We are working with several project partners, including the City of Independence, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and The Trust for Public Land to acquire and restore ten acres of land that constitute the West Creek Confluence property.

The West Creek Confluence Property has suffered significant impacts from development back in the 1950’s and 60’s. West Creek, which flows through the middle of the property, was straightened and channelized to allow for the construction of a 115,000 square foot store (later used as a warehouse) and a parking lot. West Creek’s connection to its floodplain was disrupted and the floodplain wetlands that most likely occupied the area were filled. Today, the property consists of over 85% impervious surface and is a significant conduit of nonpoint source pollution into the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.

The future of the West Creek Confluence Property, however, is very bright. After the purchase of the property has been completed, the warehouse will be removed and the area will be restored to a more natural condition. West Creek will be re-meandered and re-connected to its floodplain, an array of floodplain and oxbow wetlands will be created, and native vegetation will be re-introduced. The image below demonstrates a conceptual restoration and revitalization plan for the property. Click the picture for a larger image.

The West Creek Greenway Trail System will traverse the perimeter of the property and a small trailhead will be located at its southwest corner. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad shares the northern property line with the Cuyahoga River. An adjacent abandoned railroad bridge provides an opportunity for the Greenway Trail System to cross the Cuyahoga River and connect with the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail on the opposite side of the river. As an added bonus, the site is adjacent to the Ohio & Erie Canalway Byway, one of America’s National Scenic Byways.

The benefits of the West Creek Confluence Project are numerous. Locally, it will reclaim underutilized industrial property, create a new and dynamic recreation area along the National Scenic Byway, restore a more natural hydrology to Lower West Creek, create an area for urban ecology to flourish, retain and filter storm water that contributes to local and downstream flooding, and reduce nonpoint source pollution entering into West Creek and the Cuyahoga River.From a regional perspective, we believe that the West Creek Confluence Project could herald in a new era of sustainable redevelopment within the Lower Cuyahoga River Valley, capitalizing on recreational and commercial uses that still allow for a functioning floodplain with a high degree of ecological diversity, flood storage and habitat connectivity. As flooding and storm water retention become ever-increasing problems, projects such as the West Creek Confluence offer an attractive solution by providing a large area for storm water retention, while also creating important wildlife habitat and a new recreation area for Cuyahoga County residents and visitors.

Perhaps most important, the West Creek Confluence Project will re-connect people to the Lower Cuyahoga River, an area seemingly forgotten. It is a beautiful river, the reason for Cleveland’s founding, and it is a place that can still stir one’s soul. We look forward to working with the City of Independence, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and the Trust for Public Land, and we applaud their vision and participation on this very important project.