Location

Akron, Ohio

IMPACT

The project site is within the headwaters of the Cuyahoga River. Over 147 acres of wetlands, 16,312 linear feet of perennial stream, and 4,097 linear feet of stream were identified by Environmental Design Group on-site. The site, with its large wetland-stream complex, floodplain forest, and remnant fen, provides excellent habitat, and provides water quality benefits to the watershed and the downstream users.

West Branch Cuyahoga Falls River Tributaries Site

Detailed ecological assessments were required in order to fulfill the funding nomination requirements. The site consists of 343 acres and contains densely vegetated areas and rough terrain. Environmental Design Group developed a scope to meet the requirements and successfully performed the activity, while adhering to sensitive fiscal and schedule constraints.

Our team provided ecological services including wetlands and surface water delineation, quality assessment, mapping, and documentation for funding nomination. Work included the preparation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Determination Forms, Ohio EPA Ohio Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM) 10-page scoring sheets, Ohio EPA Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) and Use Assessment Field Sheets, and Ohio EPA Primary Headwater Habitat Evaluation (PHWH) Forms. In addition, a Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity Floristic Quality (VIBI-FQ) was performed per Ohio EPA guidelines in order to assess the site’s ecological integrity based on a detailed analysis of plant species composition. On-site conditions were evaluated to determine of suitable habitat exists for state and/or Federally listed species.