only a pipe dream but a viable pragmatic option as well. The paths of conservation and preservation have already been marked. All that is left now is to take up the familar banner, protect the beauty of the world as it has always been and give its gift to our children, and our children's children.
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