Youngs Creek Cost Share 2007

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Johnson County’s proximity to Indianapolis and access to major transportation routes have prompted rapid development and urbanization; Johnson County’s population increased 49% from 1980 to 2000.  Although increasing urban development is reducing the total area of farmland in the watershed, the county contains many viable farm businesses, and land in farms still constitutes approximately 74% of land area in the Youngs Creek Watershed.

The low rate of conservation tillage and close proximity of agricultural fields to streams indicate that agriculture is a potentially prominent source of sediment to streams in the Youngs Creek Watershed.  The main crops planted in the watershed are corn and soybeans.  In 2000 and 2001, approximately 75% of cornfields in Johnson County were planted conventionally; only 25% utilized a type of conservation tillage.  Of all soybean fields, approximately 30% use conventional tillage, and over 60% use conservation tillage.  In addition, 50% of all land within 30 feet of streams in the Youngs Creek Watershed was agricultural in 2001.   

Livestock access to streams is common in several parts of the watershed.  Livestock access to streams is a potential source of E. coli.  In addition, livestock access was noted in conjunction with eroded stream banks and denuded riparian buffer.  Livestock exclusion efforts will reduce bacteriological and nutrient contributions to watershed streams.

Riparian buffer analysis showed that only 35% of land within 30 feet of all streams in the Youngs Creek Watershed is covered with trees and/or forest.  Most of this forested buffer is located in the southern area of the watershed.  The establishment of riparian buffer zones will slow runoff, stabilize streambanks, and reduce sediment delivery to creeks in the watershed.