SANDUSKY TOWNSHIP — The West Creek Conservancy plans to acquire and restore 213 acres of vacant land in western Richland County, a project scheduled for discussion Tuesday with county commissioners.
The Parma-based conservancy has the property in Sandusky Township in contract, buying it from James Rogers and Martha Rogers, according to Joe Leslie, real estate director for WCC.
In a March 4 letter to county parks Director Jason Larson, Leslie said the Clear Fork Preserve Project is aimed at protecting the property and restoring wetlands and streams.
He said WCC will then turn the property over to the county park district for management.
Leslie said the project “has exceptional potential for restoration.”
He cited five specific benefits of the Clear Fork Preserve Project:
— significant reduction of sediments and nutrients flowing into the Clear Fork Reservoir, the primary drinking water supply for the City of Mansfield and also a public recreation area.
— potential for huge increase in amphibian breeding habitat, given the existence of vernal pools in wooded portions of the project area and adjoining areas.
— substantial increase in recreation opportunities for an area of the state lacking in protected green space, relative to other parts of Ohio.
— Improvement in fish and macroinvertebrate populations within the “highly degraded channelized stream.”
— creation of habitat enhancements for many other wetland-dependent species in a landscape currently dominated by active agriculture activities.
Leslie said WCC will cover all costs associated with the project; write the grant application; be responsible for all restoration activity; manage the property through the restoration process; and work with the Richland County Park District throughout the process.
According to its website, “West Creek (formerly West Creek Preservation Committee) protects local natural areas, open spaces, streams and waterways right here in our community.
“We’re reclaiming vacant urban lands and restoring streams, wetlands, woods and natural habitats. And we’re establishing trails and greenways to link people and neighborhoods not only to these special places, but to each other as well.”
County commissioners meet Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and the project is scheduled for discussion at 10:30 a.m.
