Evaluating Stream Stewardship Activities in the Cuyahoga River Watershed

The Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization (CRCPO) launched Stream Stewardship Programs in the Big Creek and Yellow Creek watersheds to reduce nonpoint source pollution as part of the Cuyahoga Remedial Action Plan. The long-term goal was to build self-sustaining, community-based stewardship programs that could be replicated throughout the Cuyahoga River watershed.

TerrAqua evaluated the effectiveness of both programs by assessing their success in increasing public awareness of watershed issues, encouraging citizen participation, improving local capacity to address water quality problems, and restoring stream and riparian habitats. We identified which program elements were most effective and under what conditions, and examined measurable environmental outcomes such as reductions in pollutant levels, expansion of riparian buffers, and acres of habitat restored.

We also evaluated each community’s readiness to sustain its stewardship efforts independently, providing recommendations to help CRCPO transition program leadership to local organizations and volunteers. Our recommendations focused on strengthening organizational capacity and establishing long-term stewardship goals that are measurable, achievable, and motivating for the community.

Client: Cuyahoga River Restoration