Partners for Clean Streams Inc. is striving for abundant open space and a high quality natural environment; adequate floodwater storage capacities and flourishing wildlife; stakeholders who take local ownership in their resources; and rivers, streams and lakes that are clean, clear and safe.

Partners for Clean Streams can achieve this mission by working directly with businesses, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, partners and volunteers to make those waterways clean, clear and safe. PCS connects organizational and individual partners through educational opportunities, conservation programs, events and outreach programs for the benefit of local and regional water in Northwest Ohio.

Partners for Clean Streams is the local umbrella organization for the Maumee Remedial Action Plan Advisory Committee, or RAC for short. The RAC is a diverse assortment of interested citizens, government agencies, businesses, and other non-profit organizations that collaborate and plan together to meet the broader goals set up for the Maumee RAP (Remedial Action Plan) by the International Joint Commission. The International Joint Commission was formed from the International Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement in 1987. The Remedial Action Plans are under direction by the federal and state government which, in Ohio, partners with local action groups to manage activities to fulfill the goal of promoting fishable, drinkable and swimmable waterways. Partners for Clean Streams is the local organization working with the state to improve water quality in the Maumee River Area of Concern.

The lower Maumee River watershed is an Area of Concern as designated by the International Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. An Area of Concern is defined as a watershed that contains one of fourteen designated Beneficial Use Impairments to the environment. The Maumee River watershed has eleven of the fourteen designated Beneficial Use Impairments. Essentially, the Maumee River has many contamination issues that affect our ability to use the water and wildlife in the area freely. Thus, as part of Remedial Action Plan, PCS strives to restore waterways by removing the Beneficial Use Impairments by reducing contamination and improving water quality.

History and Structure of Partners for Clean Streams

The history of Partners for Clean Streams, Inc. is immersed in community and government agencies working towards a common goal; supporting clear, clear and safe waterways. PCS was formed in early 2007 as a 501(c) 3 non-profit community organization. Since 1987, the Maumee RAP has been focused on improving the water quality in the Maumee River Area of Concern, spearheaded locally for many years by TMACOG. The Maumee RAP Advisory Committee became part of Partners for Clean Streams in 2008. Just as the Maumee RAP, PCS is committed to maintaining a high level of dedication to community involvement, and government support in promoting fishable, drinkable and swimmable waterways.

The PCS Board of Directors consists of 7-9 members that are in charge of fiscal responsibilities, staffing, and direction of the organization. The Maumee RAP Advisory Committee provides input to the Board of Directors on the community needs, issues and priority projects in the area. Certain focused team members of the Maumee RAP Advisory Committee oversee certain onetime projects such as the Highland Dam Restoration project and Camp Miakonda Restoration project. The Development Advisory Committee is responsible for overseeing the ongoing outreach and volunteer programs as well as developing the fundraising plan and membership opportunities.

Some of the past efforts under the Maumee RAP and Partners for Clean Streams have included installation of best management practices to control agricultural and urban runoff, habitat and green space preservation and restoration, publications, workshops, youth education programs, outreach projects and large scale volunteer efforts in cleaning local streams and rivers. Currently, we are focusing on public and youth education, awareness projects, encouraging volunteers to clean streams, and restore land and waterways to a more natural state.