Exciting restoration work is underway in the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) as construction began on the Schiller Stream and Riparian Improvements Project last month. This collaborative effort is expected to provide sustainable, long-term solutions to improve water quality, restore critical habitat, and address several Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) within the Toussaint River watershed.
The project is designed to address three established BUIs:
- BUI 3a: Degradation of Fish Populations
- BUI 6: Degradation of Benthos
- BUI 14a: Loss of Fish Habitat
Construction activities are focused on stabilizing approximately 1,800 feet of streambank to reduce erosion and prevent excess sediment from entering the stream. A variety of bioengineering techniques will also be implemented to improve in-stream conditions, creating healthier habitat for fish and other aquatic species.
Beyond the stream channel, restoration efforts are expected to enhance more than 8 acres of wetland and riparian habitat. This work includes removing invasive plant species and reestablishing native vegetation through the planting of trees, shrubs, live stakes, herbaceous wetland species, and a native riparian seed mix. These improvements are expected to help strengthen the ecosystem, improve wildlife habitat, and increase the long-term resilience of the stream corridor.
The Schiller Stream and Riparian Improvements Project is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and H2Ohio program. The project is being implemented through a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio, Ohio EPA, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Project design was completed by EnviroScience, with construction being carried out by RiverReach Construction.
As construction progresses, we’ll continue to share updates via our social media accounts (@MaumeeAOC on Facebook and X) highlighting project milestones and the positive impacts this restoration will have on the Maumee Area of Concern and the Lake Erie watershed.