JACKSON PURCHASE RC&D FOUNDATION, INC.

2019 Annual Report of Activities

PO Box 1156 Benton, KY 42025

Website: www.jpf.org Phone: (270) 908-4545 Email: [email protected]

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, nongovernmental organization (NGO) working in Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, and McCracken counties in western . We work with local citizens and community leaders to develop ideas, build partnerships, find funding, and implement projects that improve the quality of life for citizens of the region. With assistance from our diverse and productive partnerships, we bring together people and organizations, including private landowners, conservation groups, local, state and federal governments, nonprofits and the private sector, to implement projects that promote healthy communities, healthy environments and sustainable economic growth. With our approach, we hope to empower local citizens and communities to make dreams become a reality.

Clarks River in McCracken County, photo credit Kevin Murphy

TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents

Introduction ______1 The Jackson Purchase RC&D Area ______2 Jackson Purchase RC&D – Our People ______3 JPF Projects in 2019 ______5 2019 Income and Expense Summary ______17 Our Partners and Donors ______18 Organization Information ______20

INTRODUCTION Introduction

HISTORY OF THE JACKSON PURCHASE RC&D FOUNDATION During the fall of 1994, a steering committee was formed to investigate the possibility of forming a Resource Conservation and Development Area in the eight western most counties of Kentucky. The committee, with assistance from the Soil Conservation Service and the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Center, organized working sessions of the interested parties. After only three meetings, the consensus was to proceed with the official organizational activities.

The nonprofit Corporation was formed December 2, 1994. The initial Board of Directors was established and they decided to apply to the Internal Revenue Service for nonprofit status. This status, 501(c)(3), was awarded by the IRS in April of 1995. Project activities began when the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (then the Soil Conservation Service) assigned a RC&D Coordinator to assist the Foundation in its natural resource conservation efforts and rural development activities in October of 1995. The Secretary of Agriculture designated the Jackson Purchase to be authorized an RC&D Area in March of 1998, the 299th such designation. There are currently 375 designated RC&D areas. The Jackson Purchase RC&D Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, non-governmental corporation serving the Kentucky counties of Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, and McCracken.

In 2011, the RC&D program was removed from the federal budget due to lack of funding. The Board of Directors for the Jackson Purchase RC&D Foundation, Inc. agreed to continue with their mission of sustainable development in harmony with our environment and is actively searching for new partners to help implement projects in our service area.

MISSION AND GOALS Vision: Sustainable Development in Harmony with our Environment

Mission: We are dedicated to the wise use of our natural and human resources. Our mission is to join with others to strengthen our community through measurable and sustainable means for the benefit of all.

Goals: Sustain our Natural Resources Improve the Quality of Life Enhance Economic Vitality

Fields of Interest: Land Conservation Land Management Water Management Community Development

Page 1 THE JACKSON PURCHASE RC&D AREA The Jackson Purchase RC&D Area

The RC&D Program USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

Page 2 JACKSON PURCHASE RC&D – OUR PEOPLE Jackson Purchase RC&D – Our People

Officers Kevin L. Murphy, President Billy Smith, Vice-President Mark Davis, Treasurer Forrest Wynn, Secretary

Committees Dark Water-Glenn Hall Four Rivers Basin Team- Four Rivers Watershed Watch Low Impact Development- Community Involvement-Rhonda Lamb Fundraising/Finance-Rhonda Lamb

Jackson Purchase RC&D Staff Rhonda Lamb-

Board Members Todd Cooper Ballard County Fiscal Court Jennifer Swain Ballard County Conservation District Kenny Imes Calloway County Fiscal Court Cindy Cossey Calloway County Conservation District James Oakley City of Murray Greg Terry Carlisle County Fiscal Court Kendra Jeffords Carlisle County Conservation District Philip King City of Bardwell Jim Martin Fulton County Fiscal Court Joan Jackson Fulton County Conservation District David Prater City of Fulton David Heath Carlton City of Hickman

Page 3 JACKSON PURCHASE RC&D – OUR PEOPLE Jesse Perry Graves County Fiscal Court Erica Marshall Graves County Conservation District Kathy O’Nan City of Mayfield Kenny Wilson Hickman County Fiscal Court Jimmy Stephens Hickman County Conservation District Kevin Neal Marshall County Fiscal Court Vicki Boatright Marshall County Conservation District John Ward City of Calvert City Rita Dotson City of Benton Craig Z. Clymer McCracken County Fiscal Court Debbie Seltsam McCracken County Conservation District Mark Thompson City of Paducah Tony Watkins Community Foundation of West Kentucky Stacey Courtney Purchase Area Development District Ray Dailey* Member at Large Dan Ellison* Member at Large Kevin Murphy* Member at Large Mark Wilson Member at Large Mark Davis* Member at Large * Denotes Executive Committee Member

Page 4 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 JPF Projects in 2019

LAND MANAGEMENT Obion Creek Stream Restoration Phase 2 This restoration project was priority because of physical impact to the watershed, landowner cooperation, water quality, likelihood of success, funding availability, and building on Phase I. A total of $1,084,061 has been generated for the project. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Fee-in-lieu-of Mitigation (FILO) program will provide $781,000, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet TEA21 program will provide $102,000, and EPA 319(h) program will provide $218,620.

Phase II, like Phase I, will be designed and monitored by University of Louisville (Dr. Arthur Parola with The Stream Institute). The drainage area above and including the project site is approximately 117 square miles. The project is contiguous with Obion Creek Phase I, located immediately west of KY 307. The main element of this project will be to connect the historic channel to the restored channel of Obion Creek Phase I.

Dating back to the 1920’s, channelization was employed as a method of water control for use in agriculture within the region. This type of land manipulation existed for several decades and is the main factor leading to the current condition of the watershed today. The diversion channel at the site is no longer transporting water due to sediment buildup and debris. In addition, a head-cut is present at the lower end of the project area immediately east of KY 307, and is migrating upstream at a rapid rate. Murphy’s Pond, located within the project area, is an Exceptional Use Water, currently owned by and managed by the Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission.

Construction activities for this project are complete and the project is now in the monitoring phase, with success monitoring to be conducted on an annual basis for four years. To date, $57,720.68 remains in the FILO gran from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The EPA 319 (h) grant was completed in 2012 and all project funds have been spent. Dr. Art Parola with the University of Louisville serves as the coordinator for this project, with assistance provided by Clayton Mastin, also with the University of Louisville Stream Institute and Maggie Morgan.

Page 5 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 Pollinator Habitat Restoration In 2019, the Foundation worked with the USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program on several projects to restore and establish pollinator habitat in the region. One of the projects was restoration of approximately 300 linear feet of streambanks along in Calloway County, including stabilization of the streambanks and restoration of the riparian zone. Three sections of streambanks were restored in 2019, and in the spring of 2020 hardwood trees will be planted in the riparian zone with an herbaceous pollinator mix to improve the habitat area for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Another project began in 2019 and will be continued into 2020, Kindness Park in Benton, Kentucky. Through this project, the Foundation is partnering with the City of Benton to create a butterfly garden at Kindness Park. A horticulture student from Murray State University designed the garden in 2019. The design was approved by the City of Benton. Two redbud trees were planted in 2019, but the remainder of the planting will occur in spring of 2020.

In August of 2019, the Foundation partnered with the Hutson School of Agriculture and City of Murray to design and construct a rain garden at the Arboretum at Murray State University that will serve as an educational tool for visitors of the Arboretum, showing how rain gardens and native plants can be incorporated into residential landscaping. The rain garden was constructed at one of the pavilions, showing how rooftop runoff can be directed into a rain garden. Native plants that are good for pollinators were also used in the garden. The garden also has an educational sign about rain gardens that gives information about the purpose and importance of rain gardens in terms of managing stormwater.

In the fall of 2019 the Foundation partnered with the Hutson School of Agriculture on another project to establish pollinator habitat in the new Sensory Garden at the Arboretum at Murray State University. The Sensory Garden is designed to encourage the use of the five senses in observation of nature, and will include areas for touching, tasting, listening, smelling, and visualizing. Through this project, native plants were incorporated into the design for the different sensory areas.

Page 6 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 WATER MANAGEMENT Aquarium at BBQ on the River Festival In 2019, the Foundation raised funds for the Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) to bring their mobile aquarium to the Barbeque on the River Festival in Paducah, Kentucky on September 26-28, 2019. The aquarium provided a unique opportunity for local community members to view a variety of fish species living in the Ohio River and to show the importance of maintaining water quality to river health. The Foundation and Harrah’s of Metropolis sponsored a rain barrel coloring contest with prizes of Under Armour Soft Coolers. Our educational booth included a stormwater model and pH kits to learn about water quality. Kevin Murphy served as the project coordinator, with assistance provided by Rhonda Lamb and Maggie Morgan. Expenses for this project totaled $5,796.80 in 2019. Funding for this project was provided by:

Calvert City Water & Sewer

City of Paducah

Denton Law Firm

Evonik Corporation

HB Banks

First Financial Bank

Hilliard Lyons, The Housman Financial Group

Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation

Jackson Purchase Foundation

James Marine Fund of the Community Foundation of West Kentucky

Joint Sewer Agency

Lubrizol

MAKO Services

Paducah Water

Propeller Club-Port of Paducah

Rivercrest Engineering, Inc.

Shawnee Professional Services

Harrah’s of Metropolis

Sekisui

Westlake Chemical Corporation

Page 7 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 ORSANCO Ohio River Sweep In 2019, the Foundation served as the local coordinator for the ORSANCO Ohio River Sweep in McCracken County, Kentucky. The Ohio River Sweep is organized annually by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). The Ohio River Sweep encompasses the entire length of the river, from its origin in Pittsburgh, PA to its end in Cairo, IL, including nearly 3,000 miles of shoreline and many tributaries. Locally, over 40 volunteers picked up trash along the banks of the Ohio River at the foot of Broadway in Paducah. In addition to picking up trash along the Ohio River, volunteers also stenciled storm drains around the downtown area, marking these as direct connections to our local rivers and streams.

Materials for this project, including trash bags, gloves and t-shirts for volunteers were provided by ORSANCO. The City of Paducah partnered on this project, providing dumpsters for trash that was collected. Paducah Coca-Cola provided water for the volunteers. Rhonda Lamb served as the coordinator for this project. Forty volunteers helped to clean up approximately two miles of shoreline of the Ohio River in Paducah at the foot of Broadway. No expenses were accrued for this project.

Four Rivers Basin Team The Team, formed by a collaboration between JPF and the Kentucky Division of Water, addresses various watershed issues and collaborates with stakeholders, the public, and water resource management agencies to further address watershed management and water quality monitoring in the Four Rivers Basin. Besides working closely with the Four Rivers Watershed Watch and Storm Drain Stenciling projects in the region, team members have supported the following other activities in 2019: providing assistance to the Little River Water Quality Consortium formed to address water quality impairments in the Little River basin; providing assistance to the Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge’s Chestnut Creek watershed plan implementation project; providing assistance to the Marshall County Fiscal Court’s Chestnut Creek Homeowner Assistance Program; providing assistance with the Damon Creek Watershed Based Plan implementation project; providing assistance to Four Rivers Watershed Watch for their watershed planning projects in Clayton Creek and Bee Creek; and participating in various educational events throughout the basin.

In addition to the Four Rivers Basin Team activities discussed above, the Basin Coordinator assisted numerous groups with education and outreach concerning the importance of water quality. The Basin Coordinator also assisted with the Living Green Summer Series, various educational workshops and several educational field days. The Basin Coordinator worked hand in hand with the Kentucky Division of Water to implement the Kentucky Watershed Management Framework in the Four Rivers region of Kentucky. The basin coordinator also served as the chair of Watershed Watch in Kentucky, helping this group with several grant projects to expand citizen based water quality monitoring across Kentucky.

In 2016, JPF continued their partnership with the Kentucky Division of Water to employ a Basin Coordinator for the Four Rivers region, Maggie Morgan, through an EPA 319 (h) grant. This grant employed the Four Rivers Basin

Page 8 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 Coordinator from April 16, 2016 through May 31, 2019. Total project cost for this grant is $302.500, including $181,500 in federal funds and $126,000 in non-federal matching funds. To date, all funds have been spent. In 2019, the JPF was selected for funding by the Kentucky Division of Water for another EPA 319(h) grant to continue to employ the Four Rivers Basin Coordinator through June of 2021. The total for this grant is $239,167 including $143,500 in EPA 319 (h) funds and $95,667 in local match. To date, $55,473.89 has been spent. The coordinator for this project is Maggie Morgan.

Four Rivers Watershed Watch The Watershed Watch program has completed its twentieth year of citizen based water quality monitoring. It was started as an outreach effort to focus on community-based stream assessment programs utilizing volunteer teams. This program conducts biological and habitat assessments and collects water samples from various sites across 17 counties for lab analysis from lakes and streams in West Kentucky.

Citizen scientist volunteers in the Core Monitoring Program monitored their streams throughout the year, collecting one sample in May, one sample in July and one sample in September. In 2019, 47 samples were collected in May, 43 samples were collected in July and 36 samples were collected in September. In addition, 18 biological and habitat assessments were conducted in the June timeframe. Citizen scientist volunteers in the Lakes Monitoring Program visited 11 sites every 14 days May 6 through October 29, 2019, collecting field observations, photographs and secchi depth data. The FRWW annual conference was held on November 7, 2019 with 21 attendees.

In addition to their regular volunteer monitoring program, FRWW participated in several education and outreach events in 2019, including educational field days for local schools, several lessons with youth and 4H groups, the third annual Four Rivers Watershed Sustainability Festival in Murray, and set up an educational booth at several local festivals in the basin. FRWW hosted a litter cleanup event in 2019, in Calloway County. FRWW has taken an interest in youth in the past several years, and has conducted special programs to create youth sampling teams under the direction of supervising adult samplers. The most successful team is located in Calloway County and includes approximately 15 kids that monitor five different sites.

In 2018 Four Rivers Watershed Watch conducted a focus study of the Clayton Creek Watershed in Calloway County to better identify source of bacterial pollution and BMP’s that could be implemented to address those sources. In 2019 the Calloway County Watershed Coordinator worked on developing the background and implementations sections for the Clayton Creek Watershed Based Plan. This plan is expected to be completed in early 2020, and then we will work with local partners to implement the strategies identified in this plan.

Page 9 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 In 2019, Four Rivers Watershed Watch selected the Bee Creek subwatershed in Calloway County as a focus study project. Four Rivers Watershed Watch volunteers have sampled Bee Creek and noticed high E. coli for several years. The Bee Creek subwatershed was also selected as a priority watershed in need of additional BMPs in the Clarks River Watershed Based Plan produced in 2010 by Strand Associates, Inc. In order to implement BMP’s to address bacterial pollution in the Bee Creek subwatershed, additional data collection is needed to better direct those efforts. Through this focus study, a bacteria specific watershed plan will be developed for the Bee Creek subwatershed, identifying potential sources of E. coli and BMPs to address those sources. Murray State University Watershed Study Institute Graduate Students and the Calloway County Watershed Coordinator conducted the sampling portion of the planning project, collecting E. coli samples and field chemistry data five times during a thirty day period in May and June, and sampling monthly for the rest of the primary contact recreation season (July through October), per the Kentucky Water Quality Standards. A Quality Assurance Project Plan was developed by Four Rivers Watershed Watch and approved by the Kentucky Division of Water to direct these sampling efforts. Another Murray State University student is working with the Calloway County Watershed Coordinator to conduct habitat assessments throughout the watershed. The Calloway County Watershed Coordinator will help the development of the data analysis section of the watershed plan in coordination with the Four Rivers Basin Coordinator. The Calloway County Watershed Coordinator will develop the background and implementation sections of the watershed plan with assistance from a team of local stakeholders. We hope to have this watershed plan completed by summer of 2020, and then will work with partners to implement the strategies identified in the plan.

Financial support was received from the City of Murray ($1,700) to support sampling efforts in their respective area. In 2019, Four Rivers Watershed Watch held several fundraisers to support our program, including rebate nights at Sirloin Stockade Restaurant and Los Portales in Murray, a cleanup event in Clayton Creek Watershed in Calloway County raising a total of $431.83. Total income in 2019 was $6,630.10. Total expenses were $4,519.36, resulting in a current account balance of $7,126.16. FRWW also applied for and received a grant for $3,900 from the TVA Community Outreach Program to support sampling efforts in 2019. Coordinators for this project are: Bobby Lee, Jason Arnold, Angie Hayden, Mike Kemp, Shelly Morris, Jane Benson, Rhonda Lamb, Maggie Morgan, Casey Madole and Ray Smith. Results are available at http://4RWW.jpf.org.

Watershed Plan Implementation in Chestnut Creek In 2015, the Foundation helped the Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge with the grant application process for a second EPA 319 (h) grant from the Kentucky Division of Water to implement solutions identified in the watershed-based plan that are related to agriculture, and assisted with the implementation of this grant that ended in 2018. In 2018, the Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge received a second EPA 319(h) grant from the Kentucky Division of Water to implement solutions identified in the Chestnut Creek watershed plan, totaling $297,487. In 2019, five septic pumpouts were completed, one Photo Credit: Ray Stainfield septic system repair was completed, and one septic system replacement was completed. The Foundation will provide technical assistance on this project through the Four Rivers Basin Coordinator. The coordinator for the Chestnut Creek Watershed Based Plan implementation project is Casey Madole with the Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, with assistance provided by Maggie Morgan.

In 2019, the Foundation assisted the Marshall County Fiscal Court with a grant application that provided the County with a $250,000 EPA 319 (h) grant from the Kentucky Division of Water provide funds to landowners that need to hook to the local sanitary sewer facility, Marshall County Sanitation District #2. In 2019, six homeowners were connected to Marshall

Page 10 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 County Sanitation District #2 sewer lines. The Foundation will provide technical assistance on this project through the Four Rivers Basin Coordinator. The Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge will also provide assistance on this project through the Chestnut Creek Watershed Coordinator.

DarkWater Documentary The Foundation has partnered with Glenn Hall Photography on the production of DarkWater, a feature-length documentary film exploring the local economic and ecological impact of one invasive species: Asian carp in the rivers and lakes of the Ohio River Valley and beyond.

Deliberately and accidentally, invasive aquatic species have been introduced into American rivers and lakes where they now thrive. Almost without exception, these species have demonstrated their capacity to detrimentally reproduce and reduce, rather than increase, aquatic biodiversity. Their economic impact is significant, both locally and nationally. In fewer than forty years, Asian carp have spread from their initial limited introduction in Arkansas to eight states along the and its tributaries, including the Illinois, Missouri, Cumberland, and Ohio Rivers. In terms of rivers alone, this gives the carp a range of well over 7,000 miles through thirteen states. Their numbers are increase dramatically in both rivers and lakes – over 56% of fish collected during a 2010 survey in Kentucky and Barkley Lakes were Asian carp – and publically mandated efforts for control remain unfocused and unsuccessful. DarkWater promises to bring not only a new, objective voice to regional discussions among professional and sports fishermen and local regulators, but also a broader public awareness and engagement in national discussions of invasive aquatic species.

In 2014, the DarkWater project was featured in the Oxford American magazine in their Eyes on the South blog feature. Production of this documentary was completed in 2017. In 2018, DarkWater won the Jurors Award for Best Documentary Feature. In 2019 the film was featured at the Four Rivers Watershed Sustainability Festival. The film was shown on Thursday night, April 4; Friday night, April 5 and Saturday night, April 6. All showings were at the movie theater in the Curris Center, Murray State University. The coordinator for this project is Glenn Hall, with assistance provided by Foundation staff.

Damon Creek Watershed Based Plan In 2015, the Foundation was awarded an EPA 319(h) grant from the Kentucky Division of Water to develop a watershed plan for the Damon Creek watershed in Calloway County. Monitoring of four sites in the Damon Creek watershed was completed in 2015, with assistance from the Kentucky Division of Water. The primary goal of this project was to Damon Creek Watershed Based Plan develop a bacteria specific watershed-based plan based on the monitoring data collected in 2015, and work with landowners to implement solutions identified in the newly developed watershed plan. Data collected show the main issues in the watershed relate to E. coli, with the highest concentrations being observed at the two most downstream sites. Data also show that the primary contributor of E. coli in the watershed is ruminant related, although there are some human contributions. This plan was completed and approved by EPA in 2019.

Page 11 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 Damon Creek Watershed Based Plan Implementation In 2017, the Foundation applied for additional funding from the EPA 319(h) program to implement additional BMPs that were identified in the Damon Creek Watershed Plan. In 2018, the Foundation learned this project was selected for funding by the Kentucky Division of Water, however, not to the degree proposed in the project application. Funding was provided to continue the Calloway County Watershed Coordinator to work with landowners in the watershed to develop specific plans for BMPs, including designs and engineering plans, for projects that will address bacterial pollution from livestock in the watershed. The Foundation received $83,333 for this project, including $50,000 in federal funds and $33,333 in local match to employ a watershed coordinator to work with landowners in the Damon Creek watershed to developed BMP implementation plans for the two livestock operations in the watershed to address bacterial pollution. This watershed coordinator is employed by the Foundation directly, instead of contracted through the Calloway County Conservation District. To date, $47,258.28 from this project has been expended. In 2019, the Foundation submitted a second EPA 319 (h) grant application to seek funds to work directly with one landowner in the Damon Creek watershed to implement solutions that will reduce bacterial pollution from livestock. We anticipate hearing in early 2020 if that project was selected for funding. The coordinator for this project is Rhonda Lamb, with support provided by Maggie Morgan.

Four Rivers Watershed Sustainability Festival In 2019, the Watershed Studies Institute at Murray State University, the City of Murray, Calloway County Public Library, MSU Hutson School of Agriculture-The Arboretum and the Jackson Purchase Foundation co-hosted the third annual Four Rivers Watershed Sustainability Summit April 2 through 6. The goal of this event was to celebrate our abundant water resources that are so important to our history and region, and learn about local projects to improve and protect our water resources.

On Tuesday, April 2, a free Family Day was held at The Arboretum, Murray State University. Over 400 people participated in educational activities about our environment in general and water quality. Several partners from the region were present to lead activities for youth, including Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Friends of LBL, Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, The Arboretum, MSU Watershed Studies Institute, MSU Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, MSU Watershed Studies Institute, MSU Hancock Biological Station, MSU Department of Biological Sciences, Four Rivers Watershed Watch, and local Girl Scout troops. Other educational booths targeting adults with information about our region were also set up, including Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, US Geological Survey, Master Gardeners, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Trees were given away by the Calloway County Conservation District. Animal Tales and the Nature Station from Land Between the Lakes were present and conducted programs on wildlife. Jason Lindsey highlighted the day with demonstrations related to water. All activities were free for families to participate in.

An educational summit with a series of speakers was held on Wednesday, April 3 at the Curris Center at Murray State University. The morning session for this summit focused on Restoring Bottomland Hardwood Forests and the afternoon

Page 12 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 session focused on Asian Carp. The day ended with poster displays from Murray State students on research being conducted through the University.

On Thursday, April 4, a Project Aquatic Wild workshop for local educators was held. Project Aquatic Wild is a water education program focus on aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. Project Aquatic Wild is intended for teachers and non-formal educators working with youth in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Four educators were trained through this workshop.

On Thursday night, April 4; Friday night, April 5 and Saturday night, April 6 the documentary DarkWater was shown in the Curris Center Theatre. DarkWater is a feature-length documentary film exploring the local economic and ecological impact of one invasive species: Asian carp in the rivers and lakes of the Ohio River Valley and beyond. The film was produced by Glen Hall photography.

On Friday night, April 5, Four Rivers Watershed Watch hosted their 20 Year Celebration, commemorating 20 years of citizen based volunteer monitoring in our region. The reception was held in the student lounge of the IT Building at Murray State University.

On Saturday April 10, volunteers gathered to pick up trash in the Clayton Creek watershed to raise money for the FRWW program. Following this litter pickup, the Murray State University Chapter of The Wildlife Society hosted the first Beast Feast, featuring a wide array of North American wildlife dishes carefully prepared for family enjoyment. This event was held at Chestnut Park in Murray.

South Fork of the Little River Watershed Based Plan In 2019, the Jackson Purchase Foundation continued to assist the Little River Water Quality Consortium with their Watershed Plan Development project for the South Fork Little River Watershed in Christian County. This project focuses on developing a watershed plan for the South Fork Little River watershed, determining pollution loads in the watershed and strategies to reduce pollution loads. The Four Rivers Basin Coordinator provided technical assistance for this project, including attending meetings of the Little River Water Quality Consortium and hosting meetings for technical partners for the project. Third Rock Consultants, LLC developed the South Fork Little River Watershed Plan. In 2019, the basin coordinator developed the South Fork Little River BMP Implementation Plan. The coordinator for this project is Steve Bourne with the Hopkinsville-Christian County Community Development Services.

Statewide Watershed Coordinator Meetings In 2019, the Foundation partnered with the Kentucky Division of Water to host two meetings for watershed coordinators across the state. These meetings are coordinated by basin coordinators and other partners across the state to provide information to watershed coordinators about a variety of topics and allow for networking between watershed coordinators across the state. The first meeting was held on June 20, 2019 and included a presentation of the first module of the Watershed Academy currently in develop by the Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute. The second meeting was held on December 5, 2019 and included a presentation of the second module of the watershed academy.

Income for these meetings totaled $ 246.88 in 2019, and expenses totaled $181.81. The project account balance is currently $22.04. The coordinator for this project is Maggie Morgan.

Page 13 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LBL Sportsman’s Fund The purpose of this fund is to further gun safety and hunter education. The fund is increased by members of the LBL Sportsman’s Club. The balance of this account at the end of the calendar year was $ 4,454.72. Kevin Murphy serves as the project coordinator.

Clarks River Interpretive Nature Trail The purpose of this project is to establish an interpretive nature tail for canoeing and kayaking on the Clarks River in western Kentucky, with an initial focus on the lower end of the Clarks River where it meets the . The project is seeking funding for establishment of three launch sites along the Clarks River for canoeing and kayaking. An interpretive nature trail along the Clarks River in Kentucky accessed by canoe and kayak would allow the public a unique opportunity to view this stream in its natural state with the different unique flora and fauna that call the stream home. By getting people outside appreciating the beauty of nature and the resources we have available to us, we hope to create educated citizens that serve as good stewards of the environment. The first permanent launch site, Flynn Eagle Scout Landing, located behind the Reidland Ballfield was established in 2016.

A second permanent launch site has been established off of Sheehan Bridge Road in a KYTC easement area, using funds from a grant from the HDR Foundation for $14,980. In 2019, construction began on the HDR Landing and is currently about ninety percent complete.

In 2019, the Foundation submitted a grant application to the Caesar’s Foundation seeking funding for a third launch site on Sharpe Elva Road in Marshall County on Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge property. This project was selected for funding, and work is anticipated in summer 2020.

The annual Family Float event was held on September 7, 2019 with 21 participants floating from the newly constructed HDR Landing to the Clarks River Road ramp, a total of 6 miles. Canoes for participants were provided by

Murray State University’s Hancock Biological Station, and Hooper’s Outdoor Center in Paducah. Lunch was provided for all participants.

Expenses for this project totaled $8,637.49 in 2019. Income for this project totaled $5,418 in 2019. The balance in this account is currently $12,170.12. The coordinator for this project is Kevin Murphy.

Page 14 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 Living Green Summer Conservation Series In 2019, the Jackson Purchase Foundation partnered with the Calloway County Conservation District, The Arboretum at Murray State University, the US Fish & Wildlife Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and the City of Murray to host the Living Green Summer Conservation Series in Murray, Kentucky. Three workshops were held to educate homeowners about ways to make their landscape more “green,” including a Container Gardening Workshop on June 5, 2019, a Rain Barrel Workshop on July 9, 2019 and a Rain Garden Workshop on August 1, 2019.

At the first workshop, attendees learned about different types of container gardening practices. At the second workshop, volunteers learned about the importance of rain barrels in terms of stormwater management, and how to construct a rain barrel. The first twenty participants to sign up for this workshop received a free rain barrel courtesy of the City of Murray. At the third workshop, volunteers learned why and how to install a rain garden. A demonstration rain garden was constructed at the Arboretum, and participants helped with the planting of this rain garden. Workshops were held at the Murray State University Arboretum.

This was the sixth year for this event, and the fourth time the event was held in Murray. The series was a great success this year, with more attendees than previous years. Over 75 people from the area participated in these events. Coordinators for this project were Rhonda Lamb, James Oakley, Dava Hayden and Maggie Morgan.

Water Smarter: The Artistic Rain Barrel Partnership In 2019, the Foundation partnered with the Marshall County Exceptional Center, the Watch Center in Murray, KY, and Girl Scout Clubs in Murray to have students and individuals paint rain barrels to be used as a fundraiser for their organization. When barrels are completed and clear-coated, they are for sold for $100 each, with 50% of the proceeds going to JPF and 50% to the organization. Additionally, some artistic rain barrels are available from the JPF partnership with Paducah Tilghman High School. Income for the project was $1,277.18 with $655.10 in expenses, leaving a balance of $316.35.

Lowertown Arts and Music Festival On May 17 and 18, 2019, the Jackson Purchase Foundation set up an educational booth at the Lowertown Arts and Music Festival. The booth featured information about the Foundation and our related environmental projects and concerns. Visitors were given swamp milkweed seed packets and encouraged to create pollinator habitat. Informational and educational pamphlets were also available, and visitors were given information about upcoming Foundation events and projects.

WHO Festival In 2019 the Jackson Purchase Foundation partnered with the Marshall County Fiscal Court, Mike Miller Park, Community Financial Services Bank, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce, Family Day Group and Murray State University to host the third annual Wildlife, Heritage and Outdoor Festival (WHO Festival) at Mike

Page 15 JPF PROJECTS IN 2019 Miller Park on September 22, bringing local communities together to celebrate and promote the outdoor legacy unique to our area. The goal of this festival was to create a family-oriented event that celebrates our community assets, opportunities, and traditions that have contributed to a long-standing outdoor heritage in Western Kentucky. Through this festival, the partners hoped to create a culture that celebrates and values our outdoor heritage, and plans accordingly to maintain this heritage long into the future as our populations and communities grow.

Festival activities included a Big Buck Professional Scoring Exhibit, Wildlife Photography Contest, Kids Fishing Tournament, Family Bike Ride, Wildlife Exhibits, Family Float, Archery Tutorials, and various other educational booths. One goal of the festival was to attract a broad audience of outdoor enthusiasts to our community, increasing tourism opportunities for the future. Public land managers, organized community groups, outdoor recreation supply vendors and food vendors were invited to contribute to the attraction and goals of the event. A field day for third graders in Marshall County was held on October 23, 2019, and showcased a variety of booths related to the outdoors and wildlife.

Page 16 2019 INCOME AND EXPENSE SUMMARY 2019 Income and Expense Summary

Total Total Income Expenses 4000 Contributed support 6560 Payroll Expenses -$73,698.46 4010 Indiv/business contribution $2,701.81 7000 Grant, Proj. & contract expense 4120 Donated other serv - non-GAAP $46,950.95 7001 Grants/Contracts In-Kind -$59,206.42 4130 Gifts in kind - goods $12,255.47 7020 Grants to other organizations -$100.00 4210 Corporate/business grants $4,450.00 7021 Contractual -$24,621.11 4250 Nonprofit organization grants $2,733.82 7023 Personnel -$184.14 4520 Federal grants $99,799.15 7025 Meeting/Training -$101.18 4540 Local government grants $12,653.45 7029 Supplies -$14,362.96 Total 4000 Contributed support $181,544.65 7031 Travel -$6,871.63 5000 Earned revenues 7033 Operating Costs -$41,138.44 5020 Federal contracts/fees $34,444.93 7035 Other -$50.00 - 5180 Program service fees $330.86 Total 7000 Grant, Proj. & contract expense $146,635.88 5310 Interest-savings/short-term inv $347.66 8100 Non-personnel expenses Total 5000 Earned revenues $35,123.45 8110 Supplies -$762.49 Total Income $216,668.10 8130 Telephone & telecommunications -$1,675.41 8140 Postage, shipping, delivery -$118.00 8180 Books, subscriptions, reference -$1,593.78 Total 8100 Non-personnel expenses -$4,149.68 8300 Travel & meetings expenses 8310 Travel -$977.38 8320 Conference,convention,meeting -$32.95 8330 Board Meeting -$433.13 Total 8300 Travel & meetings expenses -$1,443.46 8500 Misc expenses 8520 Insurance - non-employee -$1,252.35 8530 Membership dues - organization -$25.00 Total 8500 Misc expenses -$1,277.35 8600 Business expenses 8610 Bad debt expense -$2,250.00 8670 Organizational (corp) expenses -$3,204.14 Total 8600 Business expenses -$5,454.14 - Total Expenses $232,658.97

Net Operting Income -$15,990.87

Page 17 OUR PARTNERS AND DONORS Our Partners and Donors

Advisors Local Governments Corporate/Business/Individuals

USDA Ballard County Conservation District AEP River Operations

Natural Resources Conservation Service Ballard County Fiscal Court Air Products

Farm Service Agency Calloway County Conservation District Andrea Strange USDI Calloway County Fiscal Court Andy Radomski

Fish and Wildlife Service Calvert City Water & Sewer Ann Li

Clarks River NWR Carlisle County Conservation District Annie McDaniel USFS Carlisle County Fiscal Court Atlas Roofing Contractors, Inc.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area City of Bardwell Aurora Barbeque Authority City of Benton Bill Green

Commonwealth of Kentucky City of Calvert City Bondright Middle School

Department of Agriculture City of Fulton Brittany Johnston

Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources City of Hickman Brooke Anson

Division of Conservation City of Mayfield Bryan & Carrie Howell

Division of Water City of Murray Cathryne Claudio Governor’s Office of Ag Policy City of Paducah Caesar’s Enterprise Services, LLC

State Nature Preserves Commission Fulton County Conservation District Charity Langhi University of Kentucky Fulton County Fiscal Court CocaCola Cooperative Extension service Graves County Conservation District Croft Concrete

Murray State University Graves County Fiscal Court Curtis Harrell

Center for Environmental Education Hickman County Conservation District Derek & Shannon Englert

College of Science, Engineering and Technology Hickman County Fair, Inc. Dottie Slemmer

Environmental Engineering Department Hickman County Fiscal Court E Ray Smith

Hancock Biological Station Joint Sewer Agency Early American Motel

Mid-America Remote Sensing Center Livingston County Conservation District EHI Consultants

School of Agriculture Marshall Co. Conservation District. Elizabeth Lents The Arboretum Marshall Co. Fiscal Court Elizabeth Raikes

WKMS Mayfield Graves Co. Chamber of Commerce Emily Ricketts Austin Peay State University McCracken County Conservation District Evonik Corporation Hopkinsville Community College McCracken County Fiscal Court First Financial Bank West Kentucky Community and Technical College Obion Creek Watershed Conservancy District Gayle Kaler Kentucky Assoc. of RC&D Councils, Inc. Paducah Water Works George W. Kipphut Purchase Area Development District Gerald Moore Cooperative Extension Service Nonprofit Glenn Denton Ballard County BBQ on the River, Inc. Glenn Hall Photography

Calloway County Calloway County 4H Council Greg Waldrop Carlisle County Community Foundation of West Kentucky HDR, Inc. Fulton County Cub Scout Pack 484, Den 11 Hilliard Lyons, The Houseman Financial Group

Graves County Damon Creek Watershed and Sewer Association, Inc. ICA Engineering, Inc. Hickman County Friends of Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation

Marshall County Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels James Barnes

Page 18 OUR PARTNERS AND DONORS Advisors Nonprofit Corporate/Business/Individuals

McCracken County Kentucky Association for Environmental Education Jason M Powell University of Louisville Kentucky Waterways Alliance Jessica Laws Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center LBL Sportsman’s Club Jimmy & Amy Hughes Stream Institute League of Kentucky Sportsmen John Miller Maiden Alley Cinema Joint Sewer Agency

Marshall County 4H Council KACo Mayfield Graves County Animal Shelter Karla Johnston McCracken County 4H Council Kelly Rogers

Owners Association of Pirates Cove Kevin L. Murphy Paducah - McCracken County Riverport Authority Los Portales of Murray Propeller Club - Port of Paducah Lubrizol Advanced Materials

Quail Unlimited MAKO Services

Reidland Methodist Men Marjorie Grady

The Nature Conservancy Mark Morgan

United Church of Paducah Marquette Transportation Company

Virginia Environmental Endowment Michael Howard Watershed Watch of Kentucky Michael & Mary Legendre

YouthDeal, Inc. Mitch Kimball & Shand Stamper

Paducah Water

Phyllis Turner

Rivercrest Engineering, Inc.

Ron and Mary Jane Millikan

Sekisui Shawnee Professional Service Sirloin Stockade

Swift & Staley Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Teresa Stainfield

Theresa Bolton

Wacker Chemical Corporation Wascon, Inc. Wayne Walden

Westlake Chemical Corporation

Page 19 ORGANIZATION INFORMATION Organization Information

Jackson Purchase Foundation PO Box 1156 Benton, KY 42025 Tel (270-908-4545 www.jpf.org

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