Photos Above – The Sugar Creek stream channel immediately east/upstream of Swaney Road.  Prior to construction in October 2007 (left), nearing the end of construction in July 2008 (center), and after the seeding and tree planting was completed in October 2008 (right).  Photos provided by Greater Ohio Ethanol and the Ottawa River Coalition.  Click images for larger view.

Summary

Construction on a two-stage ditch demonstration project in Northeastern Allen County, Ohio was completed in August 2008.  A significant portion of the funding was provided by a grant from the Great Lakes Commission under the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control.  The Ottawa River Coalition facilitated the grant in partnership with Greater Ohio Ethanol as a means of extending and adding stability to a stream restoration mitigation project immediately downstream.  The Ottawa River Coalition and the Allen County Engineer’s Office are using the opportunity of the mitigation restoration and the grant funded project to establish the two-stage ditch practice as the first of its kind in Allen County, and to evaluate its long term function and viability.  A key feature of the demonstration site is its easy access and viewing by the public.