Complete report - Partners for Clean Streams

PREFACE
Overview of the Maumee RAP
The Maumee RAP is a partnership of citizens, government agencies, businesses and industries working
to restore the health of our
area’s streams. However,
the Maumee RAP is more
than just a local
organization, it is founded
on an international
philosophy, process and
program established more
than 15 years ago.
As a binational
organization, the
International Joint
Commission recognizes
that no single individual,
organization or activity
intentionally damaged the
Great Lakes. So in 1985
they designated the
Maumee Area of Concern
(AOC) as one of the 43 international “areas of concern” due to degraded water quality. The original
philosophy for restoring these areas is still the same today, an ecosystem approach. This approach
considers all pollution sources and their impacts on the whole environment.
The process established by the International Joint Commission for cleaning up these “areas of concern”
included the development of “remedial action plans”. Communities were encouraged to create
comprehensive plans for water quality improvements. The Maumee RAP organization then formed in
1987 as a community effort to restore our area’s waterways to “fishable and swimmable” conditions.
The Maumee RAP Committee and its Action Groups (or sub-committees) involve a diverse crosssection
of environmentally concerned businesses, industries, government agencies, non-profit
organizations, educators, and citizens who are working together on activities to make a future for our
area with clean rivers and streams. The Maumee RAP Committee makes the official decisions for the
organization and provides general program oversight. The Maumee RAP Committee has eight action
groups which are integral to the progress of the Maumee RAP. These action groups are further
classified as Issue, Watershed, and Support Action Groups. The Issue Action Groups address specific
issues that effect the Maumee AOC, such as open space and wetlands, agricultural and urban
concerns, and dumps and landfills. Watershed Action Groups focus on a comprehensive watershed
approach to cleaning up a specific watershed, such as Swan Creek and the Ottawa River. The Support
Action Groups assist the other Maumee RAP action groups and the Maumee RAP Committee to more
effectively accomplish their goals in manner consistent with Maumee RAP guidelines and objectives.
These groups assist mostly with public outreach, education and finance issues.
The partners involved in the Maumee RAP all share a common goal of taking the remedial action plan
beyond words and a plan, and putting it into action for the benefit of all who live, work and play in our
watersheds. More information about the Maumee RAP, as well as information on each action group,
their activities and meeting times, are available at http://www.maumeerap.org or by contacting one of
Activities and Accomplishments
in the Maumee Area of Concern
2
Preface/Introduction