Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) Approved: August 21, 2018

Nine-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic (NPS-IS) Plan Cedar Creek: Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) Approved: August 21, 2018

Created by:

The City of Toledo 348 South Erie Street Toledo, OH 43604

In consultation with:

Hull & Associates, Inc. 219 South Erie Street Toledo, OH 43604

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Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) ii

Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...... v Chapter 1: Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Report Background ...... 1 1.2 Watershed Profile and History ...... 2 1.3 Public Participation and Involvement ...... 3 Chapter 2: Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary 5 2.1 Summary Watershed Characterization for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ...... 5 2.1.1 Physical and Natural Features ...... 5 2.1.2 Land Use and Protection ...... 5 2.2 Summary of Biological Trends for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ...... 8 2.3 Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ...... 9 2.4 Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ...... 10 Chapter 3: Conditions and Restoration Strategies for Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Critical Areas ...... 11 3.1 Overview of Critical Areas ...... 11 3.2 Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ... 12 3.2.1 Detailed Characterization ...... 12 3.2.2 Detailed Biological Conditions ...... 12 3.2.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources ...... 13 3.2.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area ...... 13 3.3 Critical Area 2: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ... 14 3.3.1 Detailed Characterization ...... 14 3.3.2 Detailed Biological Conditions ...... 15 3.3.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources ...... 15 3.3.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area ...... 15 Chapter 4: Projects and Implementation Strategy ...... 17 4.1 Overview Tables and Project Sheets for Critical Areas ...... 17 4.2 Critical Area 1: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-1217 4.2.1 Critical Area 1: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table ...... 18 4.2.2 Critical Area 1: Project Summary Sheet(s) ...... 20 4.3 Critical Area 2: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-1221

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) iii

4.3.1 Critical Area 2: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table ...... 21 4.3.2 Critical Area 2: Project Summary Sheets ...... 23 Works Cited ...... 26 Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... 28 Appendix B: Index of Tables and Figures ...... 30 Index of Tables ...... 30 Index of Figures ...... 30

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) iv

Acknowledgements

The City of Toledo (City) extends our appreciation to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) for funding the preparation of this NPS-IS plan with Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Program grant funds and the many partners who came together to share input and propose projects for this HUC-12. This NPS-IS plan will help direct projects to expeditiously address nonpoint source impairments in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

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

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) v

Chapter 1: Introduction The U.S. EPA has identified nine critical elements for developing management plans to address impaired waters. These nine elements of the planning process are essential components generally required for watershed projects funded under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. A dynamic set of government, academic, non-profit, and industry partners is collaborating to develop Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic (NPS-IS) plans for each 12-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC-12) within the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC; Figure 1). This NPS-IS plan, developed to address nonpoint source impairments in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04), is one of two being authored by The City of Toledo in conjunction with local partners.

Figure 1: The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is in eastern Lucas County within the Maumee Area of Concern.

1.1 Report Background The Maumee AOC was established in 1987 to address components of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement administered by the International Joint Commission (IJC). The Maumee Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Committee (comprised of local government, non-profit, academic, and business partners) came together to chart a path toward fishable and swimmable waters within the Maumee AOC. In 2006, the Maumee RAP outlined the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) Stage 2 Watershed Restoration Plan to satisfy program requirements of the IJC, U.S. EPA, and State of Ohio. The plan never received full endorsement from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio EPA, pending the inclusion of Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Measures. In the interim, watershed planning and management programs have moved toward the nine-element concept developed by the U.S. EPA. The focus is now on developing NPS-IS plans, using the data collected for all individual HUC-12 watersheds within the Maumee AOC. This NPS-IS plan, specifically for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12, has

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 1 been developed to address nonpoint source pollution and habitat issues within a portion of the Maumee AOC.

Attainment of designated aquatic life use (ALU) is crucial for removing beneficial use impairments (BUIs) within subwatersheds and the entirety of the Maumee AOC. Based on the results of 2006 sampling, Williams Ditch was changed from the limited resource water (LRW) designation to the WWH designation. At its single Ohio EPA sampling point, the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is in full attainment of the ALU for warmwater habitat (WWH). However, it is important to have a plan in place that will ensure the watershed and habitat can withstand future development and environmental changes.

1.2 Watershed Profile and History The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) is a 15.16-square mile subwatershed located in eastern Lucas County, Ohio. The major drainages in the watershed are Wolf Creek in the northwest and Williams Ditch in the east (Figure 2). Land use within the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is primarily agricultural with protected parkland and coastal marshes in the north.

Figure 2: River mile mapping for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 and nearby surface waters.

Great Black Swamp The Great Black Swamp once covered much of the Maumee and Portage River watersheds, including the entire Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (Figure 3). The Great Black Swamp was a heterogeneous landscape characterized by diverse areas of open marshland, wet prairies, and swamp forest dominated by ash, elm, sycamore, and cottonwood. Beginning in the late 19th century, the wet forests were cleared and drained for use in agriculture. Ditches and subsurface tile systems were installed to keep the silt and

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 2 clay soils drained enough for row crops. Today, drainage water flows from those agricultural fields into miles of channelized ditches, into Wolf Creek and Williams Ditch, and ultimately to Lake Erie.

Oak Openings Region While the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 lies east of the historic extent of the Oak Openings region, much of the AOC is within this roughly 130-square mile area of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, so it is shared in this document to serve as a point of reference (Figure 3). The Oak Openings region is home to globally rare and unique plant communities that support a diverse assemblage of wildlife. As water levels in ancestral Lake Erie dropped, beaches were left behind and are now characterized by sandy soils with oak savannah and wet prairie habitats. Because of agriculture and urban development, less than 30% of the original Oak Openings habitat remains today.

Figure 3: The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 lies within the historic extent of the Great Black Swamp.

1.3 Public Participation and Involvement Watershed planning and restoration plans should include involvement from a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies; counties, municipalities and townships; businesses; academia; non-profit groups; neighborhood organizations; and interested citizens.

Because of the nature of the Wolf Creek watershed, many activities to restore ecological attributes and water quality in this HU have been completed by employees and partners with the Lucas County Engineer’s Office and the Lucas Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. ODNR, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are planning restoration activities and managing several wetland and upland habitat projects near the Lake Erie Coast within this

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 3 watershed. The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) has worked with wastewater facility planning areas and advocated for septic system improvements within this watershed This NPS-IS plan reflects significant input gained from these agency and organization officials.

The City of Toledo is the principal author of this NPS-IS for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12. A representative of the City of Toledo serves as a resource member of the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) Advisory Committee (MAAC). Partners for Clean Streams (PCS) works as the facilitating organization for the MAAC. Through the MAAC, a diverse group of interested citizens, government agencies, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations collaborate and plan for activities and projects to meet the broader goals set for AOCs by under the International Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The AOC Program in Ohio operates under direction of the Ohio EPA with guidance from U.S. EPA.

PCS assisted with outreach activities to gain public input during the preparation of this plan. PCS is a non-profit organization that works directly with citizens, businesses, government agencies, and other non-profit 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.

Chapters 1, 2 and 3 were primarily authored by the City of Toledo and its consultant using the Biological and Water Quality Study of the Portage River Basin, Select Lake Erie Tributaries, and Select Maumee River Tributaries, 2006-2008 (Ohio EPA Technical Report EAS/2010-4-4; Ohio EPA, 2010). Project information for Chapter 4 was compiled from the on-line Maumee AOC Data Management and Delisting System (DMDS) (PCS, 2018), by information gained during collaborative meetings with stakeholders and community partners, and through public input solicited and received by PCS and the Lucas SWCD via social media outlets.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 4 Chapter 2: Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Watershed Characterization and Assessment Summary

2.1 Summary Watershed Characterization for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 2.1.1 Physical and Natural Features The Cedar Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-10 encompasses 207.22 square miles and stretches from just west of Dunbridge, Ohio northeast to the Lake Erie shoreline (PCS, 2018). This NPS-IS plan is intended for the #04 hydrologic unit of the Cedar Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-10—Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04). The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 accounts for 15.16 square miles of the HUC-10 drainage area, and extends from just north of Curtice, Ohio to the Lake Erie shoreline. A network of agricultural drainage ditches in the southern portion of the watershed are tributaries to Wolf Creek and Williams Ditch.

The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is located in the Maumee Lake Plains ecoregion of the Huron/Erie Lake Plains (HELP). Historically, the region was poorly-drained and contained clayey lake deposits, glacial tills, and fertile soils. More recently, the region has been largely drained and converted into productive cropland. Low gradient streams and rivers carry high loads of fine sediments that impact downstream water quality and habitat (Woods, et al., 1998).

Specific landmarks and features within the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 include: • Maumee Bay State Park; • Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course; • Mallard Club State Wildlife Area; • Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge; • Residential development in former agricultural areas; and • Agricultural production with straight, channelized ditches.

One NPDES-permitted facility located within the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is permitted for discharge to Anderson Ditch (Table 1).

Table 1: NPDES-Permitted Facilities in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Ohio EPA ID Facility Name Receiving Waterbody 2PR00289*AD Scarlett Route 2 Anderson Ditch

2.1.2 Land Use and Protection Most of the of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is cropland with pockets of residential development, parklands, and protected marshes in the north (Homer, 2015; Table 2). Approximately 53.5% of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is cultivated cropland, 27.3% is emergent wetlands, and 4.6% is low intensity development (Figure 4; Figure 5). • Maumee Bay State Park is divided by the Wolf Creek/Berger Ditch channel running north/south through the park. The eastern portion of Maumee Bay State Park—including a golf course, boardwalk, and marsh—is situated within the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12. • Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge—donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1964— encompasses 2,445 acres of historic Lake Erie marshes that have been divided into three pools

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 5 (USFWS, 2018). The marshes provide excellent stopover habitat for birds migrating between nesting and wintering locations. The refuge has been designated a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy, and a Regionally Significant Site in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. • Mallard Club State Wildlife Area is a 402-acre marsh managed by Ohio Department of Natural Resources since 1974 to provide wetland habitat for a variety of species.

Many homes and businesses in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 use home sewage treatment systems (HSTS) or package treatment plants (TMACOG, 2014). Some parts of the unincorporated area east of Oregon, Ohio were connected to public sewers in the past decade. Although the single sampling point at Yondota Road does not indicate elevated levels of bacteria, failed HSTS are suspected throughout the watershed.

Table 2: Land Use Classifications within the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (Homer, 2015) Cover Classification Area (acres) Percent of Watershed Area Open Water 383.7 4.0% Developed, Open Space 573.7 5.9% Developed, Low Intensity 449.6 4.6% Developed, Medium Intensity 93.7 1.0% Developed, High Intensity 17.1 0.2% Barren Land 24.8 0.3% Deciduous Forest 9.1 0.1% Grassland/Herbaceous 195.0 2.0% Pasture/Hay 115.1 1.2% Cultivated Crops 5,182.5 53.5% Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands 2,641.7 27.3% Total 9,686.0

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Figure 4: Land use in the Maumee AOC and Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

Figure 5: Land use in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 7 2.2 Summary of Biological Trends for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Ohio EPA sampled the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 in 2006 during a study of several streams and rivers in northwest Ohio; sampling results were presented in the Biological and Water Quality Study of the Portage River Basin, Select Lake Erie Tributaries, and Select Maumee River Tributaries, 2006-2008, (Ohio EPA, 2010) (Figure 6; Table 3). This report supported the development of the Maumee River (lower) Tributaries and Lake Erie Tributaries Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Report (Ohio EPA, 2012). The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 was sampled again in 2017; those data are not yet available and will be evaluated if they become available as this draft NPS-IS plan is being prepared.

The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is largely drained via agricultural and roadside ditches with low sinuosity, fine sediments, and embedded substrates. Residential areas of the watershed are largely reliant upon HSTS, many of which require maintenance or have exceeded their functional lifespan (WCCGHD, 2004). The single sample site at Yondota Road is in full attainment of its ALUs for its designation as WWH, but it is unclear whether this single location is representative of the habitat conditions throughout the watershed.

Figure 6: Ohio EPA sampling locations and attainment status in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

Table 3: Biological Index Scores for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (Ohio EPA, 2012) RM / Drainage Area IBI MIwba ICIb Status QHEI Score Location (sq. mi.) Wolf Creek and Frontal Lake Erie (HUC 04100010 07 04) (WWH) (Wolf Creek) 1.7 B / 7.6 40 8.8 -- Full 31.0 Yondota Road a The MIwb is not applicable to headwater sites (<20 mi2) b Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (G = Good; MG = Marginally Good; F = Fair; L = Low Fair; P = Poor; VP = Very Poor) B Boat Site

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Fish (Modified Index of Well-Being [MIwb] & Index of Biotic Integrity [IBI]) The lone sampling location for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is in Williams Ditch at Yondota Road (RM 1.7), in an area surrounded by agricultural fields and residences. During the 2006 sampling event, IBI (40) and MIwb (8.8) scores at Yondota Road both fell within their respective Good ranges for boat water sites in the Huron Erie Lake Plain. This sampling location is in attainment for fish community biocriteria (Table 3).

Macroinvertebrates (Invertebrate Community Index [ICI]) ICI data were not collected at the Yondota Road sampling location.

Habitat (Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index [QHEI]) Ohio EPA completed a habitat assessment (QHEI) on Williams Ditch in 2006 (Table 4). The Poor QHEI score (31.0) was likely due to impacts from the heavy silt load and extensive embeddedness and resulting lack of a riffle component in the stream.

Table 4: QHEI Matrix with WWH and MWH Attribute Totals for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Key QHEI MWH Attributes WWH Attributes

Components High Influence Moderate Influence

Normal Riffle Embeddedness Riffle Normal

/Moderate Substrate Embeddedness Substrate /Moderate

Influenced Modified Attributes Modified Influenced

QHEI Score QHEI (ft/mi) Gradient Recovered or Channelized Not Substances Boulder/Cobble/Gravel Substrates Free Silt Development Good/Excellent Sinuosity Moderate/High Cover Extensive/Moderate Current/Eddies Fast Embeddedness Low/Normal cm >40 Depth Max Low Attributes WWH Recovery Channelized/No Substrates Silt/Muck Sinuosity No Cover Sparse/No cm <40 Depth Max Hi Channel Recovering Cover Silt Heavy/Moderate (Boat) Substrate Sand Origin Substrate Hardpan Development Channel Fair/Poor Sinuosity Low Types Cover 2 or 1 Only Pools Intermediate/Poor Current Fast No High Embeddedness Riffle High/Moderate Riffle No Attributes MWM M.I.

River Mile River

Wolf Creek and Frontal Lake Erie (HUC 04100010 07 04) (WWH)

1.7 31 0.1 ● ● 2 ● ● ● ● 4 ● ● ● ● ● 5

2.3 Summary of NPS Pollution Causes and Associated Sources for the Wolf Creek- Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 With only one sampling site there is insufficient data to determine the ALU attainment status throughout the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12. Because the one sampling point is in full attainment for its status as a WWH, there are no causes or sources of impairment listed in the 2016 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 has slightly elevated levels of indicator bacteria in samples collected at the Yondota Road location (Ohio EPA, 2012; Table 5). The sources of these bacteria are likely aging HSTS and urban runoff throughout the southern area of the watershed.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 9 Table 5: Potential Causes and Sources of NPS Pollution in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 RM / Drainage Aquatic Life Sampling Primary Cause(s) Primary Source(s) Area (sq. mi.) Use Status Location Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (WWH) Organic/Nutrient Nonirrigated crop Yondota 1.7 / 7.6 enrichment; Habitat production; Channelization; Full Road alterations; Siltation Aging septic systems

2.4 Additional Information for Determining Critical Areas and Developing Implementation Strategies for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 The Maumee AOC has a rich history of public involvement and interest in improving water quality and habitat, including in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12. Documents previously created through collaborations between Partners for Clean Streams, the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, the Maumee Area of Concern Advisory Committee, Ohio EPA, and others have been used to supplement Ohio EPA sampling data to prepare this NPS-IS plan.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 10 Chapter 3: Conditions and Restoration Strategies for Wolf Creek- Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Critical Areas

3.1 Overview of Critical Areas One sampling site is located within the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 on Williams Ditch at Yondota Road. This sampling location is in full attainment for ALU as a designated WWH. Restoration strategies and projects have been identified for two critical areas to protect high-quality waters and habitats along the Lake Erie shoreline (Table 6; Figure 7). Additional critical areas may be identified in future revisions to this NPS-IS plan.

Table 6: Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Critical Areas Critical Critical Area Sample site Critical Area Description Area No. Status Williams Ditch Included in this Watershed of Williams Ditch 1 RM 1.7 version Watershed of Wolf Creek east of Cousino Road to Included in this N/A 2 the coastal marshes version

Figure 7: Critical Areas of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

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3.2 Critical Area 1: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 3.2.1 Detailed Characterization The single sampling point at Yondota Road (RM 1.7) is in full attainment of ALUs for its designation as WWH. In the Guide to Developing Nine-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategic Plans in Ohio, Critical Areas can be defined as “an area identified as having healthy waters that need protected from degradation by nonpoint source pollutants such as nutrients and sediment; especially those areas seriously threatened by the rapid conversion of countryside to developments.” To protect the waters in full attainment near Lake Erie (Figure 8), Critical Area 1 is, therefore, the cropland in the western and southern portions of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 in the subwatershed of Williams Ditch. Approximately 2,400 acres in Critical Area 1 is cropland (80% of the total acreage in the 4.7 square-mile area), that potentially contributes nutrients and sediments to Lake Erie.

Figure 8: Critical Area 1 of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

3.2.2 Detailed Biological Conditions Composition of the fish community (i.e., diversity, abundance, occurrence of sensitive species), coupled with the QHEI evaluation, is used by to indicate potential impairment in streams. The MIwb is not applicable in Williams Ditch because of its designation as a headwater. The Yondota Road sampling location is achieving the criteria for the fish community to meet attainment standards for WWH (Table 7). During the 2008 sampling event, the fish community was dominated by tolerant species with only one sensitive species identified.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 12 Like fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates (i.e., diversity, abundance, presence of sensitive species) are used as indicators of potential impairment in stream habitat. The Yondota Road sampling location (RM 1.7) is in full attainment for its designation as WWH (narrative rating of Good; Table 8).

Table 7: Fish Community and Habitat Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2010) D.A. Total Predominant Species Narrative RM QHEI MIwb IBI (sq. mi.) Species (% of catch) Evaluation Williams Ditch – WWH Gizzard shad (45%), Bluegill sunfish 1.7B 7.5 20 31 8.8 40 Poor (21%) B Boat Site

Table 8: Macroinvertebrate Community Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2010) D.A. ICI Scorea RM Notes Predominant species (sq. mi.) (Narrative) Williams Ditch – WWH 1.7B 7.5 -- NA NA a Narrative evaluation used in lieu of ICI (G = Good; MG = Marginally Good; F = Fair; L = Low Fair; P = Poor; VP = Very Poor) B Boat Site Tolerance categories: VT = Very Tolerant, T = Tolerant, MT = Moderately Tolerant, F = Facultative, MI = Moderately Intolerant, I = Intolerant

3.2.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources The Yondota Road sampling location is in full attainment of ALUs for its designation as WWH. Based on the predominance of agriculture in the watershed, if not protected, future causes of impairment could include organic/nutrient enrichment, habitat alterations, and siltation. An additional source of organic/nutrient enrichment could be residences in the watershed with aging home sewage treatment systems (WCCGHD, 2004). Currently, there are no concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) registered in the watershed. To protect the watershed from future NPS pollution, projects should address agricultural inputs to drainage ditches and remove suspended solids and nutrients will benefit and protect the water quality and habitat near Lake Erie.

3.2.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Critical Area 1 is in full attainment of ALUs for its WWH designation, but is at risk due to inadequately maintained and aging HSTS, urban runoff, and agricultural sources in the watershed. In-stream and riparian habitat evaluations in Williams Ditch have yielded satisfactory results, but habitat might be at risk due to emerging sources of NPS pollution. Restoration efforts should focus on HSTS improvements, stormwater management, and maintaining wetland and stream habitat.

Goals The goal of NPS-IS planning is to improve habitat quality scores (QHEI, IBI, MIwb, and ICI) and achieve full attainment status. The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 has one sampling location, which is already in full attainment. To maintain full attainment status and confront emerging threats to habitat and water quality, the goals for Critical Area 1 are:

Goal 1: Maintain full attainment of warmwater habitat ALU at the Yondota Road sampling site on Williams Ditch (RM 1.7). ✓ ACHIEVED: Site currently is in full attainment of ALU.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 13

Goal 2: Reduce phosphorus loading from the watershed to the western Lake Erie basin by 40%. • The total load of phosphorus in Critical Area 1 is estimated at 1.1 pounds per acre for a total of 2,600 pounds. To meet the 40% goal, phosphorus loading should be reduced by 1,050 pounds annually.

Objectives To achieve the goals of maintaining full attainment of warmwater habitat ALUs, the following objectives should be achieved in Critical Area 1:

Objective 1: Restore/protect riparian buffers along Williams Ditch and its tributaries in Critical Area 1 to control erosion and reduce sediment, nutrient, and organic loading to streams and ditches. • Install at least 25 acres of forested riparian buffers (at least 100 feet wide) along approximately 10,000 feet of stream/ditch to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 18 pounds each year. Rehabilitation of this stream length in the Critical Area could be accomplished by foresting both banks of streams and ditches.

Objective 2: Reduce agricultural nutrient and sediment loading. • Install controlled drainage for at least 600 acres of row crops (approximately 25% of cultivated cropland) resulting in approximately 240 pounds of phosphorus removal annually. • Retire 25 acres (approximately 1% of the cultivated cropland) of agricultural land from crop production, saving over 35 pounds of phosphorus per year. • Educate farmers about the benefits of planting cover crops.

Objective 3: Perform maintenance on aging HSTS, upgrade HSTS when necessary, and connect residential properties to sewage treatment systems when possible. • Educate residents about the importance of regular maintenance on HSTS.

To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, project-specific and routine watershed monitoring should be conducted in the Wolf Creek HUC-12. An adaptive management process will be put in place to evaluate the objectives outlined above and modify management strategies as necessary. This NPS-IS plan is intended to serve as a guide and should be amended as emerging needs and concerns arise. The Ohio EPA Nonpoint Source Management Plan Update (Ohio EPA, 2013) will serve as a guide for NPS management strategies that include: • Urban sediment and nutrient reduction strategies; • Altered stream and habitat restoration strategies; • Nonpoint source reduction strategies; and • High quality waters protection strategies.

3.3 Critical Area 2: Conditions, Goals, and Objectives for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 3.3.1 Detailed Characterization Critical Area 2 is in a part of the watershed that is devoid of Ohio EPA sampling locations, but rich with high-quality waters in need of protection from encroaching development and agricultural runoff (Figure 9). Critical Area 2 is approximately 950 total acres (approximately 750 acres in agriculture) that lies just

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 14 upstream of some of the area’s prized coastal marshes. These marshes provide vital habitat for numerous birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. Critical Area 2 has been identified based on the need to protect healthy waters and the Lake Erie marshes from degradation by NPS pollutants.

Figure 9: Critical Area 2 of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

3.3.2 Detailed Biological Conditions There is no Ohio EPA sampling location within this Critical Area, so biological conditions have not been reported.

3.3.3 Detailed Causes and Associated Sources Critical Area 2 includes large areas of protected Lake Erie coastal wetlands in the northern portion of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 that should be protected from future NPS pollution. Based on the predominance of agriculture in the watershed, if not protected, future causes of impairment could include organic/nutrient enrichment, habitat alterations, and siltation. An additional source of organic/nutrient enrichment could be residences in the watershed with aging home sewage treatment systems (WCCGHD, 2004). Currently, there are no concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) registered in the watershed. To protect against future impairments, projects that address agricultural inputs to drainage ditches and remove suspended solids and nutrients will protect water quality and habitat from emerging threats.

3.3.4 Outline Goals and Objectives for the Critical Area Critical Area 2 is home to high quality habitat at Maumee Bay State Park, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and Mallard Club State Wildlife Area. The goal for this watershed will be to maintain full

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 15 attainment status for ALUs. Restoration efforts should focus on HSTS improvements and creating wetland and riparian habitat.

Goal 1: Reduce phosphorus loading from the watershed to the western Lake Erie basin by 40%. • The total load of phosphorus in Critical Area 2 is estimated at 1.1 pounds per acre for a total of 1,035 pounds. To meet the 40% goal, phosphorus loading should be reduced by 415 pounds annually.

Objectives To achieve the goals of maintaining full attainment of warmwater habitat ALU, the following objectives should be achieved in Critical Area 2:

Objective 1: Restore/protect riparian buffers along ditches and streams in Critical Area 2 to control erosion and reduce sediment, nutrient, and organic loading to coastal wetlands and Lake Erie. • Install at least 13 acres of forested riparian buffers (at least 100 feet wide) along approximately 5,000 feet of stream/ditch to reduce phosphorus loading by approximately 10 pounds each year. Rehabilitation of this stream length in the Critical Area could be accomplished by foresting both banks of streams and ditches.

Objective 2: Reduce agricultural nutrient and sediment loading. • Install controlled drainage for at least 190 acres of row crops (approximately 25% of cultivated cropland) resulting in approximately 75 pounds of phosphorus removal annually. • Retire 10 acres (approximately 1% of the cultivated cropland) of agricultural land from crop production, saving over 15 pounds of phosphorus per year. • Educate farmers about the benefits of planting cover crops.

Objective 3: Perform maintenance on approximately 50 HSTS in Critical Area 1 (75% of the anticipated number of HSTS), upgrade HSTS, when necessary, and connect residential properties to sewage treatment systems, when possible. • Host one workshop annually on the importance of regular HSTS maintenance. • Upgrade all HSTS that are beyond their intended life cycles (approximately 50 systems). • Connect residential areas to public sewage treatment systems when feasible.

To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, project-specific and routine watershed monitoring should be conducted in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12. An adaptive management process will be put in place to evaluate the objectives outlined above and modify management strategies as necessary. This NPS-IS plan is intended to serve as a guide and should be amended as emerging needs and concerns

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 16 arise. The Ohio EPA Nonpoint Source Management Plan Update (Ohio EPA, 2013) will serve as a guide for NPS management strategies that include: • Urban sediment and nutrient reduction strategies; • Altered stream and habitat restoration strategies; • Nonpoint source reduction strategies; and • High quality waters protection strategies.

Chapter 4: Projects and Implementation Strategy

4.1 Overview Tables and Project Sheets for Critical Areas Projects and assessment needs have been developed for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 based on the potential causes and sources of impairment identified during the preparation of this NPS-IS plan. It is expected that the Critical Areas identified herein will be reevaluated regularly to determine progress toward habitat and water quality goals. It should be noted that impairments other than nonpoint source pollution might arise and would need to be addressed outside the limitations of this plan.

At this time, there are two Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Tables for the Wolf Creek- Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12. Future amendments to this NPS-IS plan might include new tables that outline new Critical Areas and/or projects. The projects described below were prioritized based on a three-step process:

Priority 1 Projects that address one or more objectives listed for a Critical Area.

Priority 2 Projects with landowners willing to address cause(s) and source(s) of impairment, or where projects are expected to improve water quality in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12.

Priority 3 A public engagement and education campaign to generate interest by local stakeholders and encourage participation in Priority 1 and 2 projects.

Project Summary Sheets for each Critical Area are included in this NPS-IS plan for the Wolf Creek Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12. As projects are implemented, Project Summary Sheets will be updated. Future project concepts will be submitted in the form of Project Summary Sheets to the State of Ohio for verification of completeness and compliance with the nine-element format. Upon approval, those projects will be added to this document; amended documents will be noted as updated versions on the report cover, table of contents, project summary sheets, and elsewhere in this report as appropriate.

4.2 Critical Area 1: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Project Summary Sheets for short-term projects (or others seeking upcoming funding) have been included in this NPS-IS plan. Only projects with complete Project Summary Sheets within this or another NPS-IS plan will be eligible for future state and federal NPS program funding.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 17 4.2.1 Critical Area 1: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table Critical Area 1 in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is based on protecting the full attainment status of ALUs for the designated WWH at the Yondota Road sampling location (RM 1.7). The following Critical Area 1 Overview Table summarizes the goals, objectives, projects at any level of development, and causes/sources addressed by each project. This table could grow as priorities change or new project concepts become available.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 18

Project Overview Table for Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) – Critical Area 1 Applicable Lead Estimated Potential/Actual Project Time Frame Critical Goal Objective Project Title (Criteria g) Organization Cost (Criteria Funding Source Number (Criteria f) Area (s) (Criteria d) d) (Criteria d) Urban Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Strategies

Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategies

Agricultural Nonpoint Sources Reduction Strategies 1 1 1, 2 1 Agricultural BMP Incentive Program Ottawa Short (1-3 $10,250 Ohio EPA County Years) §319, GLRI, SWCD EQIP

High Quality Waters Protection Strategies

Other NPS Causes and Associated Sources of Impairment

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 19 4.2.2 Critical Area 1: Project Summary Sheet(s) These Project Summary Sheets were developed with the aim of maintaining the Yondota Road (RM 1.7) sampling site to full attainment for the aquatic life use designation. These are priority/short-term projects and are ready for implementation. Medium- and long-term projects might not be included (or their associated Project Summary Sheets might be incomplete) because these projects are either not ready for implementation or need more detailed analysis and planning.

Critical Area 1: Project 1 Nine Element Information Needed Explanation Criteria n/a Title Agricultural BMP Incentive Program Project Lead Criteria d Organization and Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District Partners HUC-12 and Critical Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie (041000100704) Criteria c Areas Critical Area 1 Location of Project Various locations (privately owned lands) throughout Criteria c Critical Area 1 Which strategy is n/a Agricultural Nonpoint Sources Reduction Strategies being addressed? Criteria f Time Frame Short (1-3 Years) Short Description Establish a program to share costs for agricultural best Criteria g management practices The Lucas County SWCD will contract with farmers in the critical area to plant overwintering cover crops on 50 acres and install drainage water management structures to Criteria g Project Narrative control water from 50 acres. Project funds will be used to reimburse the landowners at a rate of $25 per acre for cover crops and $1,800 per structure for drainage water management. Criteria d Estimated Total Cost $10,250 Possible Funding Criteria d Ohio EPA §319, GLRI, EQIP Source Identified Causes and Cause: Sedimentation/Siltation Criteria a Sources Source: Channelization Part 1: How much Currently, the sampling locations within the HUC-12 are in improvement is full attainment. The overall goal for the watershed is 40% needed to remove the Criteria b & h reduction in phosphorus loading. For the Wolf Creek- NPS impairment Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12, this equates to approximately associated with this 1,050 pounds of phosphorus in Critical Area 1. Critical Area?

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 20 Part 2: How much of Objective 2: Reduce agricultural nutrient and sediment the needed loading. improvement for the • Install controlled drainage for 50 acres of the whole Critical Area is recommended 600 acres of row crops. estimated to be • Host one workshop to educate farmers on the accomplished by this benefits of planting cover crops. project? • Provide funding to assist farmers with planting cover crops.

Goals: There is recognition that there is lag time associated with nonpoint source-related projects and measured stream response. The main goal for Critical Area 1 is to maintain full attainment. This project will help reduce nutrient and sediment runoff within the Critical Area. Part 3: Load reduced? Estimated: 475 lb N/year; 25 lb P/year; 7,000 lb sediment/year How will the effectiveness of this Staff from the OEPA-DSW Ecological Assessment Unit will Criteria i project in addressing perform both pre- and post-project monitoring at Yondota the NPS impairment Road on William Ditch. be measured? Information and This project will be promoted with press releases, Education newspaper articles and presentations to area landowners. The Lucas County SWCD will host field days, coordinate Criteria e media outreach and develop material (farm signs, barn signs and media kits) for ‘peer advertising’ from farmers who have adopted BMPs to encourage wider adoption in the critical area.

4.3 Critical Area 2: Overview Table and Project Sheet(s) for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 4.3.1 Critical Area 2: Project and Implementation Strategy Overview Table Critical Area 2 in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is based on protecting the full attainment status of ALUs for the designated WWH at the Yondota Road sampling location (RM 1.7), and protecting the high-quality waters in the north. The following Critical Area 2 Overview Table summarizes the goals, objectives, projects at any level of development, and causes/sources addressed by each project. This table could grow as priorities change or new project concepts become available.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 21

Project Overview Table for Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) – Critical Area 2 Lead Potential/Actual Project Time Frame Estimated Cost Goal Objective Project Title (Criteria g) Organization Funding Source Number (Criteria f) (Criteria d) (Criteria d) (Criteria d) Urban Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Strategies

Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategies

Agricultural Nonpoint Sources Reduction Strategies

High Quality Waters Protection Strategies 1 1 1 Maumee Bay State Park Coastal Wetland ODNR Short (1-3 $500,000 Ohio EPA Enhancement years) §319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders 1 1 2 Mallard Club State Wildlife Area Wetland TNC Medium (3- $400,000 Ohio EPA Restoration 5 years) §319, GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders

Other NPS Causes and Associated Sources of Impairment

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 22 4.3.2 Critical Area 2: Project Summary Sheets

Critical Area 2: Project 1 Nine Element Information Needed Explanation Criteria Title Maumee Bay State Park Coastal Wetland Enhancement n/a (MAP 29-17) Project Lead Criteria d Organization and ODNR Partners HUC-12 and Critical Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie (041000100704) Criteria c Areas Critical Area 2 Criteria c Location of Project Maumee Bay State Park (41°41'09.4"N 83°21'27.4"W) Which strategy is High Quality Waters Protection Strategies n/a being addressed? Criteria f Time Frame Short (1-3 Years) Short Description Restore 130 acres of degraded coastal marsh to high Criteria g quality fish and wildlife habitat Project Narrative The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks & Watercraft and Division of Wildlife are working together to eliminate the non-native, invasive vegetation within a 130-acre wetland in Maumee Bay State Park and restore fish access to the wetland as well as enable water level control so that native marsh vegetation Criteria g can replace the non-native vegetation. A small dike with a water control/fish passage structure will be constructed at the mouth of the wetland where it empties into Lake Erie. Currently, a ridge of sediment and zebra mussel shells prevents any water flow between the Lake and the wetland except in extreme high-water events. Criteria d Estimated Total Cost $500,000 Possible Funding Criteria d GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders Source Identified Causes and Causes: Sedimentation/siltation Criteria a Sources Sources: Habitat modification Part 1: How much Currently, the sampling locations within the HUC-12 are in improvement is full attainment. The overall goal for the watershed is 40% needed to remove the Criteria b & h reduction in phosphorus loading. For the Wolf Creek- NPS impairment Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12, this equates to approximately associated with this 415 pounds of phosphorus in Critical Area 2. Critical Area?

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 23 Part 2: How much of Removing invasive species from the watershed will help the needed maintain species diversity and restore habitat. improvement for the whole Critical Area is Goals: The project will help maintain full attainment of estimated to be warmwater habitat ALU at the Yondota Road sampling site accomplished by this on Williams Ditch (RM 1.7), and protect/enhance existing project? wetlands in the watershed. Part 3: Load reduced? Estimated: 9,000 lb sediment per year How will the effectiveness of this Staff from the ODNR will perform both pre- and post- Criteria i project in addressing project monitoring to determine whether the project is the NPS impairment successful in managing invasive species. be measured? Information and This project will be promoted with project signage, press Criteria e Education releases, newsletter articles, and public visits.

Critical Area 2: Project 2 Nine Element Information Needed Explanation Criteria n/a Title Mallard Club State Wildlife Area Wetland Restoration Project Lead Criteria d Organization and The Nature Conservancy; ODNR, Division of Wildlife Partners HUC-12 and Critical Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie (041000100704) Criteria c Areas Critical Area 2 Location of Project Mallard Club State Wildlife Area (41°40'37.6"N Criteria c 83°20'21.4"W) Which strategy is Altered Stream and Habitat Restoration Strategy n/a being addressed? High Quality Waters Protection Strategies Criteria f Time Frame Medium (3-5 Years) Short Description Restore/improve 100 acres of degraded coastal marsh to Criteria g high quality fish and wildlife habitat Project Narrative Over 100 acres at the Mallard Club State Wildlife Area are in low-quality wetland habitat due to needed infrastructure. Survey and design is needed to identify Criteria g options for restoring this portion of the wildlife area to high quality wetlands. The Nature Conservancy is working with the Ohio Division of Wildlife to plan a restoration at this site. Criteria d Estimated Total Cost $400,000 Possible Funding Criteria d GLRI, WRRSP, Local Stakeholders Source Identified Causes and Causes: Habitat alterations; other flow regime alterations Criteria a Sources Sources: Habitat modifications; drainage/filling/loss of wetlands

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 24 Part 1: How much Currently, the sampling locations within the HUC-12 are in improvement is full attainment. The overall goal for the watershed is 40% needed to remove the reduction in phosphorus loading. For the Wolf Creek- NPS impairment Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12, this equates to approximately associated with this 415 pounds of phosphorus in Critical Area 2. Critical Area? Part 2: How much of Protected wetlands with established plant communities the needed and soil development would likely accumulate greater improvement for the quantities of nutrients and sediment than they do in their whole Critical Area is current condition. High quality wetlands of this size (100 Criteria b & h estimated to be acres) are expected to accumulate approximately 65 accomplished by this pounds of phosphorus and 7,000 pounds of sediment project? annually.

Goals: The project will help maintain full attainment of warmwater habitat ALU at the Yondota Road sampling site on Williams Ditch (RM 1.7), and protect/enhance existing wetlands in the watershed. Part 3: Load reduced? Estimated: 65 lb P/year; 600 lb N/year; 3.5 tons sediment/year How will the effectiveness of this Staff from TNC and ODNR will perform both pre- and post- Criteria i project in addressing project monitoring to determine whether the project is the NPS impairment successful in managing invasive species. be measured? Information and This project will be promoted with project signage, press Criteria e Education releases, newsletter articles, and public visits.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 25 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.

Ohio EPA. (2010). Biological and Water Quality Study of the Portage River Basin, Select Lake Erie Tributaries, and Select Maumee River Tributaries, 2006-2008 (Ohio EPA Technical Report EAS/2010-4-4). http://epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/documents/PortageLETribsMaumeeTribs2010.pdf

Ohio EPA. (2012). Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Maumee River (Lower) Tributaries and Lake Erie Tributaries Watershed. http://epa.ohio.gov/Portals/35/tmdl/MLLEtribs_Final_Report.pdf

Partners for Clean Streams. (2018). Maumee AOC Data Management and Delisting System. Retrieved January 29, 2018, from Maumee AOC Advisory Committee: http://dmds.maumeerap.org/

TMACOG. (2014). Area Water Quality Management Plan. http://www.tmacog.org/WQ/TMACOG_AWQMP_06_2016.pdf

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2008). The Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters. https://www.epa.gov/nps/handbook-developing-watershed-plans-restore-and- protect-our-waters

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2018). Retrieved February 20, 2018. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Cedar_Point/about.html

Woods, A.J., J.M. Omernik, C.S. Brockman, T.D. Gerber, W.D. Hosteter, and S.H. Azevedo. 1998. Ecoregions of Indiana and Ohio (2 sided color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs). U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA. Scale 1:500,000.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 26 Appendices

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 27 Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations The acronyms and abbreviations listed below are commonly used with respect to Ohio’s watersheds and nutrient reduction practices.

A AOC Area of Concern

B BMP Best Management Practice BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

C CSO Combined Sewer Overflow

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

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

G GIS Geographical Information System

H HELP Huron-Erie Lake Plains Ecoregion HUC Hydrologic Unit Code

I IBI Index of Biotic Integrity ICI Invertebrate Community Index

L LRW Limited Resource Water

M MIwb Modified Index of Well-Being MWH Modified Warmwater Habitat

N NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

O ODA Ohio Department of Agriculture ODH Ohio Department of Health ODNR Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 28 OEPA Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

P PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works

Q QHEI Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index

R RAP Remedial Action Plan

S SRP Soluble Reactive Phosphorus SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow SWCD Soil and Water Conservation District

T TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TSD Technical Support Document

U 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 Unites States Policy Committee

V VAP Voluntary Action Program

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

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 29 Appendix B: Index of Tables and Figures

Index of Tables Table 1: NPDES-Permitted Facilities in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ...... 5 Table 2: Land Use Classifications within the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (Homer, 2015) ...... 6 Table 3: Biological Index Scores for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (Ohio EPA, 2012) ...... 8 Table 4: QHEI Matrix with WWH and MWH Attribute Totals for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ...... 9 Table 5: Potential Causes and Sources of NPS Pollution in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 ...... 10 Table 6: Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 Critical Areas ...... 11 Table 7: Fish Community and Habitat Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2010) ...... 13 Table 8: Macroinvertebrate Community Data for Critical Area 1 (Ohio EPA, 2010) ...... 13

Index of Figures Figure 1: The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 is in eastern Lucas County within the Maumee Area of Concern...... 1 Figure 2: River mile mapping for the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 and nearby surface waters. ... 2 Figure 3: The Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 lies within the historic extent of the Great Black Swamp...... 3 Figure 4: Land use in the Maumee AOC and Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12...... 7 Figure 5: Land use in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12...... 7 Figure 6: Ohio EPA sampling locations and attainment status in the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12...... 8 Figure 7: Critical Areas of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12...... 11 Figure 8: Critical Area 1 of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12...... 12 Figure 9: Critical Area 2 of the Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Wolf Creek-Frontal Lake Erie HUC-12 (04100010 07 04) 30