Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 139

Chapter 7.0 CONCLUSION 140 From Forest to Lake

The Capstone course has examined vari- has been able to create unique, exciting parties. ous elements of park planning by focus- reservations in Garfield Park, Hinckley ing on a diverse selection of Cleveland and Rocky River Reservations. Limited Physical Metroparks Reservations and one urban Parks and Recreation budgets in Cleveland park outside of the Metroparks umbrage. Heights and East Cleveland have prevent- Conserving important park structures and Research has focused on social, physical ed long term conservation improvements access points can elevate the appearance and ecological quantitative and qualitative at Forest Hill. However, the consequent and interest in these parks. Well-construct- data. This has allowed for a better under- benign neglect is preferable to developing ed and maintained visitor centers provide standing of each park including the assets, conserved areas for other purposes. a welcoming educational environment to challenges and associated economic value. accompany the natural outdoor amenities Specific policy recommendations were Ecological visitors seek. Assessing historically impor- made with respect to this research and the tant structures and their current and po- budgetary constraints facing each park. Ecological stressors make the need for tential value to the park is an important Overcoming financial constraints is the conservation plans and strategies essential. consideration. largest challenge each of these parks face. Invasive species, erosion, pollution and Restrictive budgets make maintaining the stormwater management are a few of the Conservation of existing trails, paths, current level or previous level of service discussed stressors that continue to impact benches and other recreation sites requires a challenge. As a result, many of the park all of the park systems. regular maintenance and a commitment to groups in the class have included possible balancing the built environment with the funding sources and collaborative ideas Maintaining the current ecological level natural environment. designed to prevent or limit additional fi- of health and upgrading when possible is nancial costs. essential for their short and long term fu- Social tures. Additionally, the health of the com- The conservation, recreation and educa- munities surrounding the parks is clearly Enhancing service-learning opportuni- tion mission-focus of the Cleveland Me- affected in economic terms. The valuation ties is a great way to educate young adults troparks provides a logical outline within models quantify the positive effects - car- about the natural environment and the im- which our cross-group general park rec- bon storage services and hydrological ser- portance of conservation. Increasing the ommendations fit: vices - that the parks provide to surround- overall safety will enhance the overall posi- ing communities. This information should tive experience of park visitors. Increased 7.1 CONSERVATION provide community and city officials with collaboration between nonprofit entities an economic incentive to secure the eco- (watershed, greenspace and community Each park has focused and continues to logical wellbeing of the parks. Park eco- organizations) and city officials could pave focus on conserving and enhancing natu- systems rely on responsible stewardship the way for increased funding opportuni- ral ecosystems. The Cleveland Metroparks and collaboration between the responsible ties through a variety of grants and con- Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 141 servancies. This pooled intellectual capi- tiveness of each park and ideally creates a tal would debatably enhance the quality balance between active and passive recre- and diversity of philanthropic, innovative ational opportunities that respect the eco- ideas. logical condition of the park.

7.2 EDUCATION Connectivity in and out of the parks is essential to recreation. Increased signage The Cleveland Metroparks organizes a va- and “you are here” maps would provide riety of indoor and outdoor learning pro- visitors with ease of movement and points grams as well as community events that of interest. Opportunities exist to connect serve the same purpose. Some of these in- some of the parks to other nearby parks clude camps, tours and festivals that edu- and trails. Connecting these trails through cate visitors about the birds, animals and signage and maps will elevate the level of plants that make up an important part of recreation in and out of the park. This the ecological health of the Metroparks could increase park visitor numbers and Reservations. interest in stewardship by these visitors.

Continuing these programs and creating additional service learning programs tar- geting grade and high school students is important. These programs would serve the purpose of not only educating young adults about the importance of conserva- tion, the natural environment and ecology; but also lessening the burden of parks maintenance staffs that struggle to accom- plish all of the necessary tasks.

7.3 RECREATION

Proper maintenance of trails and physical amenities like baseball diamonds, benches, golf courses, picnic areas, recreation fields and other amenities increases the attrac- 142 From Forest to Lake Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 143

Chapter 8.0 APPENDICES 144 From Forest to Lake

CHAPTER 2.0 REGIONAL LANDSCAPE APPENDIX Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 145 146 From Forest to Lake

CHAPTER 3.0 GARFIELD PARK APPENDIX Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 147

CHAPTER 4.0 HINCKLEY RESERVATION APPENDIX 148 From Forest to Lake Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 149 150 From Forest to Lake

CHAPTER 5.0 APPENDIX Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 151

CHAPTER 6.0 FOREST HILL PARK APPENDIX 152 From Forest to Lake Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 153

APPENDIX: OTHER MATERIALS

SHERIFF SALES WITHIN CUYAHOGA COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES OVER TIME

HOUSING CITY COUNT 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 BAY VILLAGE 6,119 10 2 9 21 6 7 8 6 10 1 3 4 10 8 4 7 5 5 2 2 5 1 6 4 11 11 18 31 36 27 BEACHWOOD 3,142 0 3 5 3 5 2 7 3 3 2 1 2 6 4 4 2 4 2 1 1 3 2 3 5 3 3 8 14 7 14 BEDFORD 4,200 5 21 3 1 3 4 5 8 4 8 5 4 11 11 17 8 13 20 11 17 15 12 16 21 32 42 59 112 94 74 BEDFORD HEIGHTS 2,602 6 11 19 14 12 17 10 13 19 19 13 16 10 13 10 16 11 9 10 10 10 16 18 13 13 29 35 85 69 71 BENTLEYVILLE 321 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 1300100110100000101020 BEREA 5,985 12 2 9 9 25 8 13 17 9 9 4 1 8 22 4 4 5 6 8 12 10 10 16 22 16 33 47 60 72 49 BRATENAHL 453 0 0 0 1 1 3 2 0 00110000134113240316107 BRECKSVILLE 4,330 3 0 24 15 4 2 2 0 3 4 0 2 4 2 1 10 3 3 1 2 4 1 6 3 5 11 5 27 21 9 BROADVIEW HEIGHTS 5,552 4 0 0 1 5 4 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 0 3 5 1 4 7 6 0 2 4 5 3 5 8 30 20 22 BROOK PARK 6,816 27 7 16 9 7 6 11 9 5 10 9 11 3 7 2 11 16 9 9 6 13 11 9 13 15 33 46 58 59 67 BROOKLYN 3,617 8 0 0 1 3 5 2 1 1 0 2 5 2 6 4 2 1 4 1 4 4 3 3 3 4 12 18 27 29 16 BROOKLYN HTS 603 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0103010211100111002331 CHAGRIN FALLS 1,316 4 3 1 0 4 0 1 2 0300120321201020110858 CHAGRIN FALLS TWP 41 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000000000000000010000 CLEVELAND 120,048 680 879 701 713 832 772 784 866 895 1119 1350 1858 2127 1615 1464 1362 961 1111 1427 1310 1358 1490 1409 1578 1722 2894 3302 6114 4731 3203 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS 14,529 35 42 36 56 62 73 73 64 77 71 68 81 98 83 61 76 55 67 79 78 65 91 74 79 123 166 243 441 365 250 CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS 219 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0000010010001000200010 EAST CLEVELAND 5,548 73 45 59 62 90 76 80 82 78 85 75 103 123 120 111 139 98 118 108 130 131 130 141 131 151 245 268 508 325 121 EUCLID 15,346 59 6 6 20 15 19 21 25 28 28 46 38 44 54 53 64 34 38 66 67 55 69 77 84 92 179 225 436 453 336 FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS 5,790 3 2 4 0 4 2 3 6 2 4 4 2 6 8 6 4 2 1 8 6 8 10 10 9 16 16 29 35 40 27 GARFIELD HEIGHTS 10,929 33 13 19 23 31 30 19 25 30 33 37 43 45 28 34 70 30 47 47 34 42 35 50 51 62 123 175 290 296 208 GATES MILLS 970 0 2 1 7 2 1 0 1 0101000123101021035432 GLENWILLOW 209 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00000100000000000008116 HIGHLAND HEIGHTS 3,148 0 1 0 2 0 1 2 0 10132113140122220548917 HIGHLAND HILLS 152 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 1201002021020200414641 HUNTING VALLEY 204 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000001000000000001000 INDEPENDENCE 2,810 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0011143431130302003695 LAKEWOOD 13,017 13 9 21 29 36 41 52 38 47 52 67 48 69 46 40 22 17 19 32 22 30 40 28 31 42 82 94 208 193 157 LINNDALE 36 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000000000000000000311 LYNDHURST 5,752 6 1 1 6 4 2 2 2 0 1 1 14 3 3 8 2 4 7 2 3 3 9 9 2 6 10 23 29 33 35 MAPLE HEIGHTS 9,480 11 43 15 15 13 13 21 17 16 14 18 36 37 50 58 54 33 36 53 61 67 82 89 61 90 162 214 456 374 285 MAYFIELD 1,169 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 1100120000011010113432 MAYFIELD HEIGHTS 5,201 0 4 1 4 0 2 5 2 0 4 2 3 2 1 2 4 1 2 6 5 3 2 6 6 9 21 16 44 33 29 MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS 4,970 7 2 5 5 25 3 2 1 1 4 4 5 5 16 6 10 4 2 2 1 2 5 3 6 5 6 11 17 32 13 MORELAND HILLS 1,315 0 0 1 1 5 1 3 1 02023101214212010039188 NEWBURGH HEIGHTS 783 0 0 1 0 3 1 1 1 5 1 4 3 3 4 3 3 5 4 2 2 0 5 4 6 6 13 7 19 20 12 NORTH OLMSTED 10,126 32 9 118 14 14 18 6 11 10 4 7 16 15 25 17 12 11 12 13 8 17 20 13 16 12 36 44 77 83 79 NORTH RANDALL 140 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0001021210001101120912 NORTH ROYALTON 8,437 3 4 17 13 14 7 5 8 10 4 6 9 5 13 9 5 5 13 9 1 11 13 16 12 19 25 24 54 51 55 OAKWOOD 1,285 3 3 21 8 2 6 4 4 10 5 4 6 2 10 7 4 26 9 7 19 5 13 1 7 13 22 20 26 28 31 OLMSTED FALLS 2,491 11 0 0 4 4 4 2 5 2 1 1 4 4 4 2 2 3 1 2 4 2 7 6 4 7 18 30 41 50 24 OLMSTED TWP 3,289 5 2 6 2 3 2 3 3 0 4 0 4 1 3 2 0 3 3 2 4 3 3 1 7 5 10 18 25 32 27 ORANGE 1,089 1 1 0 3 2 3 2 3 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 2 2 2 4 9 9 11 13 PARMA 28,843 35 21 13 30 17 16 9 11 15 25 16 7 26 27 14 21 18 21 23 34 30 33 42 35 58 116 149 241 264 199 PARMA HEIGHTS 6,159 4 2 3 8 7 2 3 6 1 3 2 1 5 3 6 1 1 3 6 6 11 5 3 11 15 22 28 60 54 52 PEPPER PIKE 2,321 0 1 0 1 2 2 3 0 0 2 6 0 6 3 4 3 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 4 3 6 5 12 13 15

SOURCE: CUYAHOGA COUNTY OFFICE OF AUDITOR PROPERTY TRANSFER DATABASE 154 From Forest to Lake

SHERIFF SALES WITHIN SOCIAL CONTEXT BOUNDARIES OVER TIME

CITY 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 FOREST HILL PARK CLEVELAND 110140122011323 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS 022654642372853 EAST CLEVELAND 26 23 18 20 36 25 24 31 25 25 22 39 40 43 31

TOTAL WITHIN FOREST HILLS SOCIAL CONTEXT BOUNDARY 27 26 20 27 45 29 31 37 29 28 30 42 51 50 37

TOTAL HOUSING COUNTS 2,843

GARFIELD PARK RESERVATION CLEVELAND 37 43 38 48 45 37 48 41 58 67 64 86 101 70 86 GARFIELD HEIGHTS 25 9 16 22 30 29 18 24 29 33 34 41 39 27 31

TOTAL GARFIELD SOCIAL CONTEXT BOUNDARY 62 52 54 70 75 66 66 65 87 100 98 127 140 97 117

TOTAL HOUSING COUNTS 11,051

ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION BEREA 6 1 1 5 10 5 7 4 5 5 3 1 4 18 3 BROOK PARK 317232233252001 CLEVELAND 3 10 9 9 6 11 8 15 8 15 13 11 7 14 9 FAIRVIEW PARK 322041341321574 LAKEWOOD 216449468745385 NORTH OLMSTED 5 3 9 4 3 12 3 1 0 1 1 8 5 4 7 OLMSTED TWP 103000110000000 ROCKY RIVER 702103310044475

TOTAL RR SOCIAL CONTEXT BOUNDARY 30 18 39 25 30 43 31 35 25 33 32 32 28 58 34

TOTAL HOUSING COUNTS 23,337

SOURCE: CUYAHOGA COUNTY OFFICE OF AUDITOR PROPERTY TRANSFER DATABASE Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 155

PHASE 1: ORGANIZATIONAL Type: 501(c)3 nonprofit • Conserving Native Forests: The diversity, health, stream.” Volunteers: yes function, and ecological services of forested ecosystems in Initiatives: Inclusion of a Green Space Plan in the revision LANDSCAPE Mission: “Future Heights promotes a vibrant and sustain- human-impacted landscapes are conserved for future gen- of the South Euclid Master Plan. Prioritize target proper- able future for Cleveland Heights and University Heights, erations ties for conservation. Review city ordinances to suggest GREENSPACE ORGANIZATIONS AND INITIA- Ohio, through innovative ideas and civic engagement.” • Engaging Children with Plants: Children have revisions that support balanced growth. Learn more about TIVES Core Values: Active and informed citizen par- an appreciation for and knowledge of regional plants and conservation development initiatives. Presented proposed ticipation in community decision making their environments, and will be able to apply their under- plan to city council in early December, 2009 EAST ZONE Innovative ideas in addressing the challenges of inner-ring standing to real-life situations. Partners: City of Euclid suburbs • Place and Purpose: People value Holden as an Euclid Beach Now Open and effective communication and partnerships enjoyable and enriching place to visit and as an important The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes among community stakeholders institution that inspires popular support for improving Address: P.O. Box 19535 Cleveland, OH 44119-0535 A thriving local economy trees, forests, and communities of the region. Address: 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, OH Phone: 440-946-6539 Historic neighborhoods and commercial districts “The Holden Arboretum connects people with nature for 44120 Email: [email protected] High quality and sustainable design inspiration and enjoyment, fosters learning and promotes Phone: 216-321-5935 Location: none A regional approach to innovative planning and develop- conservation.” Email: [email protected] Type: 501(c)3 non-profit ment Initiatives: Education, Special Events, Conserva- Type: 501(c)3 nonprofit Director: n/a Initiatives: Publishes the Heights Observer, encourages tion, Horticulture, Police (trail patrol), Research Executive Director: Kay Carlson Volunteers/Membership: Can join by paying $12.00 an- volunteerism and active citizenship, Clean and Green ef- Funding: Donations, Ohio EPA, Revenue, Holden Arbo- Volunteers: yes nual dues. forts, education and “citizen planners” retum Trust/Endowment. For the 2009 Financial Report Mission: “The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes conserves Mission: “Our mission is to support the education of the Funding: Grants and memberships- Annual Re- click here. a natural area, connects people with nature and inspires public as to the history of Euclid Beach Park through lec- port Partners: For a complete list click here. environmental stewardship.” tures, exhibits, displays, memorabilia shows, television and Initiatives: Education, Conservation, Advocacy radio appearances and any other available form. We also South Euclid Citizens for Land Conservation Funding: Shaker Lakes Regional Nature Center Endow- support the preservation of physical items from Euclid Holden Arboretum ment Foundation, Nature Fund, Planned Gifts and Be- Beach Park that may be owned by other organizations, Contact: Barb Holtz quests private individuals, or any other entity.” Address: 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio Phone: 216-382-3595 Partners: Click here for a complete list Action Plan: see Mission 44094 Open Membership for South Euclid residents Initiatives: Euclid Beach Arch Restoration and Dedication, Phone: 440.946.4400 Mission: “SECLC promotes the conservation of eco-val- Western Reserve Land Conservancy 2007 Type: 501 (c)3 nonprofit ued green space and sustainability in South Euclid for the Funding: Members President and CEO: Clem Hamilton benefit of its citizens, business community and the natural Address: P.O. Box 314, Novelty, OH 44072 Partners: Cleveland Landmark Commission, Cleveland Volunteers: yes world.” Phone: 440.729.9621 Building Department, Associated Estates Realty Corpora- Mission: “The Holden Arboretum envisions a Northeast Core Values: “We believe that eco-valued green space will Email: [email protected] tion, Northeast Shores Development Corporation, City of Ohio in which trees, forests, and gardens provide maxi- benefit South Euclid economically and aesthetically. We Type: Nonprofit Cleveland Councilman Polensek, Ward 11 (http://www. mum ecological and social benefits to the region’s people believe the City of South Euclid should actively embrace President and CEO: Rich Cochran euclidbeach.com/id2.html) and communities.” sustainability initiatives that promote a healthy community. Volunteers: yes • Growing Trees and Communities: Interconnect- We believe South Euclid residents should have a voice in Mission: “Western Reserve Land Conservancy seeks to Future Heights ed networks of trees and wooded environments – from city planning. We educate and inspire residents to be stew- preserve the scenic beauty, rural character, and natural re- street trees to home gardens to green spaces – sustain the ards of the natural world in their home landscapes and sources of Northeast Ohio.” (Vision Statement) Address: 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, ecological health of the communities where we live and beyond our city borders. South Euclid is a good neighbor Action Plan: Six program areas that include: The Land Ohio 44118 work. to surrounding communities recognizing others live down- Protection Planning Program, The Conservation Educa- Phone: 216-320-1423 156 From Forest to Lake tion Program, The Conservation by Donation Program, Initiatives and Timeline for the Planning Process: clevelandwaterfrontcoalition.org/) cepts. We train local officials in watershed protection, and The Public Land Program, The Conservation Buyer Pro- Timeline- The project will begin upon receipt of the fund- Funding: fundraising analysis, revenue- generating ven- agency personnel in communicating about storm water gram, and The Stewardship Program. (Click here for in ing in April 2009 and commence by April, 2010. tures and potentially the Cleveland Metroparks Levy 2014 management and stream stewardship. depth explanations) Program Start-up April 2009- June 2009 (Still in the planning face) Initiatives: Initiatives: To protect land utilizing Conservation Ease- Establish Program Staff and Agreements with Partners: Notable political figures supporting this HABITAT FOR HARD PLACES...restoring natural areas ments, Farmland Protection, Public Land, Donated Partner Organizations initiative and creating new habitat for larval fish along the naviga- Property, Bargain Sales, Conservation Buyer and through Establish Subsidiary (this will already be under- tion channel. -Summer, 2008 saw the first prototypes of Stewardship in A 14-county region including Ashtabula, way) Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization the Cuyahoga Habitat Underwater Basket (CHUB) in- Trumbull, Mahoning, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Stark, Sum- Form Community Executive Advisory Commit- stalled for on site testing along the Cuyahoga’s shipping mit, Cuyahoga, Medina, Wayne, Lorain, Huron and Erie. tee Web: http://www.cuyahogariverrap.org/ channel. New initiatives are planned for five sites, from re- (Click here for recent news) Finalize Work Plan and Scope of RFP Type: Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization moving toxic sediment in the old river channel and restor- Funding: Donations, fundraisers Hire Consultants/Develop Timeline and Deliv- (CRCPO) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that ing natural habitat near the lake to creating access for fish Partners: Chapters erables with Consultants operates the RAP (Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan,) and people along the Scranton Peninsula. Assemble Community Executive Advisory Committee – the Cuyahoga American Heritage River Initiative (AHR,) • BIG CREEK WATERSHED ACTION PLAN- WEST ZONE Conduct initial meeting – Goals & Objectives, Expecta- and CLEERTEC (Cuyahoga/Lake Erie Environmental We have developed a plan for Big Creek that will serve as a tions and Outcomes Restoration Technology Enterprise Center.) basis for land use decisions in the watershed. Cleveland Waterfront Coalition Inventory and Assembly – July 2009 – November Director: Joseph Koncelik • FURNACE RUN WATERSHED PLAN -We 2009 Area: Cuyahoga River Communities have received a grant from the Lake Erie Commission to Address: 3105 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio Inventory park operations, park units, budgets Mission: is to restore and protect the environmental quality develop a Balanced Growth Plan for Furnace Run. We’ll 44113 Conduct financial portfolio assessment. of the Cuyahoga River and selected watersheds that af- be organizing the local community leadership, presenting Phone: 216-281-8703 Inventory and visit park conservancy models. fect the aquatic ecosystems of the immediate Lake Erie workshops and setting the stage for land use planning in Email: contact@clevelandwaterfrontcoalition. Identify program and marketing opportunities. shoreline. this rapidly urbanizing watershed. org Inventory Natural Resource Management Com- Core Skills: • BRANDYWINE CREEK WATERSHED Type: 501(c)3 nonprofit ponent • PLANNING- support planning and implemen- PLANNING -The Partnership is in place. Now we are Program Director: Lynn Garrity Identify future park management entities and de- tation of remediation and restoration projects including working with communities in “The Brandywine,” as well Membership: Levels range from $10 to $200 velop initial assessment criteria. habitat restoration, riparian zone restoration and repair, as Summit County planners, engineers and soil and water Mission: “The Cleveland Waterfront Coalition was rec- Conduct Community Advisory Executive Advisory Com- balanced growth land use planning and best management conservation district, and the Cuyahoga Valley National ognized as a nonprofit 501c3 membership organization mittee – Report initial assessment work practices. Park, on a Balanced Growth watershed management plan. in 1981. Our mission is to increase public awareness of Development of Operational and Park Manage- • ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT- assist in Action Plans: - The Cuyahoga/Lake Erie Environmental Cleveland’s waterfront as a public resource and promote ment Plan December 2009 – February, 2010 the development of local watershed stewardship groups, Resource Technology Center’s first project will be to de- comprehensive waterfront planning and development that Assemble work tasks to determine short term and in some cases acting as fiscal agent and support staff sign and develop a prototype “green bulkhead” to replace provides public access to a waterfront that is inspired by and long term strategies. where needed. aging steel bulkheads along the Cuyahoga River ship chan- excellence in social, economic and environmental best Assemble draft plans for various aspects of Plan • TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- provide maps, nel at the mouth of the river. The goal is to create environ- practices.” Present to Community Advisory Executive Com- data and technical assistance focused on watershed and mentally-friendly structures that maintain the integrity of Action Plan: Proposing a Lakefront Parks Conservancy mittee wetland functions, with decades of expertise in technical the riverbanks and allow for navigation of large ships, yet Plan that addresses Future Management, Capital Improve- Presentation of Final Report & Implementation and scientific research and reporting, GIS/RS mapping provide habitat for aquatic organisms and support fish as ments, Ecological Restoration/Natural Resource Manage- Schedule April 2010 and data inventory. they migrate to and from the lake and the upper reaches of ment, Implementation of City’s Lakefront Plan, Mainte- Present work to Executive Committee • EDUCATION- write, design and publish educa- the river and its tributaries. nance Endowment (infrastructure support) Marketing/ Establish Partnership Agreements tional and outreach materials to support watershed stew- Outreach and Program Expansion. Conduct work plans for years 1-2” (http://www. ardship, addressing specific locales as well as general con- Friends of Big Creek Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 157

• Friends of Big Creek, Cleveland Metroparks, and anced Growth Initiative) Rocky River Upper West Branch Watershed Bal- Address: P.O. Box 609272, Cleveland, Ohio the cities of Cleveland and Parma joined the City of Brook- • Cleveland MetroParks (Balanced Growth Initia- anced Growth Plan 44109 lyn as co-sponsors for funding from a NOACA Transpor- tive) http://www.medinaswcd.org/state%20en- Phone: 216.269-6472 tation for Livable Communities Initiative grant for the Big • Cuyahoga County Planning Commission dorsed%20plan.pdf Web: http://www.friendsofbigcreek.org/index. Creek Greenway Trail Alignment & Neighborhood Con- (Greenspace Plan) Prioritization of Sites for Permanent Protection: Western html nector Plan. The study, lead by the Floyd Browne Group, • Ohio EPA (Clean Ohio Fund) Reserve Land Conservancy and Cleveland Metroparks Type: 501(c)(3) organization seeks to connect the Metroparks Big Creek and Brookside are actively seeking to acquireboth land and conservation Director: Mary Ellen Stasek, Chair, Bob Gardin, Reservations through the City of Brooklyn while identify- Green City Blue Lake (Formerly EcoCity Cleveland) easements in the Rocky River Watershed. While the RRWC Project Manager [email protected] ing opportunities for interpretive exhibits and ecological stronglysupports these efforts, there are certain categories Area: Together they drain nearly 38 square miles from 8 restoration. This plan was completed in March 2009. Address: Cleveland Museum of Natural History of sites that are a high RRWC priority that do not fit the municipalities — Cleveland, Brooklyn, Linndale, Parma, • Big Creek Greenway Trail Alignment and Neigh- 1 Wade Oval Drive Cleveland, OH 44106 priorities established by these organizations. These sites are Parma Heights, Brook Park, Middleburg Heights, and borhood Connector Plan http://www.friendsofbigcreek. Cuyahoga Bioregion usually smaller, address headwater stream systems, and/or North Royalton. org/newsletter09Spring.pdf Phone: 216-231-4600 are located in urban areas. The objective is to identify and Mission: “To conserve, enhance, and bring recognition to Web: http://www.gcbl.org/about/contact prioritize intact riparian and wetland habitats for preserva- the natural and historic resources of the Big Creek Wa- Friends of Chippewa Creek Type: 501(c)(3) tion via conservation easement. tershed and develop a recreational trail network that joins Director: David Beach East Branch Conservation Easement Acquisition: Western these resources to each other and the community.” Address: 3855 Wallings Road, North Royalton, Reserve Land Conservancy, in partnership with Cleveland Initiatives: OH 44133 Rocky River Watershed Council Metroparks, received a grant to fund land acquisition and • The connection of existing greenways such as Web: http://www.northroyalton.net/friendsof- restoration projects within the East Branch of the Rocky the CanalWay Towpath Trail west and south to the Big chippewacreek/default.asp Address: 6100 West Canal Rd.Valley View, OH River watershed from the Ohio Environmental Protection Creek Reservation at Brookpark Road. Area: CCWP represents a coalition of members in a 44125 Agency’s 319 Program. This program will protect 135 • Improved conditions of Big Creek and the natu- three-city area comprised of North Royalton, Broadview Phone: 216-524-6580 x14 acres of open space with conservation easements -Protect ral environment throughout the watershed Heights, Brecksville, Cuyahoga County, Cuyahoga River Web: http://www.myrockyriver.org/index.htm 4,500 linear feet of high-quality streams -Protect 5 acres • Improved, safe and convenient access to the Remedial Action Plan, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conser- Type: 501(c)(3) of wetlands-Restore 1 acre of land to a healthy riparian natural environment throughout the Big Creek watershed vation District, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Cleve- Director: Jared Bartley buffer. with increased educational and recreational opportunities land Metroparks. Mission: “To protect, restore, and perpetuate a healthy • Successful promotion of the benefits of a healthy Volunteers: Yes watershed through public education, watershed planning, Soil and Water Conservancy watershed, as well as important historical events, structures Mission: “Chippewa Creek Land Conservancy seeks to communication and cooperation among stakeholders.” and sites within the watershed. preserve the scenic beauty, rural character, and natural re- Initiatives: Work is complete on the $100,000 capital im- Address: 6100 West Canal Road Valley View, OH Action Plans: sources of the Chippewa Creek watershed through direct provement project at Rocky River Park. Improvements in- 44125 • Friends of Big Creek and the CRCPO’s Cuyahoga land protection and promotion of the responsible use of clude erosion control with a series of four stone retaining Phone: 216-524-6580 River Remedial Action Plan (RAP), with local funding land and water resources.” walls, creating a terrace and amphitheater effect; a paver Web: http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/ matches from the watershed communities, were awarded Partners: City of North Royalton (Master Plan) walkway with benches offering a wonderful lake view from Type: 501(c) (3) an Ohio Coastal Management Assistance Grant for a Big • Cities of North Royalton, Broadview Heights, the top of the park; and new landscaping. The project Mission: “To promote conservation of land and aquatic Creek Balanced Growth Watershed Management Plan. and Brecksville (Balanced Growth Initiative) received an “Outstanding” award from Ohio Parks and resources in a developed environment through steward- Community based watershed planning helps reduce flood • Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan (Balanced Recreation (OPRA). ship, education, and technical assistance.” damage, decrease the loss of greenspace, reduce soil ero- Growth Initiative) Action Plans: Ecosystem Management Plan for sion and improve water quality. The plan, managed by the • Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District the Lake-to-Trail 2008 (Cleveland Metroparks) Wendy Park Foundation RAP with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Planning (Balanced Growth Initiative) http://www.clemetparks.com/Naturalresourc- Commission, is due for completion in March 2009. • Cuyahoga Valley National Park District (Bal- es/documents/LakeAbram_EMP.pdf Address: 127 Public Square #2700 Cleveland, 158 From Forest to Lake

Ohio 44114 Building Cleveland by Design Main Avenue (Shoreway) Bridge as a park serving residents NOACA Phone: Phone 216.904.9456 of the Flats, Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. The Web: http://006ccbc.netsolhost.com/index.html Address: 1422 Euclid Avenue, Suite 733 Cleve- dominant feature of the park will be water. The Main Av- Cleveland Lakefront State Park Type: 501(C)3 land, OH 44115 enue Park will hold and treat the large amounts of storm- Director: Dan T. Moore, III- Chair Phone: 216-696-2122 ext. 126 water flowing off the bridge, in a series of pools cascading 8701 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44108 Area: Whiskey Island, Wendy Park Email: [email protected] down to the Cuyahoga River. The park would also provide Phone: 216-881-8141 Volunteers: Yes Type: 501 (c)3 nonprofit habitat for birds and other species, and a boardwalk would Email: [email protected] Mission: “Develop and restore the natural environment Program Director: Justin Glanville be constructed across the pools to allow people to get an Manager: Jim Seikel at Wendy Park to National Park standards of excellence, Volunteers: n/a up-close experience of this new natural area. The well- -Ohio Department of Natural Resources also describes facilitate the restoration of the historic Coast Guard Sta- Mission: “Building Cleveland by Design aims to change the known blue Main Avenue Bridge overhead would provide the Cleveland Lakefront State Parks in terms of resources, tion, integrate Whiskey Island Marina into Wendy Park and way Cleveland is built. It envisions a city where developers a dramatic, cathedral-like “ceiling” for the park.” activities, boating and winter activities here. to provide public access to Lake Erie through connecting make design a first consideration, where citizens demand Wendy Park Plan- “Although it is adjacent to downtown Wendy Park to the Towpath Trail. Further, to create pro- the best available design ideas, and where buildings exist in Cleveland, Wendy Park is currently accessible only by trav- Cleveland Museum of Natural History grams and activities that educate the public on Great Lakes harmony with the environment.” eling several miles west to Edgewater Park and then back- ecology, Eco-system sustainability, Maritime heritage, safe- Action Plan: see mission tracking. The park, owned by Cuyahoga County, preserves Address: 1 Wade Oval Drive University Circle ty and youth training.” Initiatives: Lake Link Trail- “BCbD has been coordinating 22 acres at the confluence of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Cleveland, OH 44106 Initiatives: “Cuyahoga County purchased the land in- a wide-ranging collaborative of public and private stake- Erie. In recent years, the park has seen soaring attendance: Phone: 216-231-4600 cluding Whiskey Island Marina in December, 2004. The holders to create public trails and green spaces that lead from 15,000 in 2006 to 35,000 in 2008. The City of Cleve- Email: [email protected] County plans to return the park land to its natural state to the region’s defining natural resources: Lake Erie and land owns the landmark, vacant Coast Guard Station inside Type: 501(c)3 nonprofit by eliminating invasive weeds, flowers and grasses, plant- the Cuyahoga River. The centerpiece of the plan is the the park and has led an effort to reopen it for public use.” Department of Conservation: Jim Bissell, Cura- ing species indigenous to the area and planting shrubs that 1.5-mile Cleveland & Mahoning Railroad Trail, which will BCbD is partnering with the Cuyahoga County tor of Botany will provide food and habitats for wildlife thusly creating run through an abandoned rail right-of-way traversing the Planning Commission to complete a management and Volunteers: yes a sustainable natural environment. Visitors will be able to Flats. The trail will connect to the Towpath Trail on Scran- master plan for the park. (Cuyahoga County is the cur- Mission: To inspire, through science and education, a pas- enjoy a natural shoreline with direct access to Lake Erie, ton Peninsula, then skirt the Cuyahoga River at Irishtown rent owner of the park.) The plan will chart a course for sion for nature, the protection of natural diversity, the fos- walk on trails through trees and meadows while enjoying Bend below the West Side Market before running north protecting Wendy Park’s natural resources while increasing tering of health, and leadership to a sustainable future. stunning views of Lake Erie, the Flats and the downtown through the West Bank of the Flats. The trail would con- accessibility. Resource protection is particularly important Conservation Mission: The Center for Conservation & Cleveland skyline. nect with the existing Willow Street Bridge, which will have given the County’s oft-stated desire to turn the property Biodiversity unites the Museum’s conservation-related ac- The Wendy Park Foundation will assist in efforts to restore widened sidewalks, and then siphon users onto a new pe- over to Cleveland MetroParks. MetroParks has made clear tivities to further the protection and stewardship of the the natural environment and to provide an enhanced park destrian and Bicycle Bridge that would cross the lakefront that it will consider owning and managing the park if it 1) region’s native biodiversity. space with natural shoreline by raising funds and awareness railroad tracks to Lake Erie at Wendy Park. The trail will is connected to the rest of its park system via a Towpath Action Plan: The Center conducts extensive fieldwork, for projects. Our first corporate donor was Cargill Salt. not only give Clevelanders and visitors new access to the Trail connector (a role the Lake Link Trail will serve); and identifies and protects rare natural communities in North- Cargill, through its Cargill Cares program granted monies river and lake, but promote alternative transportation by 2) remains a natural resources area that provides habitat ern Ohio and provides conservation information to the to restore native prairie grasses and plant a flower garden. providing a non-motorized connection between the neigh- for native plant and animal species.” community. Education, Conservation and Sustainability Further, Eco-system sustainability, educating the public on borhoods of Tremont, Ohio City and the Flats. It will also Parent Organizations- Park Works, Cleveland Initiatives: The Conservation Outreach Program enables Great Lakes ecology and creating environmental education serve as a stormwater demonstration project. Part of the Public Art private landowners, state agencies, park managers or con- programs are also very important components to the mis- trail right-of-way is a depressed former rail bed that will Partners: AIA Cleveland, City of Cleveland Sustainability servation organizations to request field inventories of nat- sion of the Wendy Park Foundation.” retain water, allowing particulates to settle out before be- Program, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Urban Design ural lands. Once a request has been made to the program, ing directed to the river.” See NOACA Greenway Corridor Collaborative, Entrepreneurs for Sustainability, Northeast a Conservation Outreach Specialist arranges a visit to the CENTRAL ZONE Main Avenue Park-“Another part of BCbD’s Flats Con- Ohio Chapter of USGBC, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer property. During that visit, and additional visits if needed, nection Plan is to reinvent asphalt lots underneath the District, Ohio City Near West, Wendy Park Foundation, that staff member conducts an environmental assessment Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 159 of the site. logical Risk Assessment, 11/07; Level 2 Ecological Risk deliver tangible results. Water Conservation Fund. In 2009, additional grant funds Funding: Endowment income, operating income Assessment, 11/07; Property Specific Human Health Risk Action Plans: Perk Park Renovation, Public from Clean Ohio brought the total to $346,000 allowing and annual fund contributions Assessment, 11/07; Limited VAP Phase 2 Property As- Square Redesign, Local Foods Assessment Program for completion of this project. Partners: Corporate partners. sessment, 10/07; Spring Open House tour of the Cleve- As of October 2009, WCPC holds a conservation ease- land Lakefront Nature Preserve, 5/22/10. For more infor- West Creek Preservation Committee ment on the entire Busch / Snake Hill natural area, while Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative mation on these Assessments see the Cuyahoga Soil and the City of Parma has ownership of the land restricted by Water Conservation District Dike 14 Page. Address: PO Box 347113 | Parma, OH 44134 the easement. This ensures that the property will be per- Funding: USEPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Phone: 216.749.3720 manently managed for conservation, stream protection, Contact Info: (several) to assess hazardous substances- $200,000 Web: http://www.westcreek.org/ and low impact recreation. WCPC looks forward to work- Location: The Collaborative has no official location, but Partners/Members: Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleve- Type: non-profit 501(c)(3) ing with the City, community members, and other partners, Dike 14 is located at the north end of MLK Jr. Blvd. and land Metroparks, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Director: David M. Lincheck such as the Friends of Big Creek and NEORSD, to explore North Marginal Road. Cuyahoga Soil and Conservation District, Cuyahoga Valley Area: West Creek is a 9-mile creek flowing through the potential stream/wetland restoration and other enhance- Mission: “The Dike 14 Environmental Education Col- National Park Association, Earth Day Coalition, Lake Erie cities of Parma, Seven Hills, Brooklyn Heights and Inde- ments at Snake Hill. Benefits of this project include pro- laborative was formed in 2003 and is comprised of local Nature and Science Center, Ohio Department of Natu- pendence. It is a 500-acre natural park and regional recre- tection of over 2500 linear feet of Big Creek and one of its environmental education organizations who recognize the ral Resources- Cleveland Lakefront State Park, The Ohio ational trail network. tributary streams, which have been threatened by runoff, unique resources that Dike 14 offers for environmental Lepidopterists, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society. Volunteers: Yes increased storm flows, erosion and sedimentation from de- education purposes. The goal of this unique Collabora- Mission: “To conserve, protect and enhance the natural, velopments upstream. The natural area includes wetlands tive is to provide exemplary multi-interdisciplinary envi- Park Works historical and recreational resources of the West Creek wa- and floodplain, which helps absorb and slow stormwater, ronmental education for students, teachers and families, tershed and vicinity through the protection and restoration reducing problems downstream. The natural park protects and to promote environmental stewardship of Dike 14.” Address: 1422 Euclid Avenue, Ste. 733 Cleve- of natural lands and the development of a greenway and fish and wildlife habitat. Just as important, it provides for (http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/grantfunded-dike14.htm) land, OH 44115 recreational trail network, providing an enhanced quality access to green and open space for area residents. “Dike 14 Nature Preserve is an existing 88-acre former Phone:216.696.2122 of life for present and future generations.” Brooklyn Heights Resident Donates 5 Acre Natural Area dredge disposal site that has become an extraordinary Web: http://www.parkworks.org/ Initiatives: To resurrect the historic significance of the to WCPC: Thanks to a Brooklyn Heights resident, a five wildlife haven adjacent to Gordon State Park/Cleveland Mission: “To lead, promote and facilitate creative programs creek and the potential for a recreational trail linkage to acre wooded ravine, through which a tributary of West Lakefront State Park at the northern end of Martin Luther and convene civic partners around projects which enhance the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Creek flows, is now a protected natural area. Charles King Jr. Boulevard in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio. Over the economic strength and quality of life of the Cleveland Busch Family dedicates 55 acres to the WCPC along Big Novy donated this property to West Creek Preservation the years, Dike 14 Nature Preserve has become natural- community through: park rehabilitation, recreation oppor- Creek: The Busch Family Conservation Area, also known Committee in the Fall of 2009. The property is adjacent to ized and provides a exceptional opportunity for access to tunities for all citizens, downtown beautification and green as Snake Hill at Big Creek. The ceremony marked the and visible from the south side of I-480, just west of the Lake Erie as well as access to a remarkable diversity of space development, environmental awareness, citizen en- culmination of a multi-year effort to preserve this special Lancaster Road Bridge in Brooklyn Heights. Due to the birds that either make their home in or use the area as a gagement and stewardship.” area located on Ridge Road near Pleasant Valley Road in steep terrain and difficult, limited access to the site, WCPC rest stop during migration, plants and other wildlife. From Initiatives: ParkWorks has become a recognized strategic Parma. Recognizing the opportunity to conserve and re- intends to manage this area for natural riparian habitat and 1979 to 1999 sediments dredged from the Cuyahoga River partner leading projects and programs that have significant store a significant natural area, and its potential benefits for stream protection purposes only. No trails nor any other and Cleveland Harbor filled the dike. Closed since 1999 as impact on Cleveland’s economic development. Through Big Creek, one of West Creek’s neighboring watersheds, amenities are planned for this property. a disposal site. Citizen scientists have identified over 280 our expertise and our collaboration with partners such as WCPC committed to the project. The Busch Family New Trail Constructed in the West Creek Reservation: The species of birds, numerous butterflies, 16 species of mam- the Downtown Cleveland Alliance; Neighborhood Prog- agreed to sell just under fourteen acres to the project, and new trail exists along Ridgewood Drive, bringing the start mals (red fox, coyote, mink, deer) 2 species of reptiles, 26 ress, Inc.; University Circle Inc. and Cleveland Public Art, the City of Parma agreed to place over 40 adjacent acres of the all-purpose trail through the West Creek Reserva- Ohio plant species (wildflowers, grasses) and 9 species of ParkWorks develops and expands the use of public space under a conservation easement. tion. A portion of the completed trail opens up a vista of trees and shrubs!” (http://www.dike14.org/) to promote neighborhood and downtown revitalization. Soon after, WCPC successfully applied for a $148,000 deep woods, where no one was able to travel into before. Action Plan: see Mission We continue to build our reputation as results-driven and grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund. Parma Wetlands and the densely wooded area prohibited any kind Initiatives: Creating the Nature Preserve- Level 1 Eco- to use our depth of resources, expertise and passion to and WCPC obtained a $50,000 grant from the Land and of trail, but now it is open to the public. 160 From Forest to Lake

West creek was very cautious and creative when planning Serving Summit County, Eastern National, Ohio and Erie • Cleveland Metroparks this trail; to reduce the amount of impervious surface cre- Cuyahoga Valley National Park Canalway Association, Inn at Brandywine Falls. For more • Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative ated by the trail, innovative paving materials have been about the partner organizations: click here. • Cuyahoga County Greenspace Plan, Greenprint, used. A portion of the trail uses pervious concrete. This Address: 15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH Existing Funding Sources allows water to percolate into the ground. The concrete is 44141 Related to the Tow Path • Cleveland Urban Core Projects double the depth, eight inches instead of four, with aggre- Phone: 216-524-1497 • City of Shaker Heights Planning gate under the eight inches. Because of its porous nature, Email: Email page Towpath Trail Partnership Committee (main page of web- • Horseshoe Lake Masterplan the trail with this surface will need to be vacuumed to keep Type: Public- The National Park Service is a bu- sites): Board of Commissioners of Cuyahoga County, City • Gates Mills Land Conservancy its “pores” open. Just a short distance beyond the trail, a reau in the Department of the Interior. of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks,Cuyahoga County new entrance to West Creek Reservation will be construct- Acting Superintendent: Paul J. Stoehr Engineer, Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, Na- Trails and Connectors ed. A picnic area and limited parking will be available in Volunteers: Yes- At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, volun- tional Park Service, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinat- the coming years at this site. The current entrance near teers perform a wide variety of duties during every season ing Agency, Ohio Canal Corridor, and the Ohio Depart- • Hiking Ohio Parks the bend in Ridgewood Drive will be closed. Plans indi- of the year. In 2008, over 2,300 volunteers donated almost ment of Transportation. • Cleveland Bikeway Masterplan. cate that the trail will then extend along the new entrance 80,000 hours to the park. Our volunteers assist at special Webpages specific to Tow Path: drive to Stewardship Center, which will have a larger park- events, provide information at visitor centers, and lead na- • NPS (Cuyahoga Valley National Park) Funding Sources ing area. ture and history tours. They help build trails, monitor plant • Ohio Canal Corridor Action Plans: and animal populations, and provide administrative assis- • Lake Link Trail (Building Cleveland by Design Existing Funding Sources (Greenprint) • West Creek Green Way tance. We rely on these dedicated volunteers to provide and Park Works) National Scenic Byways Program Grants Funded -In- • Greenway trail http://www.westcreek.org/ the highest level of quality services to our visitors and to • NOACA cludes Ohio and Erie Canalway: Signage- Phase 2, Land WCG%20Description.pdf help us protect our valuable resources. Cuyahoga Valley • Cuyahoga County Tow Path and Greenway Ex- for Ecological Restoration and Recreation Trail; The Mill • Sterns Farm Connector http://www.westcreek. National Park Volunteer Program is co-managed by the tension Creek Connector Trail: Phase 2- Ohio and Erie Canalway org/SFC%20Description.pdf National Park Service and our friends group, the Cuyahoga • Cleveland Bikeway Masterplan and more • West Creek Reservation Trail http://www.west- Valley National Park Association (CVNPA). • DLZ Ohio Department of Development Clean Ohio Fund: in- creek.org/WCR%20Description.pdf Mission: “To preserve and protect for public use and en- • Ohio and Erie Canalway cludes information on Trail Funding (see below), Green • Neighborhood Connector Trail http://www. joyment the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational val- “Land Protected for Cleveland’s Link to the Lake Space Conservation (click here for funded projects), Farm- westcreek.org/WCN%20Description.pdf ues of the Cuyahoga River Valley and to maintain the open Trail, 12/29/09”- land Preservation and Brownfield Revitalization • West Creek Confluence Project http://www. space necessary to the urban environment.” “The only remaining intact corridor available for a new Ohio Department of Natural Resources Grants westcreek.org/Confluence.html What does this mean? It means that we are here to pro- trail in downtown Cleveland has been protected, The 2009 Clean Ohio Trails Grant awards here Funding: Clean Ohio Funds, Donations tect park resources so that you and future generations can Trust for Public Land, ParkWorks Inc., the City of Cleve- Partners: Ohio Department of Natural Resources , Ohio experience, enjoy, and appreciate the Cuyahoga Valley Na- land, and Cuyahoga County announced today. This pur- Metroparks and Public Transit Environmental Protection Agency, US. EPA, Ohio & Erie tional Park you know and love today. Explore this section chase includes over 1.3 miles of continuous property that Canalway, Great Lakes Commission, Lake Erie Commis- of the website to find out how we are working to accom- will serve as the backbone of the future Link to the Lake • Accessibility and barriers to access? GIS exam- sion, Cyrus Eaton Foundation, Cleveland Foundation, plish this mission. Trail.” (TPL) ple→ Jason Russell, Spring ’09 George Gund Foundation,Wal-Mart, Ohio Historical So- Initiatives: For current plans and initiatives click Summit Metroparks • Trailway connectors and greenways? ciety (Ohio Preservation Office), National Park Service, here. Camba? • Traffic counts? NOACA Traffic Counts Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network, State of Ohio – Action Plan: For localized current plans and ini- Ohio Public Works Commission,Northeast Ohio Area- tiatives click here. OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES wide Coordinating Agency Partners: Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cuyahoga Valley Coun- General SOUTHEAST ZONE tryside Conservancy, Cleveland Metroparks, Metro Parks- Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 161

PHASE I: REGIONAL COLLABORA- process with community involvement to help ensure the • How does the space accommodate pedestrians or membered or passed on from one generation to the next? park will be used and loved by its community. For each of others whose access to the space is by transit, bicycles, or • Does the space serve as a place of inspiration or TION LANDSCAPE our four parks – Rocky River, Hinckley, Garfield and For- other means? Is the space welcoming to those with physi- contemplation, or is it considered sacred? est Hills – it will be relevant to look at successful examples cal disabilities or others with special needs? • What is it about the space that contributes to a Methodology of the same type of park around the country as well as un- • Does the space accommodate multiple activities? sense of community? derstanding how the parks are currently used by the local • What purpose does it serve for the surrounding • What makes this space special and worthy of des- Our study of the Regional Collaboration Landscape is community and what their needs and desires are. The data community? ignation as a Great Space? broken down into four sections. Each section offers a se- we collect will help us understand our parks, but it is also • How does the space utilize existing topography, ries of strategies, examples, information and best practices important for site visits to observe how the park is used vistas, or geography? Does it provide interesting visual ex- NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIA- outlining partnership efforts from outside the Cleveland but also to experience and use the parks ourselves. periences, vistas, or other qualities? TION’S NATIONAL INITIATIVES area. • How are murals or other public art incorporated Guidance from the American Planning Association’s Great into the space? [http://ww.nrpa.org/partnerprograms/] Each team member focused on an individual component Public Places award program, the national initiatives of within the regional collaborative landscape of the United the National Recreation and Parks Association, the eleven Activities and Sociability 1. Play States. Benchmarks of excellence in parks and open space principles for creating great community places from the were divided into two sections; planning efforts and the Project for Public Spaces and the parks, recreation and • What activities make the space attractive to peo- In response to a variety of social and environmental fac- research of management strategies within successful sys- open space planning process available from Washington ple and encourage social interaction? (Commerce, enter- tors that have influenced the creation of the “Sedentary tems. State will provide guidance for helping us ensure the four tainment or performances, recreational or sporting, cul- Generation” and the resulting necessity to prevent result- parks we are studying receive the best physical plan and go tural, markets or vending, exhibits, fairs, festivals, special ing chronic diseases and ensure the health of all Ameri- Acquisition mechanisms focusing on public and private through the best process. events, etc.) cans, NRPA has launched a variety of initiatives to bolster options are explored in Part III with a reliance on legal • Does the space provide a sense of comfort and the value of play to ensure the public adopts lifelong hab- tools to assist broader conservation goals. Finally, Part IV APA’s characteristics to determine a Great Public Place & safety to people gathering and using the space? Does the its that contribute to healthy lifestyles. Through NRPA’s focuses on collaborative best practice within the frame- Guidelines for Great Public Spaces: space provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere? vast network of parks and recreation agencies, play is the work of the regional, local and environmental landscape. • How do people interact with one another? Does cornerstone to achieving personal and community health. A number of resources were utilized in order to assemble • Promotes human contact and social activities the space encourage communication or interaction be- Play not only resonates with all people, stimulating creativ- the data within this analysis including classroom lectures • Is safe, welcoming, and accommodating for all tween strangers? ity and inspiration, it also strengthens intergenerational and required readings. On-line resource materials, many users ties, solidifies a direct connection to nature, and promotes available through the Cleveland State University Library, • Has design and architectural features that are vi- Unique Qualities, Traits, and Characteristics physical activity. Of particular focus for NRPA is play and are listed within their particular section. sually interesting America’s youth. Enabling outdoor play for America’s • Promotes community involvement • What makes this public space stand out? What youth in a safe, enjoyable play area is an NRPA priority. In BENCHMARKS OF EXCELLENCE IN OPEN SPACE • Reflects the local culture or history makes it extraordinary or memorable? addition to supporting the association’s responsibility for AND PARK PLANNING • Relates well to bordering uses • Is there variety, a sense of whimsy, or an atmo- promoting children’s rights to play in challenging, but safe • Is well maintained sphere of discovery or pleasant surprise? environment, NRPA also commits to advocating for the ‘’Parks strengthen communities. They increase community • Has a unique or special character • Is there commitment to maintain the space and health and social value that play provides to a child’s physi- cohesion by providing a place for people to get together.’’ to keep it a usable space over time? Does the public have a cal and emotional development. -- Peter Harnik, director of the Green City program for Features and Elements (not all may apply) sense of ownership about the space? How has it changed the Trust for Public Lands over time? 2. Health • What landscape and hardscape features are pres- • Is there a sense of importance about the space? Planning is an important element to ensure a quality park ent? How do they contribute to the unique or special na- What characteristics or qualities contribute to this? Through grants from the Centers for Disease Control and and open space system. Not just the physical plan for the ture of the space? • What is the history of the space, and how is it re- Prevention and numerous funding entities, NRPA’s com- park, planning must include a comprehensive and cohesive 162 From Forest to Lake mitment to improving the nation’s health, combating obe- enough to create a place, physical elements such as seating • Money is not the issue – if the community and or semi-natural state, or planted, and set aside for human sity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, starts in public & new landscaping must be introduced, ensuring manage- other partners are involved in programming, etc. this can recreation and enjoyment, or for the protection of wildlife parks. NRPA is dedicated to advancing programs, through- ment is within the pedestrian circulation patterns, develop help reduce costs; more important is to build enthusiasm or natural habitats”. Every park has its own management out its Park and Recreation system, that: effective relationship between park and surrounding area, for the project that the cost is viewed as less than the ben- system, in order to protect and conserve park land and strive for sense of community and comfortable image. efits. wild life, as well as to enforce state laws and park regula- • Promote healthy and active lifestyles for all • Look for partners – for support and informa- • You are never finished – good public spaces re- tions, and assist park visitors. Americans, regardless of age tion, local institutions, museums, schools, etc. may be good spond to the needs, opinions and ongoing changes of the • Develop relevant and timely health education and sources. community; need to flexible in management and open to BEST PRACTICES research for both the field and the public • You can see a lot just by observing – look at how change to ensure that a great public space stays a great • Advocate on the importance of well-being and people are using (or not using) public spaces and find out public place. Yellowstone National Park fitness Federally and locally what they like/don’t like; once spaces are built, continuing to observe them will help you ascertain how they need to Washington State Department of Community, Trade and As the first National Park in the United States, Yellowstone 3. Environmental Stewardship and Conservation evolve. Economic Development – Parks, Recreation and Open is known as the flagship of the National Parks due to the • Have a vision – not just activities that might take Space Planning Process: large numbers of visitors, even those who live in other In light of growing urban populations and decreasing place there or that the place is comfortable, but that the countries. Factors that contribute to Yellowstone’s elevated natural resources, the importance of early-life outdoor ex- space should inspire a sense of pride. • Consider goals and overall planning framework status include: perience is one of the most important factors influencing • Start with the petunias: experiment, experiment, • Initiate community visioning and ongoing citizen young people’s life-long appreciation for and protection of experiment – the best spaces will experiment with short participation • Wildlife - 7 species of ungulates (bison, moose, nature. NRPA’s support of Park and Recreation Agency’s term improvements that can be tested and refined over • Inventory existing conditions, trends and re- elk, pronghorn), 2 species of bear and 67 other mammals, work on behalf of environmental conservation is multi- time: short term pilot projects; things like new seating, sources/Identify problems and opportunities 322 species of birds, 16 species of fish and, of course, the faceted: outdoor cafes, public art, community gardens, murals, etc. • Develop Goals and priorities to guide parks, rec- gray wolf • Triangulate – “triangulation is the process by reation and open space measures • Plants - There are over 1,100 species of native • Development of sustainable conservation solu- which some external stimulus provides a linkage between • Enlist the support of other local groups, jurisdic- plants tions that emphasize the integration of economic and en- people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as tions and departments • Yellowstone Lake is the largest (132 sq. mi.) high vironmental goals if they knew each other” (Holly Whyte); putting different • Assess parks/open space/recreation needs and altitude (7,732’) lake in north America • Pprograms that connect children to nature elements in relation to each other to stimulate the trian- demands • 9 visitor centers • Advocacy on behalf of environmental issues, gulation process: for example, putting a children’s reading • Develop site selection criteria and priorities, • 12 campgrounds both Federally and locally room in a library near a children’s playground outside and based on community goals • Environmental stewardship ethics for communi- food kiosk nearby, these are going to be used more than • Evaluate plan alternatives, select and adopt the This Park is a major destination for all members of the ties if located independent of each other. (Heather’s notes- on preferred plan family. For the active visitor, the park has thousands of • Promoting green agendas for Park & Recreation the other hand, part of the allure of a Metropark, to me at • Prepare the parks, recreation and open space ele- miles of trails from day hikes to backcountry explorations. Agencies nation-wide least, is the opportunity for solitude and quiet reflection) ment The main attractions are all located on the Grand Loop • They always say “it can’t be done” – starting with • Develop tools to implement your parks, recre- Road. Project for Public Spaces – Eleven Principals for Creating small-scale community-nurturing improvements can dem- ation and open space strategy Great Community Places: onstrate the importance of ‘places’ and help overcome ob- • Adopt and transmit the element • Environmentalists and administration are focus- stacles. ing on implementing all of the components of conserva- • The community is the expert – identify talents & • Form supports function – need to understand BENCHMARKS OF EXCELLENCE IN OPEN SPACE tion biology in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, by set- assets within community, community is source of informa- how the space functions; design is important, but the use AND PARK MANAGEMENT ting ecosystem management strategies, they are assisted by tion. of the place tells you what ‘form’ needs to be accom- NEPA and the World Heritage Committee • Create a place, not a design – a design is not plished. Wikipedia defines park as “a protected area, in its natural • The U.S. Government and the World Wildlife Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 163

Fund ran a program in 1994, called “Save British Colum- ing Summit County, and is developing a Comprehensive ACQUISITION OF GREENSPACE bia’s Forests.” Trail Management Plan (TMP) and Environmental Impact Conservation Easement • On July 7, 1995 the World Heritage Committee Statement (EIS) for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) informed the Department of the Interior that it would (CVNP). This plan is needed to guide the future course This is a legal agreement between a landowner and a quali- send a delegation to comply with requests from the Na- of trail management and development in Ohio’s only Na- The owner’s rights to develop a parcel of land are sold to fied conservation organization or government agency to tional Park Service and by the Assistant Secretary of Fish tional Park. the local government or to a land trust. Most PDR pro- voluntarily restrict the use and development of the prop- & Wildlife. grams are voluntary and offer a viable financial option to erty. Easement grantee (i.e. local government) would hold Washington State Park Growth Management Services interested landowners. a partial interest or some specified right in a parcel of Put-in-Bay land. A conservation, historic preservation, greenspace, or The GMA(Growth Management Act) promotes wide use Benefits: This is a proven technique for local communi- scenic easement is designed to protect a specific sensitive Compared with Yellowstone National Park, is another of limited land and resources which helps conserve open ties with strong support to acquire lands for preservation. natural, historic, or cultural resource. An easement may be park: Put-in-Bay located in Ohio. It emphasizes the value space in Washington communities. In order to enhance Owners who sell development rights receive an income in effect for a specified period of time but is usually per- of history and education rather than the ecosystem. the communities, the GMA calls for the development of and continue to use their land while retaining all other petual. parks and recreation facilities. The park service organiza- rights and property taxes should be reduced. Management of the park is simplified by adopting proper tion collects the survey data and analyzes the participation Benefits: This method can be effective in preserving design strategies and separating the 8-mile island into dif- rates of the area and which facilities will receive the most Drawbacks: Purchasing development rights can be expen- greenspace if it meets mutual goals of landowner and ferent area - Perry’s Monument and the International Peace use and the require the most maintenance. Detailsare pro- sive and this method rarely protects enough land to relieve agency. Easement provisions are tailored to needs of land- Memorial Theme Park. Resident area. entertainment area, vided outlining information about community preferences development pressure on resource land. Available funding owner and site preservation goals. Landowner retains own- camping, bars, shopping stores, fishing are also separated. and needs. (See Table 2.4) may not meet demand for easement purchases and since ership and use of the land. There are potential property, The theme park is a classroom that helps people under- it is a voluntary program this means some resource areas income, and estate tax benefits for donation or bargain stand and appreciate the complexities of the natural world Table 2.4 may be lost. sale of an easement. Easements run with the land, despite and of the historic events that have shaped the island. The changes in ownership. Reduces costs for site protection DOI youth programs initiative offers a tremendous oppor- ACQUISITION MECHANISMS FOR GREENSPACE Purchase of Rights and Other Easements when easements are acquired at less than fair market value tunity to engage young and diverse audiences in their parks for the protected area. through jobs and I&E efforts. In 2012-2015 there will be Acquisition and management of resource lands can be In addition to purchasing development rights, other rights, a Peace Celebration at Put-in-Bay. combined with regulatory measures to broaden the effec- such as the right to timber or extract minerals, could also Drawbacks: A potentially costly baseline survey is required tiveness of a conservation program. If land regulation is be purchased. Other ‘customized’ easements could be de- to identify the extent of natural, historic, or cultural re- Cuyahoga Valley and Cleveland Metroparks temporal, then acquisition of greenspace is permanent. For veloped as needed depending upon the resource in ques- sources within the easement. This method offers less conserving greenspaces and their functions, acquisition is tion. Trail easements, such as those recently purchased for protection than outright acquisition. The easement pur- Cuyahoga Valley National Park encompasses nearly 33,000 the strongest and surest means of protection. Acquisition in the Flats in Cleveland, are an example of this type of chase may be costly, like the one conducted to protect the acres and receives more than 2.8 million recreational visits methods can be divided into two strategic categories: those easement. hillside along the canal in Garfield Reservation. In this each year, making it one of the most-visited National Parks methods where landowners retain ownership of the land technique agreement terms must be carefully and clearly in the United States. and preserve a resource through an easement or other mu- Benefits: This method provides for the protection of sce- outlined. The method is also management intensive: ease- How do the National Park Services operate and plan for tual agreement, and those methods involving a transfer of nic viewshed or forested buffer. It is less expensive than ments must be monitored and enforced; grantee agency the park? One of the biggest programs presently is the title from the owner to a conservation agency. (Note: Con- fee simple acquisition or PDR and provides desired in- must work closely with landowners. Easement grantee Trail Management Plan (TMP). In order to identify is- servation agency refers to a park system, local government, come to owner while keeping resource intact. must possess technical expertise and financial wherewithal sues, assess its existing trail system, establish objectives, land trust, or other conservation organization that holds to monitor and enforce easement. Easement restrictions and develop alternatives for the park’s future trail network. easement or title on the land and is involved in its conser- Drawbacks: Mineral rights or timber rights management may limit property resale opportunities. Tax benefits may National Park Service has adopted a trail management vation management.) issues must be resolved and offers limited applicability for not be sufficient motivation for landowner to donate or plan in cooperation with the Cleveland Metroparks, Serv- protecting greenspace. sell easement. 164 From Forest to Lake

qualify for tax benefits for charitable donation which may Lease offset capital gains tax implications. Land Banking Nonprofit organization (such as land trust) buys a parcel of land and resells it to a local government or other public An agreement between an agency and landowner to rent Drawbacks: This technique can be difficult and time-con- Land is purchased and reserved for later use or develop- agency. This is the typical method for organizations such the land in order to protect and manage a sensitive re- suming to negotiate and depending on the overall value of ment. Land could be leased for immediate use (i.e. agri- as the Trust for Public Land. source. the property, it may still be costly to acquire the land. culture or athletic field) or held for eventual resale with restrictions. Local government functions as a land trust. Benefits: Nonprofits can often move more quickly to pur- Benefits: This is a relatively low cost approach to site pro- Installment Sale Many programs are funded through real estate transfer chase and hold land until the public agency is able to buy tection. The landowner receives income and retains con- taxes. it. This method could reduce acquisition costs for public trol of property. This can present an alternative for pres- A percentage of the purchase price is deferred and paid agency. ervation minded landowners not ready to commit to sale over successive years. Benefits: Local government proactively identifies and pur- of easement. Restrictions can be included in the lease to chases resource land. This method lowers future preserva- Drawbacks: Local government must be willing to purchase direct the activities of the conservation agency on the land. Benefits: This method may provide possible capital gains tion costs by working as a defense against future increases land and assume management responsibilities. tax advantages for seller. in land prices, speculation, and inappropriate development. Drawbacks: This is only a short-term protection strategy DONATION OF GREENSPACE and the leases are not permanent. Drawbacks: Complicates budgeting and financing of ac- Drawbacks: While this method can be expensive, with quisitions. careful research and identification of potential inner-city Outright Donation Fee Simple Acquisition parcels, relatively inexpensive neighboring parcels could be Right of First Refusal acquired. Public agency must have staff to handle land Owner grants full title and ownership to conservation Usually the sale of land at full market value. Ownership trust functions of acquisition, management, lease, or re- agency. and responsibilities are transferred completely to the buyer. Agreement giving conservation agency the option to sale. Real estate transfer tax for land acquisition would re- match an offer and acquire the property if the landowner quire local enabling legislation. Benefits: Obviously, resources can be acquired at very Benefits: This is the most straight forward acquisition is approached by another buyer. low costs to the agency. As part of donation, the receiv- method and provides agency with full control over future Acquisition & Saleback or Leaseback ing agency may receive an endowment for long-term land of property. Benefits: Agency can gain extra time to acquire funds for stewardship. Donor may qualify for income tax deduc- purchase. Agency or private organization acquires land, places pro- tions, estate tax relief, and property tax breaks. Drawbacks: Of all of the techniques this is typically the tective restrictions or covenants on the land, then resells most expensive. Buyer assumes full responsibility for care Drawbacks: Resource may be lost if offer can’t be matched or leases land. Drawbacks: In this method the landowner loses potential and management of property. There is a potential for the by conservation agency. Some landowners are unwilling to income from sale of land and the receiving agency must impacted municipality to lose revenue when land is re- enter into this kind of binding agreement. Benefits: Proceeds from sale or lease can offset acquisition accept responsibility and long-term costs of land manage- moved from tax rolls. Since it is an outright sale there may costs. Land may be more attractive to buyer due to lower ment. Stewardship endowments may make donations cost be capital gains issues for seller. Undivided Interest sale price resulting from restrictions. Management respon- prohibitive for landowner. sibilities assumed by new owner or tenant. Bargain Sale Several parties share ownership in a parcel of land, with Donation via Bequest each owner’s interest extending over the entire parcel. Drawbacks: This can be a complicated procedure. Owner Land is purchased at less than fair market value. The dif- retains responsibility for the land but may have less con- Land is donated to a conservation agency at the owner’s ference between the bargain sale price and the land’s fair Benefits: Changes to property cannot be made unless all trol over the property. Leases may not be suitable on some death through a will. market value becomes a donation. owners agree. protected lands. Benefits: If the grantee has a large estate this method can Benefits: This method reduces acquisition costs. Seller may Drawbacks: Property management can be complicated. Nonprofit Acquisition and Conveyance to Public Agency reduce estate taxes and may benefit heirs with reduced in- Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 165 heritance taxes. It also allows owner to retain full use and demolished school building could be donated by a local within their community. Subsequently two of the candi- in Ohio to have passed Open Space levies for the purpose control over land while alive, while at the same time ensur- school system and converted to a park with an education dates were elected and responded quickly to address the of raising money to preserve open space. Threatened by ing its protection after death. component. Finally, with the current vacant land situation rapid loss of existing greenspace within the Township. increasing annexation pressures from the city of Colum- in Cuyahoga County, an inventory system should be cre- Trustees obtained support in the Ohio House of Repre- bus, township residents have approves two levies to fund Drawbacks: This technique allows no income tax deduc- ated to identify neighboring parcels that may be available sentatives through the Passage of House Bill 717, effective acquisitions as well as appropriating general fund money tion for donation of land through a will and requires care- for incorporation into existing Metroparks reservations June 28, 1990, which permitted Ohio townships to acquire towards this purpose. ful estate planning by the landowner. — without exercise of the power of eminent domain — COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS ownership interests in land, water or wetlands, and to re- The Township Trustees have established committees Donation with Reserved Life Estate store and maintain land, water or wetlands, all for the pur- consisting of both the Village of Granville and Granville “To manage resources in the public interest, agencies must poses of preservation and protection. House Bill 717 also Township to collaborate on the recommendation of pos- In this method the owner retains rights to use all or part of expand their value base in order to understand the range permits townships to submit to the voters a real estate tax sible acquisitions. To date, the Township has purchase par- the donated land for his or her remaining lifetime and the of public groups: their concerns and how to reach them. levy of up to five years to finance such activities. cels totaling approximately 536 acres, conservation ease- lifetimes of designated family members. To do this requires interaction with people of different ments, designed to limit development, have been purchase values and cultures, which by definition means building Shortly after the passage of the legislation a grassroots ef- on an additional 232 acres. Benefits: This method allows owner to continue living on bridges with the world outside agency walls.” fort was undertaken in Anderson to convince township and using the property during his or her lifetime while en- - Julia M. Wondolleck and Steven L. Yaffee voters to approve a ballot initiative to forward the objec- Hinckley Township, Ohio suring the land’s protection and allows the designation of - Making Collaboration Work: Lessons from Innovation tives outlined in the legislation. At the November 6, 1990 family members to remain on land. in Natural Resource Management general election a 9/10 of a mill five-year greenspace levy In 2006, newly elected trustee Ron Garapick followed in was approved. Shortly thereafter a Greenspace Adviso- the footsteps of Anderson Township and initiated a simi- Drawbacks: The tax benefits for this technique may be lim- Collaborative relationships are essential in solving prob- ry Committee of citizens and one township trustee was lar ballot measure in Hinckley. A committee including Ga- ited and some types of open space may not qualify. This lems which neither party can solve individually. Agencies formed to recommend to the Board of Township Trustees rapick and three residents forwarded the initiative to area method can delay transfer of the land to the conservation can no longer exist within a silo and must build links with of Anderson Township appropriate parcels for acquisition residents. The 0.9 mill, five year levy as proposed would agency for a long period of time. outside interests and like agencies that share common in- using monies derived from the passage of the levy. The have raised approximately a quarter of a million dollars terests. A focus on broadening the tradition notion of levy was subsequently renewed by the voters in November, annually, opening the door to a wide variety of acquisition collaborative relationships while developing partnerships 1995. options, including grants, easements and land donations. Conclusions/Recommendations that bridge long-standing boundaries of organizational Voters turned down the levy at the November 7, 2006 gen- affiliations, personal interests and perceptions, geography Guiding the committee in this process has been the estab- eral election by a vote of 1506 to 659. As is evident by the above list, there are numerous meth- and jurisdictions is the scope of this analysis. lishment of criteria in the evaluation of parcels considered ods for acquiring land for conservation purposes. Each for acquisition and the value of the parcel to the Town- Resources: www.tpl.org Local Greenprinting for Growth: technique has benefits and drawbacks with multiple impli- By presenting a series of best management practices across ship’s overall greenspace program. The criteria include Volume III: Securing Conservation Funding. cations for a variety of issues. Any park system evaluating several themes, it is the intent to provide alternative sce- visual and natural quality, susceptibility of the parcel to http://www.andersontownship.org/, http:// methods for obtaining land must base decisions on a care- narios whereby stakeholders expand their sense of value development, the potential to provide a buffer or green- www.granvilletownship.org/ ful consideration of the circumstances involved in each and responsibility toward natural resource protection. way to existing open space, geographical balance and of ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT particular case. Guiding principles for land acquisition by LOCAL CONSERVATION FINANCE MEASURES course, cost and long-term maintenance. To date over 72 the Cleveland Metroparks should be Conservation, Educa- parcels encompassing 686.39 acres have been preserved Looking beyond the confines of local governments to tion and Recreation. If land is available for a donated con- Anderson Township, Ohio within the Township. forge partnerships with other governmental entities, non- servation easement, then this would fit within financing profit land trusts, the business community, farmers and issues and the Conservation principle. If land is available In 1989, trustee candidates in Anderson Township, located Granville Township, Ohio rancher, developers, and volunteers provide an avenue to at a bargain price with no restrictions, then this could be near Cincinnati, ran for election on a platform focusing broaden the scope of individual ecosystem management used for any of the above principles. Land from a recently on a free-market approach to preservation of greenspace Granville Township is another one of the few townships strategies. This section will offer several examples of Best 166 From Forest to Lake

Practice in Ecosystem Management. idea was to provide a setting in which people, who usually Branch Watershed Planning Partnerships. The program • State Program Inventory fought with one another, could work together. approved state-wide in 2009, focuses on regional land-use • Financial and Technical Special Incentives The Applegate Partnership policies and is structured to align state policies, incentives, • The implementation of recommended model Several elements unique to the partnership separate itself funding and other resources to support watershed balance regulations to help promote best local land use practices The Applegate Partnership was founded in 1992 to pro- from many other regional collaborative efforts, including: growth planning and implementation. This partnership that minimize impacts of water quality and provide for vide a community-based approach to working with the combines representatives from the conservation, develop- well planned development that reduces urban sprawl, pro- ecological and economic issues that affected the members • The group meets four times a month to ensure ment and agricultural communities as well as individuals tects natural resources and encourages development in ur- of the Applegate River watershed region. The Applegate that as many people as possible have an opportunity to from local and regional infrastructure and planning agen- ban areas. River watershed encompasses an area of 500,000 acres in participate and share their concerns and ideas. cies to further the shared priority of protecting and re- Jackson and Josephine counties in southern Oregon and • There exist no hierarchical structure so all par- storing Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and Ohio’s watersheds The Chicago Wilderness Project Siskiyou County in California. Sixty-one percent of the ticipants have equal status, an important consideration to assure long-term economic competitiveness, ecological land is publicly owned and thirty-one percent is held in in maintain relationships between people with opposing health, and quality of life. Chicago Wilderness is a regional nature preserve encom- private ownership. views. passing more than 250,000 acres across portion of three The partnership’s mission was formulated to address the • The Partnership provides ongoing educational The program is provided support from the Ohio Lake Erie states – southeastern Wisconsin, northeastern Illinois and ongoing conflict over the management of the region’s pub- and outreach efforts that include local households and ab- Commission. The Lake Erie Commission’s role is to pre- northwestern Indiana. This region is one of the few met- lic forest lands. Environmentalists, timber industry repre- sentee land owners. serve and protect Lake Erie’s natural resources, protect the ropolitan areas remaining that offer a high concentration sentatives, federal agency land managers ranchers, farmers ecological quality of its watershed, and promote economic of globally significant natural communities, including tall- and community representatives came together to forge a Through their shared concern of maintaining a healthy development of Ohio’s North Coast and includes repre- grass prairies, oak woodlands, marshes and bogs. mutual agreement that would address both the ecological resilient forest ecosystem, dialogue has been fostered of- sentation from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agen- and economic issues over which they had been fighting. fering participants equal opportunities to discuss problems cy, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department In the 1990s a collaborative effort to save these remain- and forward negotiations. a result of the partnership is that of Development, Ohio Department of Natural Resources ing natural communities and their inhabitants was formed, The Applegate Partnership’s mission statement clearly de- former enemies now regard each other as decent people and the Ohio Department of Transportation. Additional area conservation groups created an alliance of more than fines its participants, it’s ecological and economic mission and the ongoing health and sustainability of the watershed local support of the program is provided by county com- 175 public and private organizations and formed the Chi- and its methods for carrying it out: region. missioners, county agencies and local communities within cago Wilderness consortium. Together these groups work the various watersheds. toward protecting, restoring, studying and managing the “ The Applegate Partnership is a community-based project Resources: Su Rolle, Measures of Progress for: natural ecosystems of the Chicago region, enriching the involving industry, conservation groups, natural resource Case Study of the Applegate Partnership. US Department Integral to the program is the identification and designa- quality of life for area residents and contributing to the agencies and residents cooperating to encourage and fa- of Agriculture Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research tion of specific areas within the watersheds including: Pri- preservation of global biodiversity. The group considers cilitate the use of natural resource principles that promote Station General Technical Report PNW-GTR-565, Octo- ority Conservation Areas (PCAs) ; Priority Development itself to be a network of partnerships and a facilitator of ecosystem health and diversity. ber 2002. http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/gtr565.pdf Areas (PDAs); and Priority Agricultural Areas (PAAs). collaboration. The choice to not define itself as an indi- Through community involvement and education, this http://www.reo.gov/ama/applegate_info/ap- The definition of specific areas provide participating -po vidual entity reduces competition between Chicago Wil- partnership supports management of all land within the plegate_partnership.htm litical jurisdictions a guide for implementing land-use poli- derness and its member organizations. [Applegate] watershed in a manner that sustains natural re- http://www.sustainable.org/casestudies/SIA_ cies and best management practices that achieve the goals sources and that will, in turn, contribute to the economic PDFs/SIA_Oregon.pdf and objectives identified in the Rocky River Watershed Ac- Membership in the Chicago Wilderness varies greatly and and community well-being within the Applegate Valley.” tion plan such as the protection of riparian corridors along consists of federal, state and local governments; munici- the Rocky River as well as a guide for future development. palities and park districts; large nongovernmental conser- The mission statement is an example of why the partner- Ohio Balanced Growth Program vation organizations; small volunteer groups; educational ship has continued to build local cooperation and was Key components of the program include: and research organizations; cultural institutions; and more. cited by the Department of the Interior as a model for This program is a voluntary, incentive-based strategy devel- Recognizing that business corporations play an important other forest-based communities. From its inception, the oped through the efforts of the Rocky River Upper West • State Incentives for Local Governments role in promoting community vitality and quality of life Envisioning the Emerald Necklace 167 membership was expanded in 2002 to include for-profit From the nurturing of community gardens and tree cano- organizations. To date over 25 for-profit organizations This environmentally focused offshoot of the AmeriCorps pies within the city to Green Initiatives including storm have pledged their support towards the mission of Chi- program provides opportunities for recent college gradu- water management education and green roofs. Philadel- cago Wilderness. ates to improve Minnesota’s environment, while gaining phia Green is an all-encompassing integration of resource experience and learning valuable job skills. Members are management and community development within the ur- Guided by principles realizing that nature does not rec- working on projects in areas such as the Three Rivers Park ban framework. Additional contributions include provid- ognize political or institutional boundaries a collaborative District located in the western suburbs of the Minneapo- ing ongoing maintenance support and programming to approach toward resource management is protecting thou- lis/St. Paul Metro area of Minnesota is a 2009-2010 host works with existing park facilities and local governments sands of species of native plants and animals living peace- site for the Minnesota GreenCorp program. to provide connect city residents with the natural world, fully among the more than nine million people who also vacant lot revitalization and economic initiatives. call the region home. This 27,000 acre park is hosting a Local Government Energy Conservation project through the GreenCorps Philadelphia Green continues to expand its strength and Resources: http://www.chicagowilderness.org. program. Project participants will establish baselines for capacity with new partnerships and community-based ini- greenhouse gas emission and water consumption for dis- tiatives, helping lead the city toward a “sustainable” future COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS THAT ENHANCE trict facilities and fleets, and will identify and recommend by partnering with the city of Philadelphia on a broad- THE REGION areas for energy and water conservation as well as fuel use. based planning process known as GreenPlan Philadelphia. This information will then be shared with like entities. This collaboration was created in 2006 to research and Sharing the wide-ranging talents of agency staff within a develop open space planning issues and implement the region may provide positive role models for residents in Resources: http://www.threeriversparks.org recommendations into the organizational structure of the urban environments. The field of public resource manage- http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/download/mngreen- city’s departments. ment also provides a training ground for youngsters at risk corps-projects.pdf while offering interactive exposure to science education Resources: http://www.pennsylvaniahorticultural- and a broader understanding of the value and shared re- Philadelphia’s Horticultural Society (PHS) – Philadelphia society.org/phlgreen/index.html sponsibility of our natural resources. Green http://philadelphiagreen.wordpress. com/ Minnesota Green Corps This program is referred to as “The nation’s largest urban http://www.greenplanphiladelphia. greening program”. PHS’s Green City Strategy promotes com/ Minnesota Green Corps is a statewide initiative to help a comprehensive approach to revitalizing and maintaining CONCLUSION preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while train- the city’s green infrastructure as a key element in urban ing a new generation of environmental professionals. Es- renewal. Philadelphia Green puts this approach into action As the evidence listed above presents, the concept of tablished in 2009 and coordinated by the Minnesota Pollu- by collaborating with local residents, community groups, building supportive networks of people, ideas and insti- tion Control Agency the program aims to: government, and businesses and includes the following tutions has been proven to effectively enhance resource goals: management. While the importance of the leadership that • Respond to higher energy costs by local govern- provides a framework from which all success radiates can- ments • Develop and preserve community green space not be underestimated, nor can the importance of success- • Assist community members to take eco friendly • Revitalize parks and public spaces ful collaborations on a regional scale that involves broad actions • Reclaim abandoned land participation. • Reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants • Support open space planning • Transition to a green economy • Build community capacity • Train new environmental professionals 168 From Forest to Lake

METHODOLOGY – DATA AND MONI- average household net income. of Cleveland. Of all the foreclosures in Cleveland, less TORING than ten percent were tax foreclosures. METHODOLOGY – USER SURVEY The buffer distances and data were then entered into Arc- GIS where they were joined, producing a layer with rel- Additional sources include: Demographic Data Sources The purpose of the survey was to obtain data regarding evant census block group data. A Cleveland Metroparks http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/cwp/pop_trend.php the demographic composition of Cleveland Metroparks layer was proved by the Cleveland Metroparks. A map of http://www.realtytrac.com 2000 US Census Block Group visitors; satisfaction of park resources, facilities and pro- the seven-county region of northeast Ohio, including the http://hdl.handle.net/10161/322 2009 Estimate and 2014 Projection Spatial Insights, Inc gramming; and overall value of the Metroparks mission Metroparks layer was produced, and the seven buffer dis- http://www.obm.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_obm/en-US/ of conservation, education and recreation. tances and the corresponding block group data were added MoodysRatingRpt.pdf Buffer Maps and Data to the map. The data was then exported in Excel format, The data gathered in the research process will aid in where the data could be manipulated and charted for a re- GIS Library The source of the data for this component was provided determining future planning objectives of the Cleveland gional overview. by Spatial Insights, Inc., a firm that offers estimated and Metroparks. The survey process consisted of both a face- A library of Geographic Information Services (GIS) lay- projected census block group data for population and to-face user survey and a web-based survey. Teams were Before charting the data, a calculation was run to estab- ers (files) were collected to undertake analytical efforts and housing. The data provided was for years 2009, 2014, and assembled to administer the survey within three Me- lish an average home value, which was not provided by produce figures for illustrative purposes. Sources include: 2019. To gather data related to predetermined distances troparks reservations: Garfield; Hinckley and Rocky River. the Spatial Insights, Inc. However, average home equity from the Cleveland Metroparks, the first step was to iden- The Cleveland Metroparks face-to-face survey was and average mortgage values were provided by Spatial In- Cleveland Metroparks tify the relevant buffers or distances. In order to support conducted over the week of March 24th to March 31st, sights. Therefore, these two values were added together to Hydrology Layers the economic valuation process discussed above, distances 2010. All observations that were recorded as part of the reach an average home value. Graphs were then produced Watershed Layers of 0-200 feet, 201-400 feet, 401-600 feet, 601-800 feet, process were carried out on one or more days during this for 2009 income relative to distance from the Metroparks, Forest Cover 801-1000 feet, 1001-1200 feet, and 1201-1500 feet were time period. Each student was assigned a location within education level in 2009 relative to distance, and average Impervious Surfaces chosen. the primary research areas and partnered with a classmate 2009 home value relative to distance. Cleveland Metropark Facilities to administer the survey face-to-face with Cleveland Me- Cleveland Metropark Boundaries It was further determined that the following data was re- troparks users. Each student was provided a badge clearly Land Use Data Cuyahoga County Auditor quired for a comprehensive analysis of the surrounding identifying them as a Cleveland State University student. Parcel Layer communities: total housing units (2009); units occupied In order to assure a broad sample of users within the Land use data was created using four sources: The County Streets (2009); units vacant (2009); total population (2009); popu- three Metroparks reservations, surveys were conducted Cuyahoga County Office of the Auditor (2009 tax land County Rail Lines lation age 0-9; population age 10-19; population age 20-24; in two-hour shifts that encompassed both weekday and use codes); Cuyahoga County Government (2008 aerial Municipal Boundaries population age 25-39;, population age 40-64; population weekend use, as well as morning, afternoon and evening photography), Bing.com (circa 2007 oblique photography); Medina County Auditor age 65+; total family households; average household size; times. Subjects were surveyed individually, requiring one and field research. Parcel Layer total population male; total population female; total popu- survey sheet each. County Streets lation white; total population African-American; total pop- The face to face survey included 29 questions regarding Foreclosure Data County Rail Lines ulation Asian; total population Hispanic; population with the Cleveland Metroparks and nine regarding research Municipal Boundaries education less than high school; population with a high subject demographics. Several questions were open-end- The foreclosure data primarily used in the illustrative ex- The following layers were created by the participants of school diploma; total population with an associates degree; ed. This survey generated 213 responses. amples were gathered from transfer records of Sheriff the project: total population with a bachelor’s degree; total population sales within Cuyahoga County (source: Cuyahoga County All Forest Hill Layers with graduate or professional degree; total households; av- A condensed (ten question) survey was posted online be- Auditor). This data source is more desirable than foreclo- Forest Cover Polygon erage family size; households with no vehicles; households tween the dates of April 15th and April 26th, 2010. The sure filings because Sheriff sales is available back several Conflated US Census TIGER Census Block Layer with one vehicle; households with two or more vehicles; survey was distributed via social media and consisted of years with a higher degree of reliability. Sheriff sales in- Sensitive Areas within Cleveland Metroparks population in residence for ten years; median household student contact lists and Facebook accounts. The survey clude both tax and mortgage foreclosure procedures. The Social Context Boundaries income; median family income; median discretionary in- was also available on the Hinckley Township webpage. vast majority of tax foreclosures occurred within the City Cleveland Metropark Planning Region Polygon come; average home equity; average home mortgage; and This survey generated 363 responses.