Lecustrine Project Launches

Euclid Creek is a Lake Erie tributary that is heavily urbanized and affected by urban runoff and habitat degradation. The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District has received a $1,396,050 grant from the U.S. EPA through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to conduct the Lacustrine Refuge in the Cuyahoga AOC project. Design and engineering work was completed in 2012 and construction is scheduled to begin summer of 2012 with a 3-4 month construction time frame.

See the following websites for project details, public meeting notices, and updates:. www.cuyahogaswcd.org/EuclidCreekFiles/EuclidCreekthehomepage.htm or greatlakesrestoration.us

Project Benefits and Outcomes
Ecological restoration of the Lower Euclid has been awarded to a Northeast Ohio design-build team called RiverWorks (EnviroScience, Inc. GPD Group and RiverReach Construction). Collaboration between a technical advisory committee and the RiverWorks team will aim to create the following positive changes for Euclid Creek:

• Restore important coastal and lacustrine wetlands;
• Restore Euclid Creek to its natural, historic alignment;
• Increase overall ecological function of Lower Euclid Creek;
• Increase fish habitat and spawning of recreational species;
• Improved fishing and recreation for the community;
• Increased habitat for birds and amphibians;
• Address bank erosion within the park;
• Control and manage pervasive invasive plant species;
• Provide opportunities for environmental education and public involvement;
• Assist Euclid Creek in reaching State of Ohio water quality attainment standards;
• Aid in delisting Cuyahoga River AOC (Area of Concern); and,
• Economic impact of $2.4 million (double the project cost).

Construction Schedule: to start in August 2012 and last 3-4 months depending on weather conditions, with potential plantings in Spring 2013

Project Area and Flooding: While this Great Lakes restoration project is not a flood control project, it went through an intensive review from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hydraulic division for the proposed modification to the 1980’s diversion channel that created the oxbow condition (i.e. what is considered the main channel of Euclid Creek today). Since our project is within this Army Corps regulated flood control channel, the project underwent a similar level of scrutiny and review. The Army Corps has approved the proposed changes to the area based on rigorous hydraulic studies, flood elevations and evaluation of risk. This restoration project does not increase flood elevations that exist today. The removal of a majority of the island sediment for wetlands and an increase in stream width and capacity at the mouth of the oxbow area actually improves current conditions, while meeting the habitat restoration goals of the project. The modified diversion channel will not be removed entirely but will exist as an overflow conveyance channel similar to its original intention when floodwaters reach a certain height.

Contact Information During Construction:

General Project Information: Contact Project Grant Manager Claire Posius, Euclid Creek Watershed Coordinator, Cuyahoga SWCD- 216-524-6580 x16 or email cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org

Emergency Contact: ODNR-Cleveland Lakefront State Park Office: 8:30am-4:30pm – 216-881-8141

ODNR-CLSP Park Officer Call In Line: 216-701-3989

Cleveland Fifth District Police: 216-623-5500

Nuisance / Displaced Wildlife - for issues with stray cats/dogs, skunks, groundhogs,