ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WOWO): Due to the issue of Algae Blooms in Lake Erie and the recent problems with Toledo’s water supply the St. Mary’s River and Upper Maumee River Watershed groups are hosting two field days.

The first will be held Thursday, September 4th from 6:30 p.m., to 8:30 p.m., at M & J Farms in New Haven. There will be refreshments and talks on issues concerning the Lake Erie/phosphorus issue.

  The following morning, Friday, September 5th from 8:30 a.m., to 10:30 a.m., there will be a similar meeting at the Kiess Farm, in Decatur. Breakfast will be served and the speakers and equipment from Thursday's event will be available.

The goal is to update the public on the current issues and concerns about phosphorus.  The events will also showcase equipment that will be offered for rent through the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District office. 

“Allowing the rental of this equipment allows producers to cut costs through fewer passes over the field while injecting dry fertilizer directly into the ground and planting cover crops …” said Jill Krause, Watershed Project Manager for  Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District  “…this can be used with cover crops as a dual strategy to reduce both the amount of runoff from fields and the phosphorus loading.”

Money for this new equipment and for these events were provided through the Great Lakes Commission and other grants to the St. Mary’s Watershed Project and the Upper Maumee Watershed Partnership.