Fall Creek Watershed Committee Minutes
January 9th, 2003
Tompkins County Library, 7-9 PM

Present: Yvette de Boer, Mark Vallely, Phil Koons, Steve Penningroth, Dave Bouldin and George Patte

Analyses of the water samples taken Oct 18 and Nov 19 have been completed. Alkalinity was lower on Nov 19 than on Oct 18 and NO3 was higher among other differences. All agreed that the data should be entered into Excel and distributed in electronic format. Steve P will contact Gordy again to set up a time to begin data entry.

There was much discussion about coordinating sampling at high flow among the volunteers and the Cortland and Tompkins County SWCD employees. There was general agreement that the samples at high flow should be taken the same day by all. But there was no agreement on how and who would decide which day. Many of the volunteers work and hence have scheduling problems during week days while the SWCD employees may prefer to sample during their normal hours on week days. Also at this time of year sampling after about 4:30 pm is not feasible, due to darkness. Yvette will discuss this with SWCD personnel and try to come up with a solution.

Phil Koons reported the BMI (Benthic macro invertebrates) identifications has been completed. The data have been sent to Anne Gallagher for review. Once she has reported back the data should be available for circulation. It was decided that future sampling dates should be once each season at 3 locations- Fall Creek below Ithaca Falls, Fall Creek just above Flat Rock and Fall Creek at Route 13. Phil reported that a field guide of BMI is available for about $23 per copy for an order of at least 5 copies. Orders for 5 copies were obtained. If others want copies you may contact Phil.

After a short discussion, George Patte volunteered to become chair and he was unanimously elected. Yvette was thanked by all for her excellent leadership.

There was a discussion of where and when to have future meetings. The library will be closing at 8:15 in the near future. We could continue to meet there beginning at 5:30 or 6:00 or find another place and continue to meet at 7:00. George will investigate future meeting places and times. Let him know if you have ideas.

Time was too short for a lengthy discussion of priorities for the next year. It seemed that consolidation of sampling and analytical skills was a valuable attribute of the committee and perhaps this could be used to secure more support and more active members.

Submitted by Dave Bouldin