The Public Watershed Meeting held on September 21, 2024, in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, focused on the development of watershed plan Environmental Assessments (EAs) and engaged community members in discussions about local environmental initiatives. The meeting began with an invitation for public participation in reviewing the draft plans, which are open for comments until September 30. Attendees were encouraged to involve their friends, neighbors, and local business owners in the feedback process, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping the plans.

The meeting featured several local officials, including Mayor Lisa Gilbert from the city of Elaine and representatives from the Arkansas Black Mayors Association and the Phillips County Conservation District. The agenda outlined a comprehensive overview of the watershed project, including the purpose of the plan EAs, project background, environmental impacts, and associated costs.

The project is sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in collaboration with the Arkansas Black Mayors Association, which serves as the fiduciary agent. The City of Helena-West Helena and Phillips County are also key sponsors, with additional sponsors expected to join as the planning process progresses.

The project team consists of a multidisciplinary group of professionals, including scientists, engineers, economists, and public outreach specialists, who are working together to ensure a thorough and effective planning process. Following the initial presentations, a question-and-answer session was planned to address community concerns and inquiries.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of local government and community stakeholders in addressing watershed management and environmental sustainability in Phillips County. The next steps will involve gathering public feedback on the draft plans before finalizing the assessments.