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Stream Restoration Two Mill Creek tributaries are returning to healthier natural conditions with the help of grant-funded, stream restoration projects sponsored by OKI and local governments. In collaboration with the City of Springdale, OKI successfully applied for a $209,000 grant from the Clean Ohio Fund to restore Beaver Run and a tributary that flows through the city’s Chamberlain Park. With Colerain Township, OKI arranged a $44,000 Clean Ohio Fund grant to convert flood-prone homesteads into natural greenspaces along West Fork Mill Creek. Starting in October 2003, the projects planted native shrubs and trees while eradicating invasive, non-native plants like bush honeysuckle. Streambanks were stabilized to prevent erosion and downstream sediment deposits. Wildlife habitats were enhanced to increase biodiversity and beautify the stream corridor. Mark Policinski, Executive Director of OKI, sees signs of hope in the stream restoration projects: “OKI welcomes these opportunities to work with member local governments, the private sector and the State of Ohio to improve the region’s water resources, one site at a time”.
Most of the Beaver Run work was contracted to Sunesis Construction Co., which previously built man-made riffles along East Fork Mill Creek. In Colerain Township, the restoration practices were installed by the employees of Colerain Township, JF New, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District and OKI. Township residents volunteered their help. Both projects received financial support from the sponsoring local governments. Springdale contributed $111,000 worth of local match or services in kind for a total project value of $320, For more information, please contact:
The three photos on the page show the changing appearance along Beaver Run in Springdale as native vegetation took root and grew on a streambank terrace wall over the past two years. |
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Under the guidance of Dr. Craig Straub, a restoration ecologist with JF New & Associates, the two projects implemented bioengineering techniques that work with nature rather than against it. Structural solutions often degrade over time, but bioengineering practices usually grow stronger with time as plants take root and natural processes restore equilibrium, Dr. Straub said.
000. Colerain Township provided $37,000 worth of match or services for a total project value of $81,000.