I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION IN MY AREA OF KENTUCKY THAT IS TAKING A STEP IN THE CONSERVATION OF OUR WATERWAYS. I INCLUDED A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANAZATION AND IT'S BACKGROUND AS WELL AS AN UPCOMING EVENT TO HELP IN THE EFFORTS.

Objective
Friends of Stoner Creek is a a newly formed , grass-roots environmental awareness organization dedicated to improving one of Bourbon County's most valuable natural resources, Stoner Creek.

Background
Friends of Stoner Creek (FOSC) was formed in September 2007 largely in response to serious ongoing problems with duckweed and other nuisance aquatic plants. Their concerns have grown rapidly to include recreation, tourism, economic concerns, wildlife preservation, public health and saftey aspects accosciated with Stoner Creek and its watershed.

The group's membership has growns as it has conducted educational meetings and sponsored creek awareness activities. The (FOSC) was officially incorporated as a non-profit orginization in April 2008. Efforts are underway to obtain a federal grant for studying environmental quality and other water concerns along the entire Stoner Creek corridor. These citizens were inspired by the Strodes Creek Conservancy, led by former Winchester Mayor Dodd Dixon. FOSC understands that Stoner Creek is an amentiy to the citizens of Paris and Bourbon County. Its members are dedicated to preserving and improving the waterway and its tribuatries.

Friends of Stoner Creek has the strong backing of the State's Division of Water and the Licking River Regional Office. The organization looks to create strong partnerships with Paris City Council and the Bourbon County Fiscal Court and any other civic organization with a similar mission.

LISTED BELOW IS INFORMATION ON THE EVENT

Fancy Flood Zone Picnic -- Friends of Stoner Creek Picnic will be held Saturday, Aug. 15th at the Stoner Creek Boat Dock on Chambers St., Paris, KY. Everyone interested in improving the environmental quality and recreactional activities of Stoner Creek are invited to attend this year's Friends of Stoner Creek "Burgers, Bands and Boats" picnic. Tickets are $15 in advance/$20 at the gate. Call or email Casey Dungan (859) 983-8559([email protected]) or Stanley Buchanan (859) 987-1728 ([email protected]) for FOSC membership information. We hope to see you in August!

The admission donation covers food and non-alcoholic beverages, pontoon boat rides, live entertainment from several bands, and more. Time is between 4-9pm with food starting at 6pm. Bring a chair and BYOB if you wish. Rain date will be Sunday, Aug. 16th

The website is www.stonercreek.us

Thank you all for taking the time to read this post and I encourage you all to do what you can in your communities to help with the conservation of our precious resources.

BOURBONBALES