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As the facts below show, the urban sector of Clark County continues to grow. This growth brings with it an increased concern for our natural resources. Streets and rooftops run stormwater directly into drains and drainageways instead of allowing it to filter naturally through the soil. New pollutants are introduced, such as oil leaked from automobiles or chemicals leached from suburban lawns. New construction in developing areas, in some instances, accelerates soil erosion. Maintaining the health of our land and water shifts from a few agricultural managers to several small landowners, making the task of developing effective, cooperative conservation efforts more challenging. The Clark County SWCD addresses these and other urban-related challenges through education, leadership and providing technical assistance. The Backyard Conservation Program and the Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution Education Program for the Silver Creek - Little KY Watershed are two examples of educational activities that target urban and suburban dwellers. The District provides technical assistance to area municipalities in complying with EPA's Phase II stormwater control program (read more about this in our "Stormwater, Indiana's Clean Water" pages). The District, through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, also provides technical advisory assistance to County and City drainage boards, local planning commissions and other units of government upon request. |
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FACTS ABOUT CLARK COUNTY
Population |
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| Total population (1995 Census) | 91,826 |
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| Urban population: | ||
Jeffersonville |
23,588 |
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Clarksville |
21,586 |
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Charlestown |
6,555 |
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Sellersburg |
6,091 |
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| Land Use (acres are approximate) | ||
Cropland |
71,500 acres |
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Hayland |
11,500 acres |
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Pastureland |
21,000 acres |
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Forestland |
67,500 acres |
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Urban/built-up land |
65,000 acres |
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Other rural land |
9,260 acres |
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| Land Use Trends Trends in land use have been toward large increases in urban and built-up areas and a subsequent decrease in farmland. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Clark County lost more than 15,000 acres of farmland through conversion to non-agricultural uses from 1982 to 1992. This total included more than 13,000 acres of cropland. |
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Conservation is moving from the country to backyards across Indiana. Everyone is interested in natural resource protection. The Clark County SWCD and its' cooperating partners not only helps rural land users with natural resource concerns but has valuable information for homeowners, neighborhood associations and others as well.
Our office can help homeowners develop plans for their backyard similar to conservation plans used by farmers to help them manage their natural resources. These plans will help you control erosion, develop a wildlife habitat, plant trees and many other activities. They will also help you consider pesticide application and natural ways to overcome pest problems.
Backyard conservation can become a neighborhood effort. The rewards of natural beauty, song birds, butterflies, mosquito control, cooler summer evenings and the great outdoors will be satisfying. Other values include outdoor education for young people, maintenance of property values, improved air and water quality, overall esthetics and building community pride.
Information and publications on backyard conservation can also be obtained from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Visit their web site at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/.
The SWCD has a limited number of “Gardening for the Birds” books, which describe landscaping for wildlife and for wildflowers, butterfly gardens, and feeding and managing birds in the backyard. Written by Tom Barnes, an Associate Extension Professor with the Dept. of Forestry at the University of Kentucky, the books are $17.00 each. Please stop by or call the Clark County SWCD office to purchase.
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Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution Education Program for the Silver Creek - Little KY Watershed |
The grant for this project ended June 30, 2004. Please view the links below if you would like information on nonpoint source pollution, or visit Pat's Page.
On The Surface Newsletter - January 2004
View community guide "Water, Water Everywhere...Not A Drop To Drink?"
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view newsletter and guide.
Links || Stormwater || Urban
Private Woodland Owners