Davey Resource Group

Parma, Seven Hills, Brooklyn Heights, and Independence, Ohio: DRG Recommends Water Quality Improvements, Erosion & Habitat Restoration

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West Creek is a nine-mile stream flowing through urbanized and residential areas. Despite the developed landscape of the watershed, West Creek maintains a relatively undisturbed valley and riparian area. Davey Resource Group performed an ecological survey including a biocriteria study and riparian area assessment. In this assessment, Davey Resource Group sampled fish, macroinvertebrates, and habitat quality. Riparian vegetation and areas of streambank erosion were key issues that Davey Resource Group characterized, analyzed, and mapped to determine overall water quality of West Creek. Based on the results of these investigations, Davey Resource Group scientists provided recommendations to improve water quality in the creek, as well as bioengineering solutions to prevent erosion and restore degraded physical habitats.