Stream and Habitat Restoration at Camp Miakonda

Stream and Habitat Restoration at Camp Miakonda. . , Great Lakes Restoration , Partners for Clean Streams (PCS), the local nonprofit organization supporting the Maumee RAP, was awarded a $1.36 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant from U.S. EPA in 2010. The grant's focus on habitat restoration within the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) enabled PCS to partner with the Boy Scouts of America to undertake restoration efforts at Camp Miakonda, the sixth oldest Boy Scout camp in the nation. The camp was burdened by a nonfunctioning lake due to heavy sedimentation, and a neighboring Ottawa River/Tenmile Creek that was eroding its banks, creating a shrinking buffer between it and Lake Sawyer. The project also focused on wetland remediation, and the revitalization of two tributaries within camp., Partnering in the Maumee AOC , Partners for Clean Streams was able to enlist the aid of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (U.S. ACE) through an agreement to study the area for multiple years. U.S. ACE took surveys, ecological samples, and provided PCS with hydrological models, aiding in the creation of the restoration plans and ensuring the project wouldn't cause flooding. The project was a resounding success, and a positive step towards the removal of several problems, or Beneficial Use Impairments, established by U.S. EPA for the Ottawa River Watershed. PCS thanks its partners and looks forward to the continued recovery of this beautiful urban gem in Sylvania., Crews work to reduce erosion along the Ottawa River by installing in-stream structures called Locked Logs, Bendway Weirs, and Longitudinal Peaked Stone Toe Protection., Ottawa River , In-stream habitat creation was coupled with bank stabilization and protection along more than 650 feet of stream bank. The structures built also allow easier access to the river, increasing the opportunity for exposure and education for Scouts and visitors., Lake Sawyer , Over 10,000 cubic yards of sediment were removed from the lake caused by years of frequent and flashy flooding. Fish habitat improved and water circulation was increased by being channeled into the Ottawa River through an overflow channel., Hartman Ditch , Aesthetics were kept in mind while revitalizing this location of the once world's longest freshwater pool. Stream bank stabilization using coconut matting and stone armoring along with in-stream structures called v-notch weirs help direct flow and reduce erosion within this small stream., Cunningham Ditch , A cascade was established, replacing where water was once piped underground for the former shooting sports area. The cascade allows water to drop in elevation while it slows and reduces erosion along the banks. Instead of shooting sports, this area is now an outdoor educational area., Wetlands , Nearly five acres of wetlands were both revitalized and created by removing invasive plant species and replanting with native species. The work done will improve the diversity of wildlife and reduce the impact of flooding in and around the wetlands.