Cuyahoga River AOC

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Cuyahoga River AOC

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The Cuyahoga Area of Concern (AOC) works to bring the lower Cuyahoga River and nearshore Lake Erie back to health.

For more information about what we do please visit our website. The Cuyahoga River Area of Concern (AOC), formerly the RAP (Remedial Action Plan,) is the lower 46.5 miles of the river, and 11 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, designated by the U.S. and Canada as one of many waterways contributing to problems in the Great Lakes. It is also a partnership between Ohio EPA and an AOC Advisory Committee - dozens of stakeholder organizations and citizens working to remove impairments.

10/12/2026

The Wood Creek Fish Passage project is complete, and we want YOU to celebrate with us! 🎉 Join us near the project site THIS Wednesday to learn how we’re improving fish habitat and populations.

Bring your friends and family as we celebrate this big accomplishment for our watershed! 💧

📅 Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
📍 Hemlock Creek Picnic Area
🎉 Free food, games & volunteer activities!

🔗 Register here: https://buff.ly/vYimB08

We hope to see you there! 💗

10/05/2026

It is Member Spotlight Monday!

Today we are featuring Sarah Barrow,

Sarah is the Watershed and Outreach Supervisor for Summit Soil & Water Conservation District. Sarah works to protect and improve the health of Summit County's waterways through watershed planning, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, environmental education, and community engagement. Her role involves collaborating with local governments, community organizations, and residents to develop practical, science-based solutions that improve water quality while fostering long-term stewardship of our natural resources.

For Sarah serving on the Cuyahoga Area of Concern (AOC) Committee is an opportunity to collaborate with dedicated partners who share a common goal of restoring one of Northeast Ohio's most important natural resources. The committee provides a unique forum where science, partnerships, and community involvement come together to create lasting environmental and community benefits. Sarah says "The Cuyahoga River has an incredible story of recovery, and I am proud to contribute to the ongoing work of improving water quality, restoring habitat, and reconnecting people with the river".

10/01/2026

Applications are OPEN!

Do you want to help bring the Cuyahoga River and its watersheds back to health?

We’re looking for local voices to join the 2027–2029 Cuyahoga River AOC Advisory Committee. This is an opportunity to connect with others in our community, support restoration efforts, and help build a healthier future for the river and the region.

Ready to get involved? Visit our website to learn more about the Cuyahoga River AOC and the Advisory Committee, and to download the 2027 application.

📅 Applications are due by 5 PM on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Submit your completed application by email to [email protected] or by mail to 3311 Perkins Ave., Suite 100 Cleveland, OH 44114.

📲 Learn more & apply: https://buff.ly/OQViUMs

09/28/2026

It is Member Spotlight Monday!

Today we are featuring David Ritter

David works in the Watershed Programs Department of NEORSD as Manager of Watershed Technical Support. His duties include overseeing work on stormwater master planning projects, property acquisition for their stormwater projects, the community discharge permit program, the stormwater fee credit program, stormwater plan review, and partner project funding programs. David's group is made up of technical experts that support the stormwater program as well as their member communities and watershed partners on projects related to managing stormwater and ecosystem restoration.

David shares, "Being part of the AOC allows me to see the big picture and how all the individual actions by countless individuals and organizations add up to big changes in the watershed. Working cooperatively, we are seeing progress in the further restoration of the Cuyahoga River."

09/23/2026

We are SO excited to announce that the Wood Creek Fish Passage project is finally complete! 🎉 Located near the confluence of Tinker's Creek, we removed a fish barrier and stabilized almost two hundred linear feet of streambank.

Come celebrate with us and learn how we improved fish habitat and populations! We will be near the project site at the Hemlock Creek Picnic Area on October 14th with free food, games, and volunteer activities! 🐟💗

Register Here: https://buff.ly/vYimB08

09/21/2026

It is Member Spotlight Monday!

Today we are featuring Bill Hughes.

Bill joined the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Advisory Committee 10 years ago to be closer to the action improving the Cuyahoga River and our Great Lakes. Bill has always had a strong attraction to the Great Lakes ignited by numerous camping trips to Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior with his family as a kid. Since beginning his tenure on the Committee, he has retired from a 40+ year career as an environmental geologist. He enjoys applying his knowledge of geology, sedimentology and contaminant chemistry to the issues faced by the AOC.

Bill says, "It has been very rewarding to see the progress that has been made and I look forward to the delisting party in a few years."

09/15/2026

Members of the Cuyahoga River AOC Advisory Committee had a wonderful time at the 80th Annual One World Day at the Cultural Gardens a couple of weeks ago. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, said hello, and shared how to say water in their native language! 🤗

We’re grateful for these opportunities to connect with the community and keep the conversation going about the health and future of the Cuyahoga River. 💙

09/14/2026

It is Member Spotlight Monday!

Today we are featuring Patrick Gsellman,

Patrick is a Senior Advisor at Environmental Design Group and a Professional Engineer, Class III Ohio EPA Wastewater Operator. Patrick Gsellman has worked in the water, wastewater and storm water industry for environmental protection for over 46 years. His work has included the areas of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO), Storm Water, Storm Water permitting, Water Reclamation Facility, Sewer System, JEDD, public education, Akron Greenprint and environmental projects. After retirement from the City of Akron (2022), Pat is currently employed by Environmental Design Group and serving as a technical advisor to the Akron Waterways Renewed Program.

For Pat being part of the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Advisory Committee has given him the opportunity to continue the work of restoring the Cuyahoga River with a diverse group of people all dedicated to the river restoration. In his words, "The Committee deals with a wide range of issues from very technical issues, regulatory requirements and public education. At the end of the day, it comes down to heading toward the goals of the Clean Water Act and providing a healthy river for current and future generations."

09/07/2026

It is Member Spotlight Monday,

Today we are featuring Carly Beck!

Carly is a Senior Project Manager at Littoral Services, LLC, an Ohio-based consulting firm focused exclusively on waterfront and marine environments. In her role, she works on projects involving waterfront permitting, coastal ecosystem restoration, dredged material management, and maritime planning.

As Chair of the Strategic Implementation Subcommittee for the Cuyahoga AOC Advisory Committee, she helps track the progress of Management Action Projects that address Beneficial Use Impairments and advance efforts toward delisting the Cuyahoga AOC. Carly shares, "One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the AOC Advisory Committee is connecting with like-minded, mission-driven people who share a passion for restoring the health of our waterways."

09/01/2026

This Terminology Tuesday we are featuring Point Source Pollution!

What is it and where does it come from? Read along to find out!

Address

Cleveland, OH
44114

Website

http://www.cuyahogaaoc.org/

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