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Rooted in the Wildcat

In the early 1960s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed constructing three reservoirs in the Middle Wabash region by damming the Wildcat, Big Pine, and Sugar Creeks. The project aimed to address flood control, general recreation, and fish and wildlife recreation. However, the initiative was met with fierce local opposition.

 

 

Community members rallied together, organizing decades of resistance against the proposed dams. Their collective efforts, fueled by steadfast determination, ultimately culminated in a hard-fought victory. The State of Indiana deauthorized the dams in 1977, and in 1990 Congress followed suit, marking the official end of the project.

Collaborative efforts to prevent the dams led to the formation of several organizations. A key group was the Wildcat Creek Federation, led by Connie Wick and comprised of paddlers, conservationists, and farmers. Their mission was to end congressional funding for the dam projects. Their community organizing created a constant presence with legislators, which had a profound impact on stopping the dam on the Wildcat. Their petition opposing the Wildcat dam had over 20,000 signatures.

Another key group was The Wildcat Creek Foundation (WCF), which was incorporated in 1974 to acquire and publicize public access sites/parks along the stream corridor. Its mission was to provide an alternate plan to the reservoir through a series of preserved and stewarded natural parks and public access points along the creek for recreation. The group acquired 8 properties along the Wildcat, 1 lease for public access, and several conservation easements. Persis Newman was instrumental in the growth and development of WCF, helping to establish and govern the organization through board service. In 2013, WCF merged with NICHES Land Trust and their assets came under NICHES’s permanent protection. More information about these efforts, dedicated people, and the merger can be found on NICHES’s YouTube channel.

NICHES Land Trust was founded and nurtured by the dedicated individuals who opposed and ultimately prevented the construction of these dams. In 1994, Persis was active at the keystone meeting with Harry Potter and Susan Ulrich about establishing a local land trust that led directly to NICHES’s incorporation. She also contributed significantly to the merger with WCF and remained a steadfast supporter throughout NICHES’s history until her passing earlier this year. Many past and present NICHES board members were active in the organized opposition to these dams, including board service to key groups that kept these beautiful creeks freely flowing. Of course, general members and supporters have contributed generously to both efforts. Today NICHES protects over 120 acres along Wildcat Creek.

As you paddle the creeks and admire their scenic beauty, please join us in gratitude for the natural wonders of the world and all those involved in their preservation.

The Wildcat Voyage of Discovery by Birt Stevens
I’ve seen the powers that you possess. I’ve seen you rise up from spring thunderstorms. Your fast-moving water flows at a pace that can uproot large trees and relocate them downstream wherever it pleases.
I have also seen you in a different light. I have camped on your banks under a moonlit sky, falling asleep while listening to the sounds of your flow and to the many frogs that also enjoy your slow-moving water.
Wildcat, you are more than a winding little creek. You are one of a few of Indiana’s scenic waterways. A river home to many. You add beauty to our Indiana landscape. Some with money and a lust for greed wanted more. To place concrete and steel across your path. A large, fake lake. Wildcat reservoir they would say.
They were stopped by those that knew best, that loved you more. May you never stop flowing freely. Keep your water flowing through the cities to small towns. We know that you have been abused by a few, but you are loved by so many.