Stream Team takes stock

Events focused on improving the water quality of Stinson Creek were discussed Tuesday evening by members of the Fulton Stream Team.
Events focused on improving the water quality of Stinson Creek were discussed Tuesday evening by members of the Fulton Stream Team.

Still in its infancy, members of the Fulton Steam Team sat around a conference table one evening this week, hashing out ideas of how to proceed.

The goal is to bond area residents to Stinson Creek and other waterways, according to Kyle Bruemmer, Fulton city engineer, one of several city utility workers who are members of the organization formed in the spring.

"I'm happy to see the ball rolling," Bruemmer said. "If you surround yourself with the right people, you learn a lot."

The group also has pulled together students from Westminster College and Fulton Public Schools, residents concerned about water quality and Amy Meier of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Several points were taken and plans started for an upcoming activity.

"A Halloween pickup is something we can do immediately and point to it and say we got something done," Bruemmer said.

The event would be in October with costumed participants, with a cleanup around the creek near Memorial Park and a barbecue to follow. Plans will be announced when they come together.

Stream Team members also continue to work with Fulton Public Schools to figure a way to provide meaningful content to the district's current curriculum. Also to be further developed is an adopt-a-stream program.

Making people aware of water quality is key, according to Bruemmer.

"In order to have eyes and ears out there, you have to make people more aware," he said, mentioning a couple instances where people working near the Stinson Creek noticed problems with infiltration - one of which was refuse from a farming operation.

Scott Carlton, the city's storm water inspector, said an activity is being planned with the Art House, a community gallery in downtown Fulton.

"We're working with them to have an annual art exhibit," he said.

The Fulton Stream Team had their initial community meeting early in June and meets every few months. Since then, brush has been cleared near the Business Route 54 roundabout so people can see Stinson Creek on their travels, and local Girl Scouts have stenciled warnings near 25 storm water culverts advising people not to put trash and yard waste down the drains.

Other educational events also have been held. Free bags and supplies for groups wishing to do stream clean-up projects also are available at the city's engineering department. Fulton Stream Team is on Facebook, and people can email [email protected].