BUCHANAN — There is one name associated with conservation efforts surrounding McCoy Creek, a coldwater tributary to the St. Joseph River. That name is Scott King.

King, a long-time resident of Buchanan, was presented with the 2014 “Al Smith Watershed Stewardship Award” at the Seventh Annual Watershed Council meeting hosted by the Friends of the St. Joe River (FotSJR).

The award honors volunteers and conservation professionals who work in all or part of the 15 counties in Indiana or Michigan that drain to the St. Joseph River. The award, named in honor of FotSJR founder Al Smith, represents individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in maintaining a healthy St. Joseph River Watershed.

The unique, handmade award in the shape of the St. Joseph River Watershed will be on display beginning May 6 at the Buchanan Public Library, 128 E Front St.

This year, the call for nominations for the award resulted in a surprise and an easy decision for the FotSJR Board of Directors. All nominations received named Scott King for his tireless efforts to protect and improve McCoy Creek.

King, an avid fisherman, has been the principal and sometimes sole organizer of annual cleanup events for not only McCoy Creek, but also the St. Joseph River from the Niles dam to the Berrien Springs dam. He has recruited Boy Scouts, fishermen, high school students and local residents to participate.

“What we’re trying to do is restore the stream so it’s great for the trout and salmon to live and the ducks and the wildlife around it to not have to eat and survive in a lot of garbage,” King said.

King has recently gone beyond river cleanups by leading the development of a collaborative watershed approach to a problem in the City of Buchanan.

The problem began when the water supply to the historic Pears Mill in downtown Buchanan began to decrease to the point where it could no longer operate the waterwheel. King worked with the city and the Historical Preservation Society to devise a solution that would not only supply water to the historic mill, but also protect the cold water of McCoy Creek.

FotSJR officials say his determination, positive attitude, ability to work with partners and his strong but non-confrontational manor led to substantial improvements to the creek.

Improvements included the removal of a small dam that blocked fish passage from the St. Joseph River, the removal of a shallow pond that threatened the coldwater status of the creek, the restoration of stream banks to improve habitat and water quality, and the addition of in-stream structure to improve fish habitat.

The creek is now more aesthetically pleasing, supporting fish and wildlife, while also providing a supply of water to operate the waterwheel of the 1857 Pears Mill in downtown Buchanan so it can once again grind corn for the benefit of the public, local history and student educational programs.

King’s continued dedication to the stewardship of McCoy Creek is admirable and his energy will not stop with the recent stream restoration. King is already working with the City of Buchanan to add woody structure at the confluence of McCoy Creek and the St. Joseph River to provide habitat for fish and aquatic life, proving his efforts in conservation are never at rest.

For more information about the Friends of the St. Joe River, the Al Smith Watershed Stewardship Award and past award winners please visit http://www.fotsjr.org/StewardshipAward.