Fifteen people attended the annual meeting of the Middle Nolichucky Watershed Alliance on Wednesday at Hardin Park.

Speaking briefly during the meeting and picnic were Alderman Sarah Webster and Andrew Tolley of the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation’s water quality office in Johnson City.

Tolley commended the Watershed Alliance for its work in the past year to improve water quality.

Candy Adams, director of Keep Greene Beautiful, noted that the group has held
cleanup projects at Camp Creek, Holley Creek and Richland Creek and holds annual “River Floats” on the Nolichucky River and the educational “Kids in the Creek” program.

Webster spoke about the city of Greeneville’s work in the next five years to meet
storm-water regulations mandated by the state.

She said more details about the storm-water program will be presented at a public meeting planned for Sept. 8.

The Watershed Alliance’s support of the city’s efforts in this storm-water program is one of nine initiatives listed on the group’s action plan for 2004-05, which was reviewed by Adams.

Other Watershed Alliance “action plan” items are to:

• continue the creek cleanup projects through education and public awareness;

• water quality education in Greeneville City and Greene County schools;

• support greenway plans by working with local greenway/trails groups;

• partner with the city government for the sustainable development project;

• conduct another “River Float,” which Adams announced is scheduled for 10 a.m. to
1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11,;

• support wetland areas;

• support the Greene County Conservation Camp; and

• present classroom environmental awards and the college scholarship program.

Adams noted that starting last year, the Watershed Alliance presented four $100 classroom environmental awards to local teachers, and starting this year, the group plans to present a $250 scholarship to a student in an environmental program.

Mark Benko, the Alliance’s outgoing treasurer, reported that the group has $9,164 in its treasury.

New officers for 2004-05 were introduced. They are: Candy Adams, president; Ginny Kidwell, vice president; Wilhelmina Williams, secretary; and Fred Kaufmann, treasurer.

Kaufmann was presented a plaque in appreciation for his service as president during the past two years.