Earlier this month Ohioans agree to continue the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund project and one of the programs funded by that program just wrapped up here in Cincinnati.—-
“This fall, Mill Creek Restoration Project (MCRP) completed work on a major streambank and floodplain restoration program designed to protect Mill Creek water quality and aquatic habitat and to improve ecological conditions in the southwest corner of Caldwell Park,” says a newsletter put out by MCRP. “The recreational park is owned by the City of Cincinnati and located in the Carthage neighborhood.
“The $275,000 project included stabilization of 340 linear feet of eroding streambanks and restoration of the adjacent floodplain, located immediately upstream of the North Bend Road bridge over Mill Creek.”
A highly effective method for restoring streambanks, soil bioengineering also helps with other objectives such as increasing improved wildlife habitat and improving the aesthetics along the creek. The process uses vegetation with good root systems to help stabilize the soils and slopes.
“The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund contributed $203,271 towards the project and MCRP provided $71,419 in required local matching funds and in-kind contributions,” according to the newsletter. “MCRP’s local match included $56,639 in cash from the City’s Mill Creek Greenway Program, individual donors to MCRP and a U.S. EPA stormwater grant. MCRP and its partners contributed $14,780 in in-kind services and materials, including fieldwork labor by 54 students and teachers from Clark Montessori, a Cincinnati Public School.”
