Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Version 1.0 May, 2017 Nine-Element Approved: August 17, 2017 Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic Plan (NPS-IS plan) Lower Swan Creek: Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Created by: The Olander Park System 3930 Sylvania Ave. Sylvania, OH 43560

Partners for Clean Streams, Inc. P.O. 203 Perrysburg, OH 43552

The Metroparks of the Toledo Area 5100 W. Central Ave. Ottawa Hills, OH 43615

The Nature Conservancy Oak Openings Region Project Office 10420 Old State Line Rd. Swanton, OH 43558

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WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...... iv Chapter 1: Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Report Background ...... 1 1.2 Watershed Profile & History ...... 2 1.3 Public Participation and Involvement ...... 3 Chapter 2: Wolf Creek HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary ...... 5 2.1 Summary Watershed Characterization for Wolf Creek HUC-12 ...... 5 2.1.1 Physical and Natural Features ...... 5 2.1.2 Land Use and Protection ...... 7 2.2 Summary of Biological Trends for Wolf Creek HUC-12 ...... 8 2.3 Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for Wolf Creek HUC-12 ...... 11 2.4 Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for Wolf Creek HUC-12 ...... 11 Chapter 3: Conditions & Restoration Strategies for Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas ...... 12 3.1 Overview of Critical Areas ...... 12 3.2 Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals & Objectives for the Upper Reach of Wolf Creek ...... 13 3.2.1 Detailed Characterization ...... 13 3.2.2 Detailed Biological Conditions ...... 14 3.2.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources ...... 15 3.2.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area ...... 16 Objectives...... 16 3.3 Critical Area 2: Conditions, Goals & Objectives for the Lower Reach of Wolf Creek...... 18 3.3.1 Detailed Characterization ...... 18 3.3.2 Detailed Biological Conditions ...... 18 3.3.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources ...... 20 3.3.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area ...... 21 Objectives...... 22 Chapter 4: Projects and Implementation Strategy ...... 24 4.1 Overview Tables and Project Sheets for Critical Areas ...... 24 4.2 Critical Area 1: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Upper Reach of Wolf Creek ...... 24 4.2.1 Critical Area 1: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table ...... 25 4.2.2 Critical Area 1: Project Summary Sheet(s) ...... 28 4.3 Critical Area 2: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Lower Reach of Wolf Creek ...... 34 4.3.1 Critical Area 2: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table ...... 34 4.3.2 Critical Area 2: Project Summary Sheet(s) ...... 36 Works Cited ...... 37 Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... 40 Appendix B: Index of Tables and Figures ...... 42

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iii

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Acknowledgements

The Olander Park System would like to thank the Ohio EPA for funding the writing of this NPS-IS plan with Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Program grant funds, as well as the Metroparks of the Toledo Area and The Nature Conservancy for contributing funds and input for this project. A special thank you to Cherie Blair, Ohio EPA; Rick Wilson, Ohio EPA; and Kristina Patterson, Partners for Clean Streams for providing clarifying information and a wealth of knowledge to the construction of this document, as well as the many partners who have come together to include projects and input for this HUC-12. Staff support from The Olander Park System from Cindy Carnicom and Melanie Coulter (formerly) was instrumental in the writing of this watershed plan. This NPS-IS plan will help direct projects to expeditiously address the nonpoint source impairments in the Wolf Creek HUC-12 of the Lower Swan Creek watershed.

This product or publication was financed in part or totally through a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency with the following funds: Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program. The contents and views, including any opinions, findings, or conclusions or recommendations, contained in this product or publication are those of the authors and have not been subject to any Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or United States Environmental Protection Agency peer or administrative review and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency or the United States Environmental Protection Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Chapter 1: Introduction The Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) is located in northern Lucas County, OH, and contains a watershed of 27.13 square miles (Figure 1). The largest stream in this watershed is Wolf Creek, approximately 7.5 miles long. Several ditches flow to Wolf Creek throughout the HUC-12; those with the largest floodplains include Stone Ditch, Cairl Creek and Drennan Ditch (Figure 2)1. Waterways within this HUC-12 are contained within the HUC-12 boundaries, with the exception of Drennan Ditch, which has headwaters beginning in the Ai Creek HUC-12 (04100009 07 01). Land use within the watershed is primarily developed (~50%), with approximately 25% of the HUC-12 forested and almost 20% in cropland or pasture throughout the western and southern sections of the watershed. FIGURE 1: LOCATION OF THE WOLF CREEK HUC-12 WITHIN THE MAUMEE AOC.

While watershed plans could be all-inclusive inventories, this NPS-IS plan is developed to address nonpoint source restoration strategies. The U.S. EPA identified nine critical elements to include in strategic planning documents for impaired waters, and to ease implementation of projects addressing nonpoint source management, current federal and state nonpoint source funding opportunities require strategic watershed plans incorporate these nine key elements, concisely to HUC-12 watersheds. Partners within the larger Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) are collaborating to develop Nine-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic Plans (NPS-IS plan) for all the HUC-12 watersheds within the Maumee AOC. FIGURE 2: RIVER MILE MAP OF WOLF CREEK HUC-12. This NPS-IS plan for the Wolf Creek HUC-12 is one of three being authored by The Olander Park System, in conjunction with Partners for Clean Streams, Metroparks of the Toledo Area and The Nature Conservancy. 1.1 Report Background In 1987, the Maumee AOC was created under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. With this, a committee formed to develop the Maumee Remedial Action Plan (RAP). In 2006, the Maumee RAP committee created the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) Stage 2 Watershed Restoration Plan. This document served to be a comprehensive clearinghouse for restoration of the watersheds within the Maumee AOC to meet requirements

1It should be noted that the river mile maps used in this document were created using data digitized by TMACOG (made available from the PCS DMDS online system) utilizing 2004 aerial photography and may not represent current stream lengths or correlate to other river mile data sets, notably they do not precisely align with Ohio EPA river mile delineations.

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for many programs under the International Joint Commission, U.S. EPA and Ohio governmental agencies at the time (Partners for Clean Streams, 2016). As part of the Swan Creek watershed, the Wolf Creek HUC-12 was included in this report.

The Stage 2 Watershed Restoration Plan was submitted to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio EPA; however, full endorsement was pending inclusion of a Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Measures section (Ohio EPA, 2009b). Since programs have more recently aligned with the U.S. EPA’s nine-element plans, the inclusion of this section was abandoned, and focus is now present on updating this watershed plan by developing NPS-IS plans for the individual HUC-12 watersheds within the greater Maumee AOC. This NPS-IS plan for the Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) is being written to address nonpoint source pollution issues specifically within its drainage area, as opposed to a comprehensive watershed plan for all issues found within the region.

Removal of nonpoint source impairments in the Wolf Creek HUC-12 is crucial to the attainment of designated aquatic life uses (AQLs) and further removal of beneficial use impairments not only within this sub-watershed, but also within the greater Maumee AOC. In this HUC-12, Wolf Creek is in partial attainment of its AQLs, due to heavy sedimentation/siltation and direct habitat alterations from channelization, crop production with subsurface drainage and urban runoff/storm sewers. A large tributary to Wolf Creek, Cairl Creek, is also in nonattainment of its AQLs due to downstream impoundment and the effects of urban runoff/storm sewers. This NPS-IS plan will be used to strategically identify and outline key projects within the HUC-12 that address management of the nonpoint source issues affecting this watershed.

1.2 Watershed Profile & History The Wolf Creek HUC-12 is located in the Lower Swan Creek watershed. Swan Creek is approximately 40 miles long, and is fed by over 200 miles of creeks and ditches, draining an area of 205 square miles (TMACOG, 2001). Its headwaters begin in Fulton County and flow in a southeasterly direction to join with Ai Creek near the northwestern edge of Oak Openings Metropark in Lucas County. The stream flows through the park to join with Blue Creek and switches course to a northeasterly direction through the city of Toledo into the Maumee River at River Mile (RM) 4.75. In addition to Ai Creek and Blue Creek, major tributaries include Wolf Creek, Cairl Creek, Stone Ditch, Drennan Ditch, Blystone Ditch and Heilman Ditch (TMACOG, 2009). Of these, Wolf Creek, Drennan Ditch, Stone Ditch and Cairl Creek lie within the Wolf Creek HUC-12. Drennan Ditch and Cairl Creek (which receives waters from Stone Ditch) flow into Wolf Creek at ~RM 2.75 and 1.00, respectively. Wolf Creek enters Swan Creek at ~RM 12.0.

The HUC-12 is located within the Huron-Erie Lake Plains (HELP) ecoregion, specifically the Lake Plain, which is a broad, fertile, nearly flat plain formed from retreating glacial lakes, characterized by slowly-draining silt and clay soils. Large portions of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 include or are buffered by small, remnant sections of FIGURE 3: THE WOLF CREEK HUC-12 IN RELATION TO THE the ecologically important Oak Openings ecosystem HISTORIC OAK OPENINGS REGION AND HISTORIC GREAT (Figure 3). BLACK SWAMP.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Oak Openings Briefly, the Oak Openings region covers 130 square miles throughout the Swan Creek and Ottawa River watersheds and includes oak savanna and wet prairie habitats. This area, representative of a former beach, reflects historically higher lake levels in ancestral Lake Erie near the end of the last ice age. As water levels dropped, the sand was reworked to form sand dunes over broad areas. Also at about this time, rivers began to dig themselves into the landscape as glacial waters drained away (The Nature Conservancy, 2016).

Early pioneers approached the Oak Openings region after days of trekking through the sticky mud and dense woods of the Great Black Swamp. The high sandy dunes and dry open woodland appealed to them as a land for farming; however, the sandy soils did not provide easy yields. Today, over 70% of the Oak Openings land has been developed or is in agricultural production, leaving less than 30% in natural cover. Natural floodplain corridors occur between the Oak Openings region and Lake Erie along Swan Creek.

The Oak Openings region is known for its rare and unique flora; five of its six natural plant communities are considered globally rare (Figure 4). Since the first rare plant list, Lucas FIGURE 4: PRAIRIE RESTORATION AT THE OLANDER County has led the state with more rare plant species than PARK SYSTEM’S SYLVAN PRAIRIE PARK. PHOTO any other Ohio county, mainly due to the Oak Openings COURTESY OF THE OLANDER PARK SYSTEM. region. Due to the sensitivity of its globally rare species, conservation actions should be targeted to efficiently protect the unique plants and animals (The Nature Conservancy, 2016).

1.3 Public Participation and Involvement Watershed planning and restoration plans should include involvement from a diverse group of entities, including governmental agencies, private businesses, academia, non-profit groups, neighborhood organizations and the public at large. Many partners have been working over time in the Swan Creek watershed towards ecological restoration and water quality goals.

Several watershed groups have been involved with the Swan Creek watershed, including ClearWater and the Maumee RAP. In 2007, after working under the umbrella of Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) for almost twenty years, the Maumee RAP merged with Partners for Clean Streams, and ClearWater was dissolved. Most restoration efforts in the Swan Creek watershed are now led by or closely partnered with Partners for Clean Streams. Nonprofit groups, such as the Metroparks of the Toledo Area, the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, governmental agencies, academia, citizen action groups and watershed organizations have been interested and involved in the improvement and protection of the Swan Creek watershed.

In the Wolf Creek HUC-12, efforts have been focused on protection and restoration of natural habitat, particularly in the western portion of the watershed, as well as on identification of priority areas for implementation of 3

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stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Previous projects have focused on acquisition of Oak Openings corridor lands, restoration and enhancement of wet prairies and oak savanna and identification of priority areas using the System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis Integration (SUSTAIN) model for stormwater management.

Four partner agencies from the Green Ribbon Initiative pooled resources to leverage 319(h) Nonpoint Source Program monies to fund a planner to write NPS-IS plans for three contiguous watersheds located in the Oak Openings Region. Employed by The Olander Park System, the planner worked closely with staff from The Nature Conservancy, Partners for Clean Streams and the Metroparks of the Toledo Area to create this NPS-IS plan for the Wolf Creek HUC-12. The Green Ribbon Initiative is a shared vision of public and private organizations, landowners and individuals working to “preserve, enhance and restore critical natural areas in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan”.

The Olander Park System (TOPS) serves Sylvania, Ohio and the surrounding communities with seven parks. TOPS strives to preserve and enhance the educational, historical, natural, and recreational benefits of the Sylvania region through parklands, family and community events, conservation and preservation techniques, and environmentally friendly practices. TOPS is one of the principal authors of this NPS-IS plan for the Wolf Creek HUC-12.

Partners for Clean Streams (PCS) works directly with citizens, businesses, governmental agencies, and other nonprofit organizations who take local ownership in their rivers, streams, and lakes. PCS strives for clean, clear and safe waters by connecting organizational and individual partners through educational opportunities, conservation programs, stream clean-ups and outreach programs for the benefit of local and regional water in Northwest Ohio. PCS also works as the facilitating organization for the Maumee Area of Concern Advisory Committee (MAAC). Through the MAAC, a diverse assortment of interested citizens, government agencies, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations collaborate and plan together to meet the broader goals set for Areas of Concern (AOC) under the International Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The AOC Program in Ohio is under direction of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency with guidance from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PCS is one of the principal advisors to TOPS in completing this NPS-IS plan for the Wolf Creek HUC- 12.

Additional key partners within this HUC-12 and the greater Swan Creek watershed include: Metroparks of the Toledo Area, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG), the University of Toledo’s Department of Environmental Sciences and College of Engineering, The Nature Conservancy, Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District, Lucas County Sustainability Commission, and the cities of Maumee and Toledo.

Chapters 1, 2 and 3 were primarily authored by TOPS using the Biological and Water Quality Study of Swan Creek and Selected Tributaries, 2009, Ohio EPA Technical Report EAS/2008-12-11 (Ohio EPA, 2009a), Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Swan Creek Watershed (Ohio EPA, 2009b) and the Swan Creek Watershed Plan of Action (TMACOG, 2001). Project information for Chapter 4 was compiled from the on-line Maumee AOC Data Management and Delisting System (DMDS) (Partners for Clean Streams, 2017) and by collaborative meetings with stakeholders and community partners.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Chapter 2: Wolf Creek HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary 2.1 Summary Watershed Characterization for Wolf Creek HUC-12 2.1.1 Physical and Natural Features The entire Swan Creek watershed is comprised of two HUC-10 watersheds: Upper Swan Creek (04100009 07) and Lower Swan Creek (04100009 08), covering an area of 94.95 and 108.66 square miles, respectively. The Lower Swan Creek HUC-10 watershed is comprised of four HUC-12 watersheds. This document is focusing on the #03 HU of the Lower Swan Creek HUC-10—Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03). The Lower Swan Creek HUC-10 is oriented in a northeasterly-southwesterly direction, and the Wolf Creek HUC-12 trends along the northern end, between the HUC-12s of the Upper Swan Creek HUC-10 to the west and the Ottawa River-Frontal Lake Erie HUC- 10 to the east. Wolf Creek is the principal stream in this HUC-12. Its headwaters begin in the western portion of the HUC-12, and the creek flows for approximately 7.5 miles before emptying into Swan Creek at ~RM 12.0. Large tributaries to Wolf Creek include Drennan Ditch, Stone Ditch (via Cairl Creek), and Cairl Creek. All waterways within the Wolf Creek HUC-12 are contained within the HUC-12 boundaries, with the exception of Drennan Ditch. While the headwaters of Drennan Ditch begin in the Ai Creek HUC-12 to the west, waters to the east of the HUC-12 boundary typically flow to Prairie Ditch, while waters to the west of this divide typically flow to Wolf Creek.

The Swan Creek watershed (Upper Swan Creek HUC-10 and Lower Swan Creek HUC-10) is wholly contained within the Huron/Erie Lake Plains (HELP) ecoregion. U.S. EPA describes this region as “Fine, poorly-drained, water-worked glacial till FIGURE 5: SOILS BY PARTICLE SIZE IN THE MAUMEE AOC and lacustrine sediment; also coarser end (PARTNERS FOR CLEAN STREAMS, 2017). moraine and beach ridge deposits” (Maumee RAP, 2006). The watershed’s underlying geology consists of primarily lake deposits and wave- planed moraines (OEPA, 2009b). The soils in this area are level to gently sloping and are very poorly to somewhat poorly drained. They formed in clayey and loamy lake-laid sediment and water-reworked glacial till on broad flats of an old glacial lake (OEPA, 2009a). The western portion of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 lies within the Oak Openings region; therefore, soils contain a large sand component (Figure 5).

The Wolf Creek HUC-12 serves as a large habitat for state and federal threatened and endangered species (Figure 6). Protected lands in the Wolf FIGURE 6: THREATENED AND ENDANGERED PLANTS AND ANIMALS Creek HUC-12 include The Kitty Todd Preserve, IN THE MAUMEE AOC (PARTNERS FOR CLEAN STREAMS, 2017). managed by the Nature Conservancy, Westwinds 5

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Metropark, managed by the Metroparks of the Toledo Area, and Louis Campbell State Nature Preserve, managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Figure 7). Kitty Todd is a 1,000-acre preserve of unique Oak Openings sand dune and wet prairie ecosystems. Over the past 10 years, 100 acres of wet prairie have been restored within the preserve (The Nature Conservancy, 2017). Westwinds Metropark is an almost 200-acre area of land, opened to the public in 2015 for use mainly as a public archery range. Louis Campbell is a 211-acre preserve that is home to over 30 state-listed species. Louis Campbell protects high quality Oak Openings habitat of wet sedge meadows, swamp forest, sand dunes, and sand barren prairies.

Specific landmarks and features in this watershed include:  Toledo Express Airport (NPDES Permit #2IN00214)  Sand/limestone quarry  Several automobile scrap yards  A country club and golf course  An athletic complex  Westwinds Metropark  Kitty Todd Nature Preserve  Louis Campbell State Nature Preserve  Apple orchards  Agricultural land in the western and southern portions of the watershed  Commercial strip malls in the FIGURE 7: PUBLICLY OWNED PARKS AND PROTECTED LANDS IN THE eastern and northern half of the SWAN CREEK WATERSHED. watershed  Residential developments (grid and subdivision design) throughout the watershed

Three active NPDES permits exist in the Wolf Creek HUC-12, all located in the southwest corner of the watershed. Recent and recurrent violations have occurred at the Toledo Express Airport. Six of the 12 most recent quarters have been in violation for total suspended solids (U.S. EPA, 2017). Between 2003-2005, three releases of de-icing agents to Zaleski Ditch (a tributary to Cairl Creek) were documented (Ohio EPA, 2009a). An active sand/limestone quarry also exists in this area and is permitted through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Mineral Resources. The quarry operated under a NPDES permit until February, 2000, when it expired. Between March 2000 and December 2002, the quarry was found in violation of unpermitted and nuisance discharges to Cunningham Ditch and Wolf Creek (Ohio EPA, 2004).

A low-head dam is located at approximately RM 0.3 on Wolf Creek. This dam is cited as slowing the flow of Cairl Creek in its lower reaches near the confluence with Wolf Creek, as well as causing noticeable build up of debris and sediments in the reach upstream of it (Ohio EPA, 2009a). Due to land ownership restrictions, the dam may not be a candidate for removal.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has noted significant nonpoint pollution issues associated with erosion and sedimentation. Sediments deposited in drainage and stream channels must be removed for stream functionality and water quality improvements, and wetlands that filter runoff and trap sediment and associated nutrients/contaminants need to be conserved and restored where possible. Multiple agencies have recognized 6

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

the importance of 1) restored hydrology and flow regimes, 2) conservation of wetlands, floodplains, and vegetative buffers, and 3) the importance of sediment reduction programs to decrease flood peaks and sediment transport to Lake Erie (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, 2009). Streams in the lower Swan Creek watershed are heavily impacted by bank erosion and “flashy” flows from increased runoff in urban and developing areas upstream (Ohio EPA, 2009b). The Swan Creek Plan of Action listed the highest priority objectives for the watershed as conservation of wetlands and floodplains, enhanced regulation and education for home sewage disposal, increased management of land use and zoning, and implementation of best management practices for agricultural runoff (TMACOG, 2001).

2.1.2 Land Use and Protection Land use within the Wolf Creek HUC-12 is highly varied (Table 1). Developed land accounts for the majority of the land (50%), while a rather large percentage of the watershed is forested, particularly in the mid-western section (~25%). Agricultural land use occurs in approximately 20% of the watershed, mainly in the western and southern sections (Figure 8). In all, stream habitat quality mirrors the surrounding land use. Stream banks are either recovering from channelization or confined to concrete levees, with no hope of recovery (Ohio EPA, 2009a). Little to no riparian corridor exists, and in areas where a forested corridor is present, little buffering occurs to prevent bank erosion caused by urban runoff from parking lots and nearby storm sewers. Evidence of flashy flows and captured debris and trash within the streams is a consistent problem throughout the watershed.

TABLE 1: LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE WOLF CREEK WATERSHED (HOMER, 2015).

Cover classification % watershed area Area (mi2)

Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) Barren 0.52% 0.14 Crop 13.02% 3.53 Hay/Pasture 5.48% 1.49 Deciduous Forest 24.91% 6.76 Evergreen Forest 0.27% 0.07 Mixed Forest 0.00% 0.00 Herbaceous 3.64% 0.99 Herbaceous Wetlands 0.10% 0.03 Woody Wetlands 0.40% 0.11 Shrub/Scrub 0.00% 0.00 Developed, High Intensity 4.17% 1.13 Developed, Medium Intensity 7.87% 2.13 Developed, Low Intensity 16.94% 4.60 Developed, Open Space 21.12% 5.73 Water 1.56% 0.42 Total 100.00% 27.13

Approximately 64% of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 is located within the NPDES regulated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (Figure 9). One Phase I MS4 permit (City of Toledo) exists throughout this watershed, along with

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

several Phase II municipalities and agencies, including Lucas County, Monclova Township, the Village of Holland, Spencer Township, Springfield Township, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission. These storm water systems do not connect with water treatment systems; therefore, oil, grease, pesticides, herbicides, dirt and grit are carried directly to waterways and have a high potential to negatively impact water quality (Ohio EPA, 2009b). The City of Toledo implemented the Toledo Waterways Initiative, a long- term, 18-year project to reduce CSOs, improve storm sewer systems and reduce water pollution in the Maumee River, Ottawa River and Swan Creek waterways (Toledo Waterways Initiative, 2017).

FIGURE 8: LAND USE IN THE SWAN CREEK WATERSHED: UPPER SWAN CREEK (HUC-10: 04100009 07) AND LOWER SWAN CREEK (HUC-10: 04100009 08). FIGURE 9: TOLEDO URBANIZED AREA AS DEFINED BY THE 2010 CENSUS.

2.2 Summary of Biological Trends for Wolf Creek HUC-12 Ohio EPA sampled the entire Swan Creek watershed in 2006, as documented in the Biological and Water Quality Study of the Swan Creek Watershed, Technical Report EAS/2008-12-11. This report was the Technical Support Document for the Swan Creek TMDL study. The Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Swan Creek Watershed was released in 2009. Both documents were used extensively in the preparation of this Lower Swan Creek: Wolf Creek HUC-12 NPS-IS Plan. Habitat and biological communities in the Wolf Creek HUC-12 will be sampled again as part of routine state monitoring in the summer of 2017. All segments of this assessment unit were designated and/or confirmed as warmwater habitat (WWH) aquatic life use (Ohio EPA, 2009a).

A summary of the sample locations and their biological status in the Wolf Creek HUC-12 is provided in Table 2. Figure 10 details sampling points and FIGURE 10: SAMPLING LOCATIONS AND ATTAINMENT STATUS IN THE WOLF CREEK attainment status. The quality of HUC-12. 8

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habitat, affected by land use, in Wolf Creek and its tributaries is a critical factor in attainment scores for fish and macro-invertebrate communities. Overall, silty substrates and high embeddedness related to channelized ditches and urbanization have contributed to degradation caused by flashy storm water and torrent flows, scoured substrates and the filling of interstitial spaces with silt (Ohio EPA, 2009a). Fish populations at most sites are marginally meeting attainment standards, while macroinvertebrate communities fall short of attainment values due to the absence of riffles and adequate substrate. Impoundment and channelization have also caused habitat alterations that affect the ability of aquatic populations to thrive in this watershed. Habitat is “unquestionably a limiting factor impacting this aquatic community” (Ohio EPA, 2009a).

TABLE 2: OVERALL BIOLOGICAL INDICES SCORES FOR SITES IN WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

RM (Drain. area mi2) IBI/ MIwba ICIb Status QHEI Location

Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) (WWH) (headwaters to confluence with Swan Creek) 4.1H (7.9) 28/H F* Partial 45 Albon Rd. Perrysburg- 1.9H (12.9) 28/H F* Partial 40 Holland Rd. Holland-Sylvania 0.5W (26.1) 33/5.5* 34 Non 43.5 Rd. Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) (WWH) (Cairl Creek) 1.3H (10.3) 24ns/H VP* Non 35.5 Pilliad Rd. * Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined. ns Nonsignificant departure from biocriterion (≤4 IBI or ICI units; ≤0.5 MIwb units). a The MIwb (Modified Index of well-being) is not applicable to headwater sites (<20mi2). b Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (Good; MG=Marginally Good; Fair; L Fair=Low Fair; Poor; VP=Very Poor). W Wading site. H Headwater site, MIwb is not applicable.

Fishes (Modified Index of Well-Being [MIwb] & Index of Biotic Integrity [IBI]) Fish populations in Wolf Creek lack diversity. While the three sampling points all are in attainment for IBI scores, the sampling site located at Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) scored poorly for MIwb. Almost half of the fish community consisted of pollution tolerant species (Ohio EPA, 2009a). In addition, this reach contained the highest percentage of DELT anomalies throughout the entire Swan Creek watershed at the time of sampling in 2006. This particular site may lie within the influence of the downstream dam located at RM 0.3, which may be limiting fish passage.

Only one individual of one intolerant species was found in Cairl Creek. Ninety-eight percent of the entire catch consisted of pollution tolerant species, and a large percentage of the population included pioneering species (89%), indicative of an unstable biological community (Ohio EPA, 2009a). Flashy flows within the Wolf Creek watershed contribute to the instability of the biological communities within it (Ohio EPA, 2009a).

Macroinvertebrates (Invertebrate Community Index [ICI]) Only one sampling location throughout Wolf Creek (RM 0.5) yielded results of acceptable macroinvertebrate communities within the entire watershed, and it is a possibility that score may be inflated (Ohio EPA, 2009a). Relatively low EPT and sensitive taxa diversity were found in the total sample, and habitat characteristics (sparse riffle development, murky water, and a recovering channel) may be limiting the macroinvertebrate population. In 9

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addition, the presence of algae and strong odors of failed septic systems could indicate excessive nutrients as a limiting factor in attainment scores at this site. In Cairl Creek, the population consisted of facultative and tolerant midges and blackflies. Poor riffle quality, a recovering channel and silt, sand, and detritus substrates likely inhibit the macroinvertebrate community at that location.

Habitat (via Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index [QHEI]) Ohio EPA sampling crews documented various water quality and habitat attributes during the QHEI assessment in the summer of 2006. Habitat attributes (channelization, silty substrates, etc.), related to crop production in the upper reaches of Wolf Creek and urbanization in the lower reaches of Wolf Creek and its tributaries are likely impacting fish and macroinvertebrate communities throughout the watershed. At all Wolf Creek sampling locations, septic drain pipes, agricultural drainage tiles, and/or storm sewers directly drained into the stream. Throughout the watershed, highly incised banks from flashy flows were observed, along with either recovering channels or leveed channels with no hope of recovery. Sand and silt were the primary substrates at all locations, and substrates were extensively embedded at all locations. At the downstream sampling locations on Wolf Creek (RM 1.9 and RM 0.5), abundant trash was in the channel and strong odors of failed septic systems were present.

TABLE 3: QUALITATIVE HABITAT EVALUATION INDEX (QHEI) MATRIX WITH WARMWATER HABITAT (WWH) AND MODIFIED WARMWATER (MWH) ATTRIBUTE TOTALS IN THE WOLF CREEK WATERSHED (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

Key QHEI MWH Attributes WWH Attributes

Components High Influence Moderate Influence

Score

Influence Attributes Modified Influence

River Mile River QHEI (ft/mi) Gradient or Recovered Channelized Not Substrates Boulder/Cobble/Gravel Free Substrates Silt Development Good/Excellent Sinuosity Moderate/High Cover Extensive/Moderate Current/Eddies Fast Embeddedness Low/Normal cm >40 MaxDepth Low/NormalEmbeddedness Riffle WWHAttributes Recovery Channelized/No Substrates Silt/Muck Sinuosity No Cover Sparse/No cm <40 MaxDepth Hi Channel Recovering Silt Cover Heavy/Moderate (Boat) Substrate Sand Origin Substrate Hardpan Fair/PoorDevelopment LowSinuosity or 1 Only Cover 2 types Pools Intermediate/Poor Current Fast No Embeddedness High/Moderate Embeddedness riffle High/Moderate Riffle No M.I. Attributes MWM Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) (WWH) (headwaters to confluence with Swan Creek) Wolf Creek 4.1 45 7.35 • • • 3 • 1 • • • • • • 6 1.9 40 4.72 • • 2 • • • 3 • • • • • 5 0.5 43.5 6.76 • • 2 • 1 • • • • • • • 7 Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) (WWH) (Cairl Creek) Cairl Creek 1.3 35.5 6.94 • • • 3 • • • 3 • • • • • • 6 S IBI, MIwb, ICI and QHEI data from 2012 sampling event, Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water (Partners for Clean Streams-DMDS, 2017).

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

2.3 Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for Wolf Creek HUC-12 As listed in the 2016 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, Ohio EPA has determined that the biological impairments in the Wolf Creek HUC-12 are caused by sedimentation/siltation and direct habitat alterations (Table 4). Sources of these impairments include channelization, crop production with subsurface drainage, dam/impoundment and urban runoff/storm sewers throughout the HUC-12. The most upstream Wolf Creek sampling location is in Partial Attainment, due to channelization and land use practices from agricultural operations. Downstream segments of Wolf Creek and Cairl Creek are located within the developing/urbanized section of the watershed and are in Partial and Non-Attainment, due to the effects of channelization, urbanization and impoundment.

TABLE 4: CAUSES AND SOURCES OF NPS IMPAIRMENTS FOR WOLF CREEK SAMPLING LOCATIONS (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

RM (Drain. area mi2) [w =wading site, Primary Cause(s) Primary Source(s) Status Location H=headwater site] Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) (WWH) (headwaters to confluence with Swan Creek) Channelization*; crop Sedimentation/siltation, 4.1H (7.9) production with subsurface Partial Albon Rd. habitat alterations drainage Sedimentation/siltation; Channelization*; urban Perrysburg- 1.9H (12.9) Partial habitat alterations runoff/storm sewers Holland Rd. Sedimentation/siltation; Channelization*; urban Holland- 0.5W (26.1) Non habitat alterations runoff/storm sewers Sylvania Rd. Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) (WWH) (Cairl Creek) Sedimentation/siltation, Dam (impoundment); urban 1.3H (10.3) Non Pilliad Rd. direct habitat alterations runoff/storm sewers * Addressing hydro-modification (a surrogate source w/ channelization) in both non-irrigated cropland and urban landscapes can also improve water quality.

2.4 Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for Wolf Creek HUC-12 Several organizations and agencies, including Metroparks of the Toledo Area, The Nature Conservancy, Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, Maumee Area of Concern Committee, and Partners for Clean Streams focus on improving habitat and water quality within the Wolf Creek HUC-12. Documents and/or plans created by these organizations were used as supplemental information to prepare this NPS-IS plan and are referenced in the Works Cited section, as appropriate. Assessment data from the 2006 TMDL sampling event and data referenced in the 2016 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report were used in the creation of this NPS-IS plan (Ohio EPA, 2009a; Ohio EPA, 2009b; Ohio EPA, 2016).

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Chapter 3: Conditions & Restoration Strategies for Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas 3.1 Overview of Critical Areas Overall, four sampling sites are located in the Wolf Creek HUC-12. Three are located in Wolf Creek and one is located in Cairl Creek, near the confluence with Wolf Creek. Two of the three sampling locations in Wolf Creek are in Partial Attainment, while the most downstream Wolf Creek site and the single sampling location in Cairl Creek are in Non-Attainment. At this time, specific restoration strategies and projects have been identified for two critical areas to address the nonpoint source pollution issues that are believed to be causing the impaired state in the Wolf Creek HUC-12 (Table 5, Figure 11). Additional critical areas may be developed in subsequent versions of this NPS-IS plan.

TABLE 5: WOLF CREEK HUC-12 CRITICAL AREA IDENTIFICATION. Sample site Critical (OEPA, Critical Area Description Critical Area Status Area # 2009a) Riparian areas and contributing Wolf Creek watershed of Wolf Creek from 1 Included in this version RM 4.1 headwaters to RM 4.1 Wolf Creek Subwatershed of Wolf Creek between 2 Included in this version RM 1.9, 0.5 RM 4.1 and RM 0.5 Suggested: not delineated in this Cairl Creek Subwatershed of Cairl Creek from ~RM 3 version, but recommended for future RM 1.3 1.9 to its mouth versions Suggested: not delineated in this Headwaters area surrounding Toledo -- Potential version, but recommended for future Express Airport versions

FIGURE 11: WOLF CREEK HUC-12 CRITICAL AREAS.

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Critical Areas 1 and 2 have been outlined in this version of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 NPS-IS plan and address sampling points on Wolf Creek at Albon Rd. (RM 4.1), Holland-Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) and Holland-Sylvania (RM 0.5). A downstream dam was listed as the source of impairment for the single sampling location in Cairl Creek at Pilliad Rd. (RM 1.3) in the Biological and Water Quality Study of Swan Creek and Selected Tributaries, 2009, Ohio EPA Technical Report EAS/2008-12-11 (Ohio EPA, 2009a). The only downstream dam known at the time of writing of this NPS-IS plan is located on Wolf Creek at RM 0.3, and is highly unlikely to be causing debris buildup so far upstream beyond the confluence of Cairl Creek and Wolf Creek. Visual inspection of the Pilliad Rd. site in May 2017 revealed no visible damming. The dam referenced at the time of sampling may have been a homeowner dam or log jam that has since been removed. Though no restoration strategies and projects have been identified for this area in this version of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 NPS-IS plan, a preliminary critical area (Critical Area 3) is delineated for inclusion of likely contributions from urban runoff/storm sewers, as noted as a secondary source of impairment at this site. Further analysis of this site is recommended after the 2017 sampling results become available.

A potential fourth critical area for this watershed is noted to exist in the headwaters area near the Toledo Express Airport. With several documented releases of de-icing agents to nearby waters, as well as runoff from the airport runways, partners in this area recognize this may be a future area of focus for stream health. Further analysis of this area is needed before determining specific impacts or possible restoration strategies.

3.2 Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals & Objectives for the Upper Reach of Wolf Creek 3.2.1 Detailed Characterization The Wolf Creek sampling site located at RM 4.1 (Albon Rd.) is located within the western portion of the Wolf Creek HUC-12, which is densely forested (47%), with large tracts of protected land, transitioning to more urbanized settings. The sampling location is listed in Partial Attainment of the Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use designation, caused by the effects of heavy sedimentation/siltation from channelization, with a surrogate source of hydromodification. Crop production with subsurface drainage is also identified as a source of impairment (Ohio EPA, 2009a)

Using the rationale described in the Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008)(Section 10.3.4): “In general, management practices are implemented immediately adjacent to the waterbody or upland to address the sources of pollutant loads.”— Critical Area 1 includes the sub-watershed area, including the riparian corridor, of Wolf Creek and its tributaries from its headwaters at ~RM 7.5 to RM 4.1 (Albon Rd. sampling location) (Figure 12). Waterways in Critical Area 1 are listed in Table 6.

FIGURE 12: WOLF CREEK HUC-12 CRITICAL AREA 1. 13

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TABLE 6: WATERWAYS IN CRITICAL AREA 1.

Wolf Creek HUC-12 Wolf Creek (~RM 7.5-4.1) Butler Ditch Marsh Ditch Cunningham Ditch Matzinger Ditch Dear Ditch Muntwiler Ditch Everett Ditch Palmer Ditch Irwin Ditch Thomas Ditch J. Wood Ditch Wagner Ditch Kujawski Ditch Wells Ditch

3.2.2 Detailed Biological Conditions Fish community data is summarized below for the Albon Rd. sampling site in Critical Area 1 (Table 7). Analysis of the abundance, diversity, and pollution tolerance of existing fish species found by Ohio EPA at this sampling location in relation to QHEI scores aids in identification of causes and sources of impairment. The Albon Rd. sampling site is just meeting the WWH standard for IBI score (28, goal is 28); MIwb is not applicable to headwaters sites. The habitat score at the Albon Rd. sampling site is not meeting WWH expectations (45, goal is 60), mainly due to the effects of heavy siltation and flashy flows.

TABLE 7: CRITICAL AREA 1 - FISH COMMUNITY AND HABITAT DATA (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

* Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined. ns Nonsignificant departure from biocriterion (≤4 IBI or ICI units; ≤0.5 MIwb units). H Headwaters site; MIwb not applicable. D.A. Total Predominant Species (percent of Narrative Stream/RM QHEI MIwb IBI (mi2) Species catch) Evaluation Wolf Creek (WWH) (Partial Attainment) Bluegill sunfish (20%), green Wolf Creek 7.9 12 45 H 28 sunfish (19%), bluntnose minnow Fair RM 4.1H (18%)

Characteristics of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community for the Albon Rd. sampling site in Critical Area 1 are summarized below (Table 8). Once again, analysis of the abundance, diversity, and pollution tolerance of existing aquatic macroinvertebrates (bugs) found by Ohio EPA at this sampling location, related to QHEI scores can aid in the identification of causes and sources of impairment. The Albon Rd. sampling site is not achieving the WWH standard for ICI score (Fair, goal is Good).

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* Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined. NA ICI narrative score only assigned. w Wading site. Tolerance categories: VT=Very Tolerant, T=Tolerant, MT=Moderately Tolerant, F=Facultative, MI=Moderately Intolerant, I= Intolerant

TABLE 8: CRITICAL AREA 1 - MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY DATA (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

Stream/ RM ICI Score-- Notes Predominant Species Narrative Wolf Creek (WWH) (Partial Attainment) Wolf Creek NA — Fair* Moderate Qualitative Midges (T, F, MI), RM 4.1H 3sensitive taxa density hydropsychid caddisflies (F)

3.2.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources The Albon Rd. (RM 4.1) sampling site is listed as in Partial Attainment of the Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use designation (Table 9). The cause for the Partial Attainment listing is high sedimentation/siltation with a primary source of channelization and a secondary source of crop production with subsurface drainage. Habitat attributes at this sampling location reflect impact from former and current agricultural land use in this stretch of Wolf Creek and its tributary ditches. The data summarized previously in Table 3 from the Ohio EPA Technical Support Document (Ohio EPA, 2009a) reveal a direct link between the presence of attributes that have moderate to high influence on the Partial Attainment listing at the Albon Rd. sampling site (i.e., non-attainment of QHEI and ICI goals).

These contributing attributes from the adjacent watershed of Critical Area 1 include:  Silt and Muck Substrates  Recovering Channelization  Heavy or Moderate Silt Cover  Fair/Poor Development  Slow Current  High to Moderate Embeddedness  Absence of Riffles

Projects that address the above described habitat-related attributes (e.g., embeddedness, heavy silt cover) will positively affect the QHEI scoring index. It is expected that as the habitat (QHEI) score becomes better, the IBI and ICI indices scoring will also improve.

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TABLE 9: SUMMARY DATA FOR CRITICAL AREA 1 (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

RM IBI MIwb ICI QHEI Status Primary Cause Primary Source Location Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) Wolf Creek 4.1H 28 NA F* 45 Partial Sedimentation/siltation Channelization Albon Rd.

* Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined. H Headwaters site; MIwb not applicable.

3.2.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Critical Area 1 is primarily impaired based upon effects from channelization and crop production with subsurface drainage. Critical Area 1 is approximately 6 square miles, of which almost half is forested. Developed land accounts for 20% (1303 acres) of this critical area, while agricultural production accounts for approximately 10% (414 acres). Approximately 15 miles of ditch feet exist in this critical area, with an additional 3.4 miles of mainstem Wolf Creek. Including a riparian setback of 75 feet each side, approximately 330 acres of riparian area could be targeted for restoration.

Channelization is closely associated with hydromodification. Employing management strategies that address hydromodification, such as the restoration of riparian corridors and instream habitat will ultimately help abate the effects of channelization. While agricultural land use in this critical area is not the dominant land use, enough agricultural activities exist to put additional stress upon the aquatic systems. Projects that address excess sediment loading from agricultural activities will also address impairment issues at the Albon Rd. (RM 4.1) sampling location.

Goals The overarching nonpoint source restoration goal of any NPS-IS plan is to improve IBI, MIwb, ICI, and QHEI scores so that the partial or non-attainment status can achieve full attainment of the designated aquatic life use for that waterbody. The Wolf Creek HUC-12 is in Partial Attainment of its designated Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use. This attainment status is due to several different reasons across the hydrologic unit; however, the segment upstream and containing the sampling site at Albon Rd. (RM 4.1) is in Partial Attainment due to the macroinvertebrate community failing to achieve its criteria and a low habitat score. The fish community is currently meeting attainment value, though the IBI score is reaching the lowest value to maintain attainment. The remaining goals for Critical Area 1 of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 are to improve the ICI and habitat scores at the Albon Rd. sampling site on Wolf Creek so that the Partial Attainment status for this sampling site can be changed to full attainment of the designated WWH aquatic life use. These goals are to specifically:

Goal 1. Maintain IBI score at or above of 28 at Albon Rd. sampling site on Wolf Creek (RM 4.1).  ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 28. Goal 2. Achieve ICI score at or above 34 (Good) at Albon Rd. sampling site on Wolf Creek (RM 4.1).  NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of Fair. Goal 3. Achieve QHEI score at or above 60 at Albon Rd. sampling site on Wolf Creek (RM 4.1).  NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 45.

Objectives In order to achieve the overall nonpoint source restoration goal of restoring Full Attainment to the Wolf Creek HUC-12, the following objectives need to be achieved within Critical Area 1. 16

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Objective 1. Restore hydrology to former wet prairie-land in Critical Area 1.  Restore hydrologic connections to at least 24 acres of wet prairie.

Objective 2. Increase the retirement of marginal and highly vulnerable lands.  Enroll at least 10% of current agricultural land (≥ 40 acres) in Critical Area 1 into programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).

Objective 3. Install 2-stage ditches for the creation of functional floodplain bench.  Install at least 2.0 miles of 2-stage ditches in existing floodplain areas, representing ≥ 10% of ditch length in Critical Area 1.

Objective 4. Install drainage control structures for reduced erosion and nutrient loss.  Control drainage from at least 160 acres of agricultural land.

Objective 5. Reduce erosion and nutrient loss through installation of treatment Filter Areas (FOTG #393) or Riparian Conservation Buffers (FOTG #327).  Install at least 40 acres of Filter Areas or Riparian Conservation Buffers (at least 25 ft. width each side) along ditches.

Objective 6. Plant cover crops for long-term conservation crop rotations.  Plant at least 200 acres of cover crops on agricultural fields.

Objective 7. Establish forested riparian barrier along impacted or barren stretches of Wolf Creek and tributaries within the critical area.  Re-establish at least 30 acres of riparian buffer, representing ≥ 10% of the available riparian area along Wolf Creek and tributaries in Critical Area 1.

Objective 8. Restore instream habitat in headwater ditches and Wolf Creek.  Restore at least 500 feet of instream habitat for aquatic communities.

Water quality monitoring is an integral part of the project implementation process. Both project-specific and routinely scheduled monitoring will be conducted to determine progress towards meeting the goals (i.e., water quality standards). Through an adaptive management process, the aforementioned objectives will be reevaluated and modified as necessary. Objectives may be added to make further progress towards attainment goals, or altered, as a systems approach of multiple best management practices (BMPs) can accelerate the improvement of water quality conditions. The Ohio EPA Nonpoint Source Management Plan Update (Ohio EPA, 2013) will be utilized as a reevaluation tool for its listing of all eligible NPS management strategies to consider including:  Urban Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Strategies;  Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategies;  Nonpoint Source Reduction Strategies; and  High Quality Waters Protection Strategies.

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3.3 Critical Area 2: Conditions, Goals & Objectives for the Lower Reach of Wolf Creek 3.3.1 Detailed Characterization The sampling locations in Wolf Creek at Holland-Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) and Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) are listed in Partial Attainment and Non-Attainment, respectively, of the Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use designation due to sedimentation/siltation from channelization and urban runoff/storm sewer systems. These locations are situated in a densely urbanized section of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 watershed, particularly in the section containing Spring Meadows Mall, located on the northern side of Wolf Creek from Perrysburg-Holland Rd. (RM 1.9) to Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5). Beyond the aforementioned section, the remainder of Critical Area 2 is mainly residential with light industrial/commercial land use.

Using the rationale described in the Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008)(Section 10.3.4): “In general, management practices are implemented immediately adjacent to the waterbody or upland to address the sources of pollutant loads.”— Critical Area 2 includes the contributing watershed of Wolf Creek and its tributaries that contribute runoff or drainage waters to Wolf Creek in the segment between RM 4.1 (Albon Rd.) to RM 0.5 (Holland-Sylvania Rd.) (Figure 13). The main tributaries to Wolf Creek in this segment include Drennan Ditch, Blair Ditch and Gruenke Ditch.

FIGURE 13: WOLF CREEK HUC-12 CRITICAL AREA 2.

3.3.2 Detailed Biological Conditions Fish community data is summarized below for the both the Holland-Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) and Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) sampling sites in Wolf Creek in Critical Area 2 (Table 10). Analysis of the abundance, diversity, and pollution tolerance of existing fish species found by Ohio EPA at these sampling locations in relation to QHEI scores aids in identification of causes and sources of impairment. The Holland-Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) sampling site is currently meeting the WWH standard for IBI score (28, goal is 28). MIwb is not applicable at this site due to its designation as a headwater site. The Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) sampling site is meeting the WWH standard for IBI score (33, goal is 32). The MIwb score is not reaching attainment status, and is rated as Poor (5.5, goal is 7.3). Habitat scores at both sites are not meeting WWH expectations (RM 1.9 is 40; RM 0.5 is 43.5, goal for both sites is 60), likely due to flashy flows caused by urban runoff and storm sewers.

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TABLE 10: CRITICAL AREA 2 - FISH COMMUNITY AND HABITAT DATA (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

* Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined. ns Nonsignificant departure from biocriterion (≤4 IBI or ICI units; ≤0.5 MIwb units). H Headwater site. W Wading site. D.A. Total Predominant Species (percent of Narrative Stream/RM QHEI MIwb IBI (mi2) Species catch) Evaluation Wolf Creek (WWH) (Partial Attainment) Wolf Creek Green sunfish (33%), bluegill 12.9 9 40 NA 28 Fair RM 1.9H sunfish (26%), white sucker (12%) Green sunfish (32%), bluegill Wolf Creek 26.1 13 43.5 5.5* 33 sunfish (24%), johnny darter Fair-Poor RM 0.5W (14%)

Characteristics of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community at the Holland Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) and Holland- Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) sampling sites in Wolf Creek in Critical Area 2 are summarized below (Table 11). Once again, analysis of the abundance, diversity, and pollution tolerance of existing aquatic macroinvertebrates (bugs) found by Ohio EPA at these sampling locations, related to QHEI scores can aid in the identification of causes and sources of impairment. While the Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) sampling location is meeting the WWH standard for ICI, the Holland Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) sampling location is not.

TABLE 11: CRITICAL AREA 2 - MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY DATA (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

Stream/ RM ICI Score-- Notes Predominant Species Narrative Wolf Creek (WWH) (Partial Attainment) Wolf Creek NA — Fair* Low-Moderate Midges (T, F, MI), hydropsychid caddisflies RM 1.9H 7 sensitive taxa Qualitative density (F) Wolf Creek 34 — Good Low-Moderate Baetid mayflies (F), sow bugs (F), RM 0.5W 10 sensitive taxa Qualitative density water mites (F)

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3.3.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources The sampling locations in Wolf Creek at Holland-Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) and Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) are listed in Partial Attainment and Non-Attainment, respectively, of the Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use designation (Table 12). The cause for the Partial Attainment and Non-Attainment listings at each location is sedimentation/siltation from sources of channelization and urban runoff/storm sewers.

* Significant departure from ecoregion biocriterion; poor and very poor results are underlined. ns Nonsignificant departure from biocriterion (≤4 IBI or ICI units; ≤0.5 MIwb units). a The MIwb (Modified Index of well-being) is not applicable to headwater sites (<20mi2). b Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (Good; MG=Marginally Good; Fair; L Fair=Low Fair; Poor; VP=Very Poor). W Wading site. TABLE 12: SUMMARY DATA FOR CRITICAL AREA 2 (OHIO EPA, 2009A).

RM IBIa MIwb ICIb QHEI Status Primary Cause Primary Source(s) Location Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) Wolf Creek Channelization, urban Holland- 1.9H 28 NA F* 45 Partial Sedimentation/siltation runoff/storm sewers Perrysburg Rd. Channelization, urban Holland-Sylvania 0.5W 33 5.5* 34 43.5 Non Sedimentation/siltation runoff/storm sewers Rd.

Approximately 70% of the land in Critical Area 2 is urbanized, with much of it at low intensity. Habitat attributes at the two downstream Wolf Creek sites reflect effects from the urbanized landscape (Figure 14). The data summarized previously in Table 3 from the Ohio EPA Technical Support Document (Ohio EPA, 2009a) reveal a direct link between the presence of attributes that have moderate to high influence on the Partial Attainment listing at the Blystone Ditch- Monclova Rd. sampling location (i.e., non-attainment of QHEI and ICI goals).

These contributing attributes from the adjacent watershed of Critical Area 2 include:  Channelization (RM 1.9 only)  Silt and Muck Substrates  Heavy or Moderate Silt Cover

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 Fair/Poor Development  Slow Current  High to Moderate Embeddedness  Absence of Riffles

Even in areas surrounding Holland-Sylvania Rd. where a moderate riparian buffer exists, concrete levees inhibit the stream from recovery and offer little buffering capacity from parking lot runoff and direct storm drainage (Ohio EPA, 2009a)

3.3.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Critical Area 2 is primarily impaired based upon heavy sedimentation/siltation associated with channelization and urban runoff/storm sewers. Channelization is closely associated with hydromodification. Employing management FIGURE 14: STREAMBANK EROSION CAUSED BY FLASHY FLOWS strategies that address hydromodification, such FROM STORM SEWERS IN WOLF CREEK AT HOLLAND-SYLVANIA RD. as the restoration of riparian corridors and (OHIO EPA, 2009A). instream habitat will ultimately help abate the effects of channelization. In addition, projects that slow, retain, or treat runoff from impervious surfaces before drainage to Wolf Creek will also improve water quality and general stream health. With an area of approximately 4.4 square miles (2,800 acres), there is potential to slow, detain and treat runoff from 1,960 acres of impervious surface and restore channelization effects in approximately 3.5 miles of Wolf Creek and 6.5 miles of tributary ditches. Considering a riparian corridor of 75 feet each side, 180 acres of riparian habitat could be restored along the waterways in Critical Area 2. The SUSTAIN model utilized for an analysis of Wolf Creek identified several green infrastructure BMPs that could be effective in this watershed, particularly in the catchment basin surrounding Spring Meadows Mall (TMACOG, 2009).

Goals The overarching nonpoint source restoration goal of any NPS-IS plan is to improve IBI, MIwb (not applicable at headwater sites), ICI, and QHEI scores so that the partial or non-attainment status can achieve full attainment of the designated aquatic life use for that waterbody. The Wolf Creek HUC-12 is in Partial Attainment of its designated Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use. This attainment status is due to several different reasons across the hydrologic unit; however, the segment containing the sampling sites at Holland-Perrysburg Rd. (RM 1.9) and Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5) is not reaching attainment values due to a mixed attainment of indices at the two locations. The macroinvertebrate community is in partial attainment at Holland-Perrysburg (RM 1.9), while the fish community (MIwb) is in partial attainment at Holland-Sylvania Rd. (RM 0.5). The habitat score at both locations is well below target values for WWH streams. The remaining goals for Critical Area 2 of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 is to improve the ICI score at the Holland-Perrysburg Rd. sampling site, improve the MIwb score at the Holland-Sylvania Rd. sampling site, and improve habitat conditions at both locations so that the Partial Attainment and Non-Attainment statuses can be changed to full attainment of the designated WWH aquatic life use. These goals are to specifically:

Goal 1. Maintain IBI score at or above 28 at Holland-Perrysburg Rd. sampling location on Wolf Creek (RM 1.9). 21

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 ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 28. Goal 2. Maintain IBI score at or above 32 at Holland-Sylvania Rd. sampling location on Wolf Creek (RM 0.5).  ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 32. Goal 3. Achieve MIwb score of 7.3 at Holland-Sylvania Rd. sampling location on Wolf Creek (RM 0.5).  NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 5.5. Goal 4. Achieve ICI score of 34 (Good) at Holland-Perrysburg Rd. sampling location on Wolf Creek (RM 1.9).  NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of Fair. Goal 5. Maintain ICI score at or above 34 at Holland-Sylvania Rd. sampling location on Wolf Creek (RM 0.5).  ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 34. Goal 6. Achieve QHEI score of 60 at Holland-Perrysburg Rd. sampling location on Wolf Creek (RM 1.9).  NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 40 Goal 7. Achieve QHEI score of 60 at Holland-Sylvania Rd. sampling location on Wolf Creek (RM 0.5).  NOT ACHIEVED: Site currently has a score of 43.5.

Objectives In order to achieve the overall nonpoint source restoration goal of restoring Full Attainment to the Wolf Creek HUC-12, the following objectives need to be achieved within Critical Area 2.

Objective 1. Install 2-stage ditches for the creation of functional floodplain bench.  Install at least 1.5 miles of 2-stage ditches in existing floodplain areas, representing ≥ 15% of ditch length in Critical Area 2.

Objective 2. Reduce stormwater inputs and impacts in the subwatershed.  Implement green infrastructure projects within Critical Area 2 that retain, detain, and/or treat runoff from at least 392 acres of urbanized impermeable surfaces (i.e., parking lots, roads, etc.), accounting for approximately 20% of the impermeable surface of Critical Area 2.

Objective 3. Create in-stream habitat for fish and macroinvertebrate populations.  Restore at least 2000 linear feet of instream habitat within Wolf Creek or its tributaries in Critical Area 2.

Objective 4. Restore floodplain connectedness and functionality in at least 25% of the available acreage for riparian restoration.  Restore at least 45 acres of riparian floodplain habitat in Wolf Creek or its tributaries in Critical Area 2.

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Chapter 4: Projects and Implementation Strategy 4.1 Overview Tables and Project Sheets for Critical Areas Projects and evaluation needs are identified for the Wolf Creek HUC-12 based upon identified causes and associated sources of nonpoint source pollution. Over time, these critical areas will need to be reevaluated to determine progress towards meeting restoration and attainment goals. Time is an important variable in measuring project success and overall status when using biological indices as a measurement tool. Some biological systems may show fairly quick response (i.e., one season), while others may take several seasons or years to show progress towards recovery. In addition, reasons for the impairment other than those associated with nonpoint source pollution sources may arise. Those issues will need to be addressed under different initiatives, authorities or programs that may or may not be accomplished by the same implementers addressing the nonpoint source pollution issues.

Implementation of practices described in this NPS-IS plan will also contribute to nutrient load reduction (specifically the 40% reduction in phosphorus load) to protect and restore use attainment in Lake Erie. Nutrient load reduction efforts are consistent with the Lake Erie Collaborative Agreement (IJC) and Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan (under development).

For the Wolf Creek HUC-12 there are two Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Tables (subsections 4.2.1 and 4.3.1). Future versions of this NPS-IS plan will include subsequent sections as more critical areas are refined and more projects become developed to meet the requisite objectives within a critical area. The projects described in the Overview Table have been prioritized using the following three-step prioritization method:

Priority 1 Projects that specifically address one or more of the listed Objectives for the Critical Area.

Priority 2 Projects where there is land-owner willingness to engage in projects that are designed to address the cause(s) and source(s) of impairment or where there is an expectation that such potential projects will improve water quality in the Wolf Creek HUC-12.

Priority 3 In an effort to generate interest in projects, an information and education campaign will be developed and delivered. Such outreach will engage citizens to spark interest by stakeholders to participate and implement projects like those mentioned in Priority 1 and 2.

Project Summary Sheets (PSS) are in subsections 4.2.2 and 4.3.2. These PSS provide the essential nine elements for short-term and/or next step projects that are in development and/or in need of funding. As projects are implemented and new projects developed, these sheets will be updated. Any new PPS created will be submitted to the state of Ohio for funding eligibility verification (i.e., all nine elements are included).

4.2 Critical Area 1: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Upper Reach of Wolf Creek The information included in the Critical Area 1 Overview Table is a condensed overview of all identified projects needed for nonpoint source restoration of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Area 1. Project Summary Sheets are included for short-term projects or any project that is considering seeking funding in the near future. Only those projects with complete Project Summary Sheets will be considered for state and federal NPS program funding.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

4.2.1 Critical Area 1: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table The Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Area 1 is based on Partial Attainment status of the aquatic life use designation at the Albon Rd. sampling site (RM 4.1). The Critical Area 1 Overview Table provides a quick summary of what needs to be done, where, and what problem (cause/source) will be addressed and includes projects at all levels of development (i.e. concept, need funding, in progress). This Overview Table is intended to show a prioritized path toward the restoration of the Wolf Creek HUC-12.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Critical Area 1: Project Overview Table for Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)) Lead Potential/Actual Project Title Time Frame Estimated Cost Goal Objective Project # Organization Funding Source (EPA Criteria g) (EPA Criteria f) (EPA Criteria d) (criteria d) (EPA Criteria d) Urban Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Strategies*

Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategies* The Nature Short (1-3 Ohio EPA §319, 1-4 1 1 Wet Prairie Hydrologic Reconnection 60,000 Conservancy years) GLRI, SOGL The Nature Short (1-3 Ohio EPA §319, 1-4 7,8 6 Restoration of Butler and Kujawski Ditches Conceptual Conservancy years) GLRI, SOGL Ohio EPA §319, Lucas County Long 1-4 2, 7 5 Forested Buffer Installation $167,000 GLRI, CRP and CREP SWCD (7+ years) Programs Lucas County Medium-Long Ohio EPA §319, 1-4 3 7 Two-Stage Ditch in Butler Ditch Conceptual Engineers (3-7+ years) GLRI, SOGL Lucas County Medium-Long Ohio EPA §319, 1-4 3 8 Two-Stage Ditch in Everett Ditch Conceptual Engineers (3-7+ years) GLRI, SOGL Lucas County Medium-Long Ohio EPA §319, 1-4 3 9 Two-Stage Ditch in Wagner Ditch Conceptual Engineers (3-7+ years) GLRI, SOGL Agricultural Nonpoint Source Reduction Strategies* Best Management Practices Incentive Lucas County Short Ohio EPA §319, 1-4 4,6 2 $26,565 Program SWCD (1-3 years) GLRI, EQIP Peer Education Best Management Lucas County Short Ohio Environmental 1-4 4,6 3 $3,850 Practices SWCD (1-3 years) Education Council Ohio EPA §319, Filter Area/Riparian Conservation Cover Lucas County Medium 1-4 2,5 4 $100,000 GLRI, CRP and CREP Installation SWCD (3-7 years) Programs Ohio EPA §319, Lucas County Long 1-4 2,7 5 Forested Buffer Installation $167,000 GLRI, CRP and CREP SWCD (7+ years) Programs

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) 26

High Quality Waters Protection Strategies*

Other NPS Causes and Associated Sources of Impairment

*Ohio EPA, 2013

27 WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

4.2.2 Critical Area 1: Project Summary Sheet(s) The Project Summary Sheets provided below were developed based on the actions or activities needed to restore the Albon Rd. (RM 4.1) sampling site to attainment of the aquatic life use designation. These projects are considered next step or priority/short term projects and are considerably ready to implement. Medium and longer-term projects will most likely not have a Project Summary Sheet or will not have a complete Project Summary Sheet, as these projects are not ready for implementation or need more thorough planning.

Critical Area 1: Project 1 Nine Information Element Explanation needed Criteria n/a Title Wet Prairie Hydrologic Reconnection criteria Project Lead Lead: The Nature Conservancy d Organization Partner: The Green Ribbon Initiative & Partners criteria HUC-12 & Critical Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) c Area criteria Three locations in the Wolf Creek HUC-12: Location of Project c 41.623139, -83.782236; 41.622962, -83.788512; 41.618952, -83.767039 Which strategy is n/a being addressed by Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration this project? criteria Time Frame Short (1-3 Years) f criteria Re-establish hydrologic connections between former wet prairie lands and Short Description g proximal tributaries for habitat restoration. Reconnect former wet prairie lands (currently borrow pits) from three criteria locations in Wolf Creek HUC-12. Hydrology and habitat will be restored to Project Narrative g approximately 24 acres of former wet prairie (each location averages 8 acres in size). criteria Estimated Total $60,000 d cost criteria Possible Funding Ohio EPA §319, GLRI, SOGL d Source criteria Identified Causes Cause: Sedimentation/Siltation a and Sources Source: Channelization Part 1: How much improvement is criteria needed to remove Objective 1: Restore hydrologic connections to at least 24 acres of wet prairie. b & h the NPS

impairment associated with this Critical Area?

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Critical Area 1: Project 1 Objective 1: Restore hydrologic connections to 24 acres of at least 24 acres of Part 2: How much wet prairie (100-200%). of the needed improvement for Goals: There is recognition that there is lag time associated with nonpoint the whole Critical source-related projects and measured stream response. With respect to the Area is estimated goals in Critical Area 1, the main driver is QHEI. Current data shows that the to be accomplished stream in Critical Area 1 is at 45—which is 15 points below the attainment by this project? index score of 60. It is expected that this project will cause an incremental increase the QHEI scoring by 2 point (or 13% progress toward the goal). Part 3: Load Estimated: 6 tons sediment/year, 9.6#P/year, 96 #N/year reduced? How will the Staff from the OEPA-DSW Ecological Assessment Unit will perform both pre- effectiveness of and post- project monitoring. The Albon Rd. sampling site will be monitored this project in (as part of the State’s ongoing surface water monitoring program cycle) to criteria i addressing the NPS determine progress (through IBI, ICI, and QHEI) from partial attainment to full impairment be attainment. The Ohio EPA Ecological Assessment Unit has scheduled basin- measured? wide watershed chemical and biological assessment for the summer of 2017. This project will be promoted with press releases, project signage and criteria Information and newsletter articles. In addition, the project sites will be used as demonstration e Education sites for tours of wet prairie restoration.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Critical Area 1: Project 2 Nine Information Element Explanation needed Criteria n/a Title Agricultural BMP Incentive Program criteria Project Lead d Organization Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District & Partners criteria HUC-12 & Critical Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)- Critical Area 1 c Area criteria Location of Project Various locations (privately owned lands) throughout Critical Area 1 c Which strategy is n/a being addressed by Agricultural Nonpoint Source Reduction this project? criteria Time Frame Short (1-3 Years) f criteria Short Description Establish a program to share costs for agricultural best management practices. g The Lucas County SWCD will contract with farmers in the critical area to plant overwintering cover crops on 200 acres and install drainage water criteria Project Narrative management structures to control water from 160 acres. Project funds will be g used to reimburse the landowners at a rate of $25 per acre for cover crops and $1800 per structure for drainage water management. criteria Estimated Total $26,565 d cost criteria Possible Funding Ohio EPA §319, GLRI, EQIP d Source criteria Identified Causes Cause: Sedimentation/Siltation, a and Sources Source: Channelization; Crop production with subsurface drainage Part 1: How much improvement is Objective 3: Control drainage from 160 acres through drainage water control criteria needed to remove structures. b & h the NPS

impairment Objective 5: Plant 200 acres of cover crops on row-crop fields. associated with this Critical Area?

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Critical Area 1: Project 2 Objective 3: Drainage water controlled from 160 acres of 160 acres (100%). Part 2: How much Objective 5: 200 acres of 200 acres planted with cover crops (100%). of the needed improvement for Goals: There is recognition that there is lag time associated with nonpoint the whole Critical source-related projects and measured stream response. With respect to the Area is estimated goals in Critical Area 1, the main driver is QHEI. Current data shows that the to be accomplished stream in Critical Area 1 is at 45—which is 15 points below the attainment by this project? index score of 60. It is expected that this project will cause an incremental increase the QHEI scoring by 2 points (or 13% progress toward the goal). At the MSUE estimated rates (http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/cover_crops_impact_on_water_quality) Part 3: Load The cover crops would reduce sedimentation runoff by 184 tons per year. reduced? The drainage water management would reduce nitrogen runoff by 1,440# per year. (http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/drainage.html) How will the Staff from the OEPA-DSW Ecological Assessment Unit will perform both pre- effectiveness of and post- project monitoring. The Ohio EPA Ecological Assessment Unit has this project in criteria i scheduled basin-wide watershed chemical and biological assessment for the addressing the NPS summer of 2017. In addition, the establishment of cover crops and the proper impairment be installation of the structures will be verified by Lucas County SWCD staff. measured? This project will be promoted with press releases, newspaper articles and presentations to area landowners. The Lucas County SWCD will host field criteria Information and days, coordinate media outreach and develop material (farm signs, barn signs e Education and media kits) for ‘peer advertising’ from farmers who have adopted BMPs to encourage wider adoption in the critical area.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Critical Area 1: Project 3 Nine Information Element Explanation needed Criteria n/a Title Agricultural BMP Peer Education Program criteria Project Lead d Organization Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District & Partners criteria HUC-12 & Critical Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)- Critical Area 1 c Area criteria Location of Project Various locations (privately owned lands) throughout Critical Area 1 c Which strategy is n/a being addressed by Agricultural Nonpoint Source Reduction this project? criteria Time Frame Short (1-3 Years) f criteria Create an education campaign targeted to the adoption of agricultural best Short Description g management practices. The Lucas County SWCD will host field days, coordinate media outreach and criteria develop material (farm signs, barn signs and media kits) for ‘peer advertising’ Project Narrative g from farmers who have adopted BMPs to encourage wider adoption in the critical area. criteria Estimated Total $3,850 d cost criteria Possible Funding Ohio Environmental Education Council Funding d Source criteria Identified Causes Cause: Sedimentation/Siltation a and Sources Source: Channelization; Crop production with subsurface drainage Part 1: How much improvement is Objective 3: Control drainage from 60 acres through drainage water control criteria needed to remove structures. b & h the NPS

impairment Objective 5: Plant 70 acres of cover crops on row-crop fields. associated with this Critical Area?

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Critical Area 1: Project 3 The proposed educational project will support progress towards objectives listed in Critical Area 1: Project 1 (listed below):

Part 2: How much Objective 3: Drainage water controlled from 160 acres of 160 acres (100%). of the needed Objective 5: 200 acres of 200 acres planted with cover crops (100%). improvement for

the whole Critical Goals: There is recognition that there is lag time associated with nonpoint Area is estimated source-related projects and measured stream response. With respect to the to be accomplished goals in Critical Area 1, the main driver is QHEI. Current data shows that the by this project? stream in Critical Area 1 is at 45—which is 15 points below the attainment index score of 60. It is expected that this project will cause an incremental increase the QHEI scoring by 2 points (or 13% progress toward the goal). At the MSUE estimated rates (http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/cover_crops_impact_on_water_quality) Part 3: Load The cover crops would reduce sedimentation runoff by 184 tons per year. reduced? The drainage water management would reduce nitrogen runoff by 1,440# per year. (http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/BMPs/drainage.html) How will the Staff from the OEPA-DSW Ecological Assessment Unit will perform both pre- effectiveness of and post- project monitoring. The Ohio EPA Ecological Assessment Unit has this project in criteria i scheduled basin-wide watershed chemical and biological assessment for the addressing the NPS summer of 2017. In addition, the Lucas Co. SWCD will follow-up with targeted impairment be audiences to estimate adoption rate. measured? criteria Information and This project will be promoted with press releases, newspaper articles and e Education presentations to area landowners.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

4.3 Critical Area 2: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Lower Reach of Wolf Creek The information included in the Critical Area 2 Overview Table is a condensed overview of all identified projects needed for nonpoint source restoration of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Area 2. Project Summary Sheets are included for short-term projects or any project that is considering seeking funding in the near future. Only those projects with complete Project Summary Sheets will be considered for state and federal NPS program funding.

4.3.1 Critical Area 2: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table The Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Area 2 is based on Partial Attainment status of the aquatic life use designation at the Holland-Perrysburg and Holland-Sylvania sampling sites (RM 1.9 and 0.5, respectively). The Critical Area 2 Overview Table provides a quick summary of what needs to be done, where, and what problem (cause/source) will be addressed and includes projects at all levels of development (i.e. concept, need funding, in progress). This Overview Table is intended to show a prioritized path toward the restoration of the Wolf Creek HUC-12.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03) 34

Critical Area 2: Project Overview Table for Wolf Creek HUC-12 (04100009 08 34)) Lead Potential/Actual Project Title Time Frame Estimated Cost Goal Objective Project # Organization Funding Source (EPA Criteria g) (EPA Criteria f) (EPA Criteria d) (criteria d) (EPA Criteria d) Urban Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Strategies*

Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategies* Lucas County Medium-Long Ohio EPA §319, 1-8 1 1 Two-Stage Ditch in Drennan Ditch Conceptual Engineers (3-7+ years) GLRI, SOGL

Agricultural Nonpoint Source Reduction Strategies*

High Quality Waters Protection Strategies*

Other NPS Causes and Associated Sources of Impairment

* Ohio EPA, 2013

35 WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

4.3.2 Critical Area 2: Project Summary Sheet(s) The Project Summary Sheets are developed based on the actions or activities needed to restore the Holland- Perrysburg (RM 1.9) and Holland-Sylvania (RM 0.5) sampling sites to attainment of the aquatic life use designation. These projects are considered next step or priority/short term projects and are considerably ready to implement. Medium and longer-term projects will most likely not have a Project Summary Sheet or will not have a complete Project Summary Sheet, as these projects are not ready for implementation or need more thorough planning. At this time, no short-term projects have been identified.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Works Cited

Homer, C. D. (2015). Completion of the 2011 National Land Cover Database for the conterminous United States- Representing a decade of land cover change information. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, v. 81, no. 5, p. 345-354.

Maumee RAP. (2006). Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) Stage 2 Watershed Restoration Plan . Toledo.

Ohio EPA. (2004). Director’s Final Findings and Orders: Seaway Sand & Stone, Inc. Retrieved on 05 20, 2017 from Ohio EPA: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/enforcement/Seaway.pdf.

Ohio EPA. (2009a). Biological and Water Quality Study of Swan Creek and Selected Tributaries, 2006 (Ohio EPA Technical Report EAS/ 2008-12-11). Columbus: Ohio EPA.

Ohio EPA. (2009b). Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Swan Creek Watershed. Retrieved on 12 10, 2016 from Ohio EPA: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/tmdl/MaumeeRiver.aspx#119943142-swan-creek.

Ohio EPA. (2013). Ohio’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan Update (FY 2017-2018). Retrieved 01 31, 2017 from Ohio EPA: http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/nps/nps_mgmt_plan.pdf.

Ohio EPA. (2016). 2016 Integrated Water Quality and Monitoring Report. Retrieved on 12 10, 2016 from Ohio EPA: http://wwwapp.epa.ohio.gov/gis/mapportal/IR2016.html.

Partners for Clean Streams. (2017). Maumee AOC Data Management and Delisting System. Retrieved 01 19, 2017, from Maumee AOC Advisory Committee: http://dmds.maumeerap.org/.

Partners for Clean Streams. (2016). Maumee RAP and AOC. Retrieved 12 28, 2016, from Partners for Clean Streams: http://www.partnersforcleanstreams.org/about/maumee-rap-and-aoc.

The Nature Conservancy. (2016). Living in the Oak Openings: A Guide to One of the World's Last Great Places. Retrieved on 01 19, 2017 from The Nature Conservancy: http://oakopenings.org/news/3rd-edition-of-the-living- in-the-oak-openings/.

The Nature Conservancy. (2017). Ohio: Kitty Todd Nature Preserve. Retrieved on 05 05, 2017 from The Nature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/ohio/placesweprotect/kitty-todd- nature-preserve.xml.

TMACOG. (2001). Swan Creek Watershed Plan of Action. Retrieved on 01 03, 2017 from Partners for Clean Streams: http://www.partnersforcleanstreams.org/mauSwanCreekPlanOfAction.pdf.

TMACOG. (2009). Swan Creek Watershed Balanced Growth Plan: Final Report of the Swan Creek Watershed Pilot Project. Retrieved on 02 02, 2017 from TMACOG: http://www.tmacog.org/Environment/swan_creek_balanced_growth_plan.htm.

WOLF CREEK HUC-12 (04100009 08 03)

Toledo Waterways Initiative. (2017). Toledo Waterways Initiative: Making Our Rivers Cleaner. Retrieved 03 16, 2017, from Toledo Waterways Initiative: http://www.toledowaterwaysinitiative.com.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2009). Ottawa River Watershed Assessment. Retrieved 05 30, 2017 from Western Lake Erie Basin Partnership: http://wleb.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Ottawa-Watershed-Final- Assessment-091509.pdf.

U.S. EPA. (2008). Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters. Washington, DC. Retrieved on 12 28, 2016 from U.S. EPA: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015- 09/documents/2008_04_18_nps_watershed_handbook_handbook-2.pdf.

U.S. EPA. (2017). Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Pollutant Loading Tool. Retrieved on 02 01, 2017 from U.S. EPA: https://cfpub.epa.gov/dmr/facility_detail.cfm.

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Appendices

Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations The acronyms and abbreviations below are commonly used by organizations working to restore Ohio’s watersheds; many of which are included in this NPS-IS plan.

A AOC Area of Concern

B BMP Best Management Practice BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand

C CSO Combined Sewer Overflow

D DELT Deformities, Eroded Fins, Lesions, and Tumors DNR Department of Natural Resources

E EOLP Erie-Ontario Lake Plain Ecoregion EWH Exceptional Warmwater Habitat

G GIS Geographical Information System

H HELP Huron-Erie Lake Plain Ecoregion Hg Mercury HUC Hydrologic Unit Code

I IBI Index of Biotic Integrity ICI Invertebrate Community Index

L LRW Limited Resource Water

M Mg/l Milligrams per Liter MGD Million Gallons per Day MIwb Modified Index of Well Being MWH Modified Warmwater Habitat

N NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

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O ODA Ohio Department of Agriculture ODNR Ohio Department of Natural Resources ODH Ohio Department of Health OEPA Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

P PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Q QHEI Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index

R RAP Remedial Action Plan

S SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow SWCD Soil and Water Conservation District

T TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load Limits TSD Technical Support Document

U µg/kg Micrograms per Kilogram USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey USPC United States Policy Committee

V VAP Voluntary Action Program

W WAP Watershed Action Plan WBP Watershed Based Plan WC Watershed Characterization WQ Water Quality WQS Water Quality Standards (Ohio Administrative Code 3745-1) WRAS Watershed Restoration Action Strategy WWH Warmwater Habitat WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant

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Appendix B: Index of Tables and Figures

Index of Tables Table 1: Land Use Classifications for the Wolf Creek Watershed (Homer, 2015)...... 7 Table 2: Overall Biological Indices Scores for Sites in Wolf Creek HUC-12 (Ohio EPA, 2009a)...... 9 Table 3: Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) Matrix with Warmwater Habitat (WWH) and Modified Warmwater (MWH) Attribute Totals in the Wolf Creek Watershed (Ohio EPA, 2009a)...... 10 Table 4: Causes and Sources of NPS Impairments for Wolf Creek Sampling Locations (Ohio EPA, 2009A)...... 11 Table 5: Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Area Identification...... 12 Table 6: Waterways in Critical Area 1...... 14 Table 7: Critical Area 1 - Fish Community and Habitat Data (Ohio EPA, 2009A)...... 14 Table 8: Critical Area 1 - Macroinvertebrate Community Data (Ohio EPA, 2009A)...... 15 Table 9: Summary Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2009A)...... 16 Table 10: Critical Area 2 - Fish Community and Habitat Data (Ohio EPA, 2009A)...... 19 Table 11: Critical Area 2 - Macroinvertebrate Community Data (Ohio EPA, 2009A)...... 19 Table 12: Summary Data for Critical Area 2 (Ohio EPA, 2009A)...... 20

Index of Figures/Photos Figure 1: Location of the Wolf Creek HUC-12 within the Maumee Area of Concern ...... 1 Figure 2: River Mile Map of the Wolf Creek HUC-12...... 1 Figure 3: The Wolf Creek HUC-12 in Relation to the Historic Oak Openings Region and Historic Great Black Swamp ...... 2 Figure 4: Prairie Restoration at the Olander Park System's Sylvan Prairie Park...... 3 Figure 5: Soils By Particle Size in the Maumee AOC ...... 5 Figure 6: Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals in the Maumee AOC ...... 5 Figure 7: Publicly Owned Parks and Protected Lands in the Swan Creek Watershed...... 6 Figure 8: Land Use in the Swan Creek Watershed...... 8 Figure 9: Toledo Urbanized Area as Defined by the 2010 Census ...... 8 Figure 10: Sampling Locations and Attainment Status in the Wolf Creek HUC-12 ...... 8 Figure 11: Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Areas...... 12 Figure 12: Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Area 1 ...... 13 Figure 13: Wolf Creek HUC-12 Critical Area 2 ...... 18 Figure 14: Streambank Erosion Caused by Flashy Flows from Storm Sewers in Wolf Creek at Holland- Sylvania Rd...... 20

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