Bob Love speaks about WRAPS

The Bourbon County Unit of Retired School Personnel met Saturday, May 2 in the Commons Area of the Fort Scott High School. Eleven members and one guest were present. After a brief social time of conversation, coffee, and donuts, the president, Margaret Titus called the meeting to order. The group recited the Lord's prayer and the flag salute.

Margaret introduced the speaker Mr. Bob Love. Mr. Love currently serves on the Marmaton Watershed District Board and is retired from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. He explained "WRAPS" (watershed, restoration, and protection strategy), as a method of designing flood control. He began by asking the question, "Do you know which watershed area you live in?"

Marmaton? Mill Creek? Marais des Cygnes ? Osage ?

Love showed maps of towns in each of these areas and told methods being used to protect and restore the soil. When completed the watershed area must meet these goals: flood control, recreation, and a satisfactory water supply.

The Marmaton, our source for drinking water, serves approximately 20,000 people.

Teams are formed to assess and compile watershed information., develop ideal watershed goals, obtain data - identify needs, develop a management project, and make a report.

After the assessment stage, an application is made for money to correct the problem.

Love spoke briefly of the Riverfront Development Project which is in progress, mentioning the goals of a campground and perhaps a botanical garden.

President Margaret thanked Mr. Love for the very interesting and informative program.

She then opened the business meeting by calling for the reading of the minutes of the March meeting.

The minutes were approved. The treasurer gave the report and a collection was taken for the Beacon.

Mr. Eckles reported that the Beacon is now receiving out-dated grocery items from Walmart. For this he is very appreciative.

Mr. Eckles called attention to the students' art work on display in the entry area of the high school.

The secretary reminded that it is time to send in totals for volunteer hours for this year. The treasurer gave her report.

The next meeting will be in the High School Commons Area, July 11, 5 p.m.

It will be an indoor picnic. Delta George will give the program, Insects New to BB. Co.

Meeting was adjourned.

-- Submitted by

Maxine Kinney Smith, secretary