Project Summary
West Creek’s conservation and restoration projects often require numerous funding sources and a diverse coalition of stakeholders to complete; the Talcott Creek Restoration project is a perfect example of the “funding spaghetti” needed to make these projects come to life.
This project entails acquisition of a 114-acre property in Thompson Township, Geauga County, and restoration of a 47-acre farm field along 1,200 linear feet of Talcott Creek. Talcott Creek is an EPA-designated cold water stream that supports diverse, high-quality aquatic biological communities, and is a tributary to the State Wild and Scenic Grand River. However, the ~0.25 mile stretch that runs through the Talcott Creek Restoration project area has been channelized and ditched, resulting in the degradation of habitat and water quality.
In 2024, West Creek secured over $1.5M in funding through three funding sources – the Great Lakes Commission’s Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program; the Ohio EPA’s 319 program; and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ H2Ohio program – for the Talcott Creek Restoration project. Design of the restoration concept is underway, and we look forward to breaking ground in 2025!
Project Partners
The Talcott Creek Restoration project is made possible through funding support from the Great Lakes Commission, Ohio EPA, and ODNR.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
Ongoing restoration efforts – including restoring a more natural stream channel geometry and converting the agricultural field on both sides of the stream to wetland, forest and meadow habitat – will significantly reduce runoff and associated nutrient and sediment loading into Talcott Creek while restoring native vegetative communities and creating localized riparian wildlife habitat. Restoration activities are estimated to reduce nitrogen loading by 256 pounds/year, phosphorus loading by 86 pounds/year, and sediment loading by 141 tons/year, supporting improved water quality in Talcott Creek and downstream in the Grand River.
Our Gallery
