The recently formed English River Watershed Management Authority has received its first grant. Jody Bailey, with the City of Kalona, says they’ve been sent a notice of intent to award the Watershed Planning Grant from the Department of Natural Resources. She says that will allow them to do a comprehensive study of the watershed and form a management plan.

The paperwork involved with the grant will be addressed at the group’s first meeting on Thursday. The meeting begins at noon at the community center, and is open to the public.