The Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization (CRCPO), in an effort to reduce nonpoint source pollution entering the Cuyahoga River watershed, began Stream Stewardship Programs in two tributaries, Big Creek and Yellow Creek. These programs were implemented under the Cuyahoga Remedial Action Plan. Program managers hope to build self-sustaining, community-based stewardship throughout the entire watershed.
TerrAqua evaluated the effectiveness of both stream stewardship programs, measuring their effectiveness in raising citizens’ awareness of watershed issues, fostering their participation in stewardship, improving their ability to reduce water quality impediments, and restoring their local watershed environments.
We analyzed which program elements are most effective, and under which circumstances, and the extent to which there is measurable environmental change—e.g., lowered concentrations of pollutants, more riparian zones, acres restored.
We also assessed the ability of each community to sustain its own stewardship program, which will help the CRCPO transfer this responsibility to local citizens. We provided recommendations on how the programs can move toward organizational and programmatic independence, and how long-term stewardship goals can be measurable, implementable and compelling.
Client: Cuyahoga River Restoration