Title
To recognize the Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT) for their incredible contributions to Columbus' greenway preservation efforts.
Body
WHEREAS, the Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT) is a Columbus metro area not-for-profit community based volunteer organization, part of the Franklin County Greenways initiative, that provides educational opportunities for learning about Alum Creek river and watershed protection, and volunteer opportunities for watershed stewardship; and
WHEREAS, in early 1998, during the preparation of the Greenways Plan for Alum Creek, 24 dedicated local residents created FACT, attracting residents, local school and environmental groups, city planners, community leaders and City staff in their efforts to outline their vision for the future of Alum Creek; and
WHEREAS, the workshops and coordination that took place at the time of FACT's start up created seven goals, the "Vision 2003: A Plan for Alum Creek," which included increase awareness the Alum Creek and its riparian corridor through education and safety oriented programs and signage, improve access to the Alum Creek waterway and trail system, develop plans, policies and procedures for community-based, nonprofit Alum Creek business development initiatives with profits going to Friends of Alum Creek, provide a safe environment, protect and enhance the natural greenway along the creek and its tributaries, improve the water quality for recreational use, increase and protect wildlife, flora and aquatic diversity for the future, and develop a linear multi-use trail from Westerville to Three Rivers Park; and
WHEREAS, the most recent accomplishment of FACT has been the lowhead dam removal/waterway corridor restoration project in which they voluntarily took the lead on this three year project, spearheading all aspects of this project include, but not limited to the administration, project oversight, paperwork, hands-on volunteer work with thousands of donated hours, as well as securing the $250,000 grant funding from US EPA, which allowed this project to move forward without any cost Columbus taxpayers nor requiring any city legislation; and
WHEREAS, each artificial lowhead dam turns the river into a stagnant small lake in the impounded area which may stretch for a mile or more upstream, where the water passing over a dam can pose lethal safety hazards and the removal of low-head dams in the central part of the Lower Alum Creek river watershed has been identified as one of the best ways to immediately improve the water quality, aesthetics, recreational access and public safety of Alum Creek; and
WHEREAS, FACT continues to be an invaluable asset both for Alum Creek and Tributaries as well as for the City of Columbus through their infinite dedication and selfless volunteer efforts; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this council hereby recognizes the Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT) for their incredible contributions to Columbus' greenway preservation efforts.