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News of the watershed...
READ ALL of Plain Dealer reporter Mike Scott's YEAR OF THE RIVER STORIES and see the terrific graphics and videos at cleveland.com/river.
READ Akron Beacon Journal reporter Bob Downing's stories about OEPA testing Akron Reservoirs and the case of the fish kill in stinky Camp Creek.
RAP update...
FIRST DELISTING REQUEST in progress
The RAP Coordinating Committee voted on April 16 to instruct the RAP and OEPA to submit a proposal to delist segments of the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern for a selection of beneficial use impairments that includes degraded fish populations; degraded benthos; loss of fish habitat; and fish tumors or other deformities. The proposals also seeks to redesignate the status of other impairments from "unknown" to "not impaired." These include: tainting of fish and wildlife flavor; degradation of wildlife populations; and bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems.
Steve Tuckerman, OEPA, gave a truly inspiring picture of the recovery with data comparing the situation in 1984 to that of 2008 in the lower 40 miles of the river (from river mile 45 at Akron to the start of the Navigation Channel at mile 5.)
Read 'em and weep for joy:
• the 2008 sample was 1/4 as large as in 1984, but produced 3 times more fish (4550 vs.1555)
• in 1984 the relative number of fish/km was 53. In 2008 the relative number was 657 fish/km.
• total species in 2008 was 43, compared to 28 in 1984
• in 1984 there was only 1 individual of a sensitive species. In 2008 there were 10 sensitive species with 1412 individuals (31% of the total catch).
• in 1984 there were only 8 bass caught. In 2008 there were 221 bass caught, with the dominant species being Smallmouth Bass.
• in 1984 there was only 1 darter individual collected. In 2008 there were 5 species of darters (228 individuals).
• in 1984 there were no redhorse species (sensitive) in the entire reach. In 2008 there were 3 species (96 individuals).
• in 1984 the 2 most abundant species (excluding gizzard shad) were Carp and White Sucker (both very tolerant to pollution). In 2008 the 2 most abundant species were Hog Sucker and Spotfin Shiner (both moderately sensitive to pollution).
In a nod to the RAP's history, the vote was moved and seconded by RAP founding members Jim Cowden and Edith Chase. The U.S.EPA Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) is expected to review and rule on the request in time to make an official announcement on the June 22 anniversary date. You can download the Ohio AOC Delisting Targets PDF, updated in 2008, here.
Support Your Stream...
SHOP TIL YOU PLOP! New CUYAHOGA RIVER GEAR and YEAR of the RIVER GOODIES are yours for the ordering at our new online shop. Show your support...wear the fish proudly. There's stuff for big fish, little fish, dogfish, momfishes, dadfishes and bossfishes, too, including...the ultimate history of the last 40 years of the Cuyahoga River and the end of 40 years of Cleveland jokes. Features 1969's "fish on fire," 1972's "mayorfish on fire," 1988's "mutantfish" and today's "smileyfish."
  
You've seen the river, now BUY THE T-SHIRT or jacket, bag, mug or calendar or cards.
A portion of your purchase comes to us to support the ongoing recovery of the Cuyahoga.
We're at www.cafepress.com/cuyahogashop (note new address, with WAY more items, styles and sizes)
FishPasses are here...Go to the FishPass web page to purchase yours online, or call us at 216.241.2414 x610 to get a bunch (would that be a school?) of passes.Will your organization or business give a discount or special offer to those who "flash the fish?" Contact Jane for a form and help in setting up your participation.
WELCOME to our newest YOTR sponsor...
YOTR on the road...
The CRCPO crew started the spring outreach season at the UU Church of Akron's Green Faire, sharing space with Friends of the Crooked River, talking dams and backyard stewardship, encouraging folks to pull the garlic mustard NOW.
Speaking of Garlic Mustard, it makes great pesto (pulled only from areas you know have not been sprayed with pesticides, of course,) as we learned at NASA Earth Week. Just use the leaves in place of, or in combination with, basil in your regular pesto recipe.
We had a great time talking about Mill Creek and meeting folks at the Slavic Village Summit and Green Fair on April 18, and heard about efforts to link our city, river and lake to a sister set in Ethiopia.
Earthfest at the Zoo had kids painting Year of the River murals with no-VOC paints, thanks to the efforts of volunteers Stephanie Leonardi (who also helped out at the UUAkron event,) and Salena and Chelsea Meronk.
Places to go, people to see...
APRIL 22 - EARTH DAY Streamside Hike at DOAN BROOK
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership staff will lead a Streamside Hike through Southerly Park and around Lower Shaker Lake. Help collect litter along the way, and stay to raise a Great Lakes Brewing Co. beer (which is entirely dependent on, and committed to, local clean water.)
$10 members; $12 nonmembers. Call Tori Mills for info, at 216-321-5935 x234.
APRIL 24 - CANOER'S SNIPE HUNT - GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT
7pm - 9pm • Geauga Park District, Eldon Russell Park
Witness the mysterious courtship flight of Wilson's Snipe and observe the wonderful variety of wetland wildlife along the Cuyahoga River by canoe. Registration taken 4/16-4/23.
Ages 10 and up with adults. Basic canoeing skills required, instruction is not included. Canoes: bring yours or use ours. 10-12 year olds may ride in middle; with only 1 child in middle of each boat. Canoes are available for use or bring your own canoe or kayak; life vests are required! Cancelled in event of heavy wind, rain or thunderstorm. Please notify the Park District if you must cancel, for the sake of people on waiting list. Wear shoes to get wet or muddy. Bring change of clothes just in case the canoe overturns. Bring drinking water.
RSVP IS REQUIRED, space is limited...CALL 440-286-9516.
APRIL 24 - WHO'S YOUR MAMA? EARTH DAY FILM FESTIVAL - KENT (THE RIVER!) - 8:00PM at The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St.
APRIL 25 - WHO'S YOUR MAMA? EARTH DAY STREET FESTIVAL - KENT - go to www.whosyourmama.org for info.
APRIL 25 - HIKE at SENECA PONDS, PORTAGE PARK DISTRICT & WRLC -
9:30am to 11:30am at Seneca Ponds Park (Portage Park District)
515 Mondial Parkway - Streetsboro, OH
Join the PLACE chapter of Western Reserve Land Conservancy on a naturalist-led hike in one of Portage County's newest parks.Contact Rick Hawksley at 330-673-5055 for more info.
APRIL 25 - ADAMS RUN CLEANUP hosted by Western Reserve Land Conservancy and partners the National Park Service, Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition, Summit Soil and Water Conservation District and Goodyear employees
9:00am - 11:00am
Meet off Triplett Blvd. north on Essex Street to the end. Just south of the Goodyear Test Track
Part of the 28th Annual Clean Up Akron Week, VOLUNTEERS ARE INVITED to help remove invasive species, clean-up trash in the stream, learn about the importance of urban greenspace and help wildlife.Register in advance and then enjoy free admission and lunch at the Akron Zoo the day of the clean-up. For information contact Andrea_Irland@nps.gov 330-657-2378 or Peg Bobel - pbobel@neo.rr.com 330-864-6033
MAY 9 - RIVERSWEEP - OHIO-ERIE CANAL's Annual Cleanup
Check the website for info
MAY 9 - EUCLID CREEK INVASIVE PLANT PULL – A RIVER DAY ACTIVITY
10:00am-noon at Wildwood State Park - on Lake Erie! 16975 Wildwood Drive, Cleveland 44119
Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive garlic mustard. At the event you’ll get great recipes for edible garlic mustard, and garlic mustard snacks will be provided at the end of the event!
Contact Claire Posius, cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org or 216-524-6580 x16 for more info.
Sponsored by Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District
MAY 16 IS RIVER DAY - Friends of the Crooked River Celebrates its 19th Annual River Day and dedicates this year to the late Ed Hauser, passionate and tireless advocate for the river and lakefront, River Day Coordinator for five years, and the one who worked to make Whiskey Island publicly accessible...a significant feat. River Day Activities are scheduled throughout the region, and throughout the month. Check the website for more information.
- 7:00 am – 3:00 pm: DIKE 14 NATURE PRESERVE RIVER DAY EVENT
Walking tours of this unique treasure created by dredgings from the Cuyahoga River.
Morning one-hour guided tours (starting at 7:30 am, 8:30 am, 9:30 am and 10:30 am).
Noon – 3 pm: self-guided tours with educational stations on the geography, plants, history and wild life of the area. Meet at Cleveland Lakefront State Park at Gordon State Park between E 72 and Marginal Rd. Contact Chris Trepal at 216-281-6468 ext 227 or email ctrepal@earthdaycoaltion.org or www.dike14.org
Sponsored by Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative
- 9:00 am -Noon: MUNROE FALLS-RIVER RESTORATION
Volunteers will pull the invasive garlic mustard plant in the park and along the river. Volunteers provided with a free lunch. Please wear long pants, closed shoes and gloves are recommended. Meet at 9:00 AM for clean-up: Brust Park, 128 North Main St., Munroe Falls;
Other events 10am - 3pm: We will have a Farmer’s Market, a petting zoo, music, fly fishing demos, exhibits, children‘s activities, mascots and so much more. Contact Roxanne Toth 330-686-9909 or email parkandrec@munroefalls.com for a flyer about this event. Sponsored by Munroe Falls Park Board
- 9:00 am - Noon: BEREA MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS 9TH ANNUAL STREAM CLEAN UP
Volunteer to pick up stream-side trash. Boots or work shoes are required. Dress for the weather. FREE. Meet at Coe Lake Gazebo behind Berea City Hall, 11 Berea Commons, Berea, Ohio 44017. Contact Jared Bartley at 216-524-6580 ext 14 or email jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org Sponsored by the Cities of Berea and Middleburg Heights and Rocky River Watershed Council
- 9:00 am -1:00 pm: CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK RIVERDAY CLEAN-UP
Clean up trash, remove invasive plants near the river and be part of other projects to protect the river. Wear long pants, long sleeves, boots and gloves and bring a water bottle if you can. Ages 10 and older. Groups welcome! Meet: 9am at Howe Meadow. Supplies, bags, equipment, food and water provided. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. FREE. Contact: Shelby Lewis 330-657-2909 ext 109, or email slewis@cvnpa.org or check www.cvnpa.org Sponsored by Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association
- 9:30 AM – Noon: WEST CREEK RESERVATION HIKE
Discover the future route of the Hemlock Trail, part of the West Creek Greenway trails system. The hike is dependant on hikers' ability and trail conditions. Total 4 miles; several hills. Wear sturdy footwear. FREE. Meet for 10:15 AM hike at Independence Technical Center parking lot, 6801 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131. Contact Colby Sattler at 216-749-3720 or email csattler@westcreek.org Sponsored by West Creek Preservation Committee
- 9:30 am - Noon: RICK NOLZE RIVER RUN
Come canoe down Tinker’s Creek while cleaning up the river. Wear sturdy clothing. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FREE. Meet at Glen Meadows Park, 1596 Glenwood Drive, Twinsburg, Ohio. Contact Derek Schroeder at 330-963-7722 or email dschroeder@twinsburg.oh.us. Sponsored by the City of Twinsburg
- 10:00 am – Noon: CLEVELAND BIKE WEEK RIVERDAY EVENTS
RiverDay Social Bike Ride, sightseeing ride along Walworth Run where the tributary empties into the Cuyahoga River. Loaner bikes are available. FREE. Meet at the Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op, 1823 Columbus Rd., Cleveland, Ohio. Contact Jim Sheehan 216-830-2667 or email at info@ohiocitycycles.org Sponsored by the Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op and Cleveland Bike Week
- 10:00 am – Noon: CASCADE LOCKS GUIDED TOURS Come celebrate the River and its role in our history! Bruce Norton will lead a two hour guided hike (about 2 miles), along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal and the Little Cuyahoga River. Dress for comfort and the weather. FREE.
Meet at the Mustill Store on the North Side of North Street, 240 Ferndale Ave., Akron.
Contact Rowan McTaggart at 330-374-5625 or email her at rowan@cascadelocks.org
Sponsored by the Cascade Locks Park Association
- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm - BREAKNECK CREEK DAY
Breakneck Creek Preserve, 5795 Lakewood Rd., Ravenna Township
Hosted by the Portage Park District and the Breakneck Creek Watershed Coalition
Creeks are Part of Rivers too! This special event will include educational displays on watershed conservation, and Division of Wildlife staff will answer the question “how’s the fishing?” when they conduct a fish survey to discover what varieties of fish live in the creek, something that local fishermen know includes large pike and bass. Contact Susan Blair at sblair@portageparkdistrict.org or call the Park District at 330-297-7728.
- 10:00 am-2:00 pm: CITY OF CUYAHOGA FALLS 2009 GREAT AMERICAN RIVERDAY CLEANUP AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT Come clean up your river. Volunteers who would like to participate will clean up the Cuyahoga and local parks. Wear sturdy clothing and shoes. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FREE. Meet at the Little Stone Shelter in Water Works Park, 2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Contact Becky McCleary at 330-971-8201 or email her at mcclearyrm@cityofcf.com Sponsored by the City of Cuyahoga Falls and Keep Ohio Beautiful
- 11:00 am-1:00 pm: BIG CREEK WHERE THE WATERS MEET Enjoy a two-hour tour of the hidden beauty of Big Creek at its confluence with the Cuyahoga River and learn about the area’s trail and greenway plans. Lunch will be provided. Wear sturdy clothing. FREE.
Meet at 11:00 am at Zeleznik’s Tavern, 4402 Jennings Road, Cleveland. Contact Bob Gardin at 216-269-6472 or email bgardin@friendsofbigcreek.org Sponsored by Friends of Big Creek
- 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: CANOEING THE UPPER CUYAHOGA STATE SCENIC RIVER
Join us for an enjoyable family canoe float to enjoy the wildlife and beauty of the Upper Cuyahoga Scenic River. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. FREE. Meet at Eldon Russell Park, 16315 Rapids Road, Troy Township. 2.5 miles north of Rt 422. Contact Greg Marvin at 330-527-4184 or email sroloson@apk.net Sponsored by the ODNR Scenic Rivers Program
- 11:00 am: KENT BOG 2-HOUR GUIDED TOUR Discover one of Ohio’s hidden gems from the Ice Age. Meet at 11:00 am at Kent Bog on Melroy Road in Kent, Ohio. Contact 330-677-5008 or email gvarsnacc@sbcglobal.net Sponsored by ODNR and Friends of the Kent Bog
- Noon – 3:00 pm: KENT REDISCOVER THE CUYAHOGA Celebrate River Day with the opening of Kent Parks’ Historic Log Cabin. Meet at the Historic Log Cabin in John Davey Arboretum on Rt. 43 just north of Riverbend Rd. Contact Edith Chase 330-673-1193 or www.kentenvironment.org Sponsored by the Kent Environmental Council, Kent Parks and Recreation Dept. Kent Garden Club, Kent League of Women Voters, and Record Publishing Company
- 1:00 pm: TRIANGLE BOG 2-HOUR GUIDED TOUR. Discover one of Ohio’s hidden gems from the Ice Age. Meet at 1:00 pm at Triangle Bog on Lynn Road in Ravenna, Ohio. Contact 330-677-5008 or email gvarsnacc@sbcglobal.net Sponsored by ODNR and Friends of the Kent Bog
- 1:00 pm-4:00 pm: GARFIELD HEIGHTS METRO PARKS: A BLOOMING GOOD TIME
Join Cleveland Naturalists and local plant experts for an afternoon of flower facts, crafts, trivia, tables, games and fun. FREE.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Search for your favorite local wildflowers and our naturalist will show you how to identify them. Suitable for beginners; fun for all.
Meet at the Nature Center at Garfield Heights Metro Park, 11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, Ohio. Contact Stacey Allen at 216-341-3152 or email her at sma@clevelandmetroparks.com Sponsored by Garfield Heights Metro Parks
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: WHISKEY ISLAND BEACH DEDICATION TO HONOR ED HAUSER At 2:00 pm Cuyahoga County will dedicate the beach at Wendy Park to the memory of Ed “Citizen” Hauser for his heroic efforts to save this site for the public. Self guided walking tours to follow. Bring your bikes, kayaks and cameras. FREE. Come for the tour and stay for the entertainment and refreshments at Sunset Grill (at own expense). Pavilion at Wendy Park: West Shoreway (Rt. 2) to Edgewater Park exit, turn right then follow the signs. Contact Elaine Marsh 330-328-3909 or email ohgreenway@aol.com Sponsored by Cuyahoga County, Friends of Whiskey Island and Friends of the Crooked River
- 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: LITTLE CUYAHOGA CONSERVANCY MEET AND GREET Get to know others who are interested in the environment and the arts at our meet and greet at the Kingfisher Art Gallery, 889 N. Main Street, Northhill Akron, Ohio. Contact Lauren Von Vesterfield at 440-281-6058 or email her at laurenvonvesterfield@yahoo.com Sponsored by the Little Cuyahoga River Conservancy and the Kingfisher Art Studio and Gallery
And remember, you can always go to www.riveryear.org for event updates and information.
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