Davey Tree : Ecological Services : Project Profiles : Portage County, Ohio: Open Space Inventory


Portage County, Ohio: Open Space Inventory

Davey Resource Group was commissioned by the Portage County Regional Planning Commission to identify, assess, and map the natural areas and open spaces in Portage County, Ohio. These data were critical in helping Portage County develop a watersheds plan to protect and enhance watershed health. The information will also be used by the Portage Park District to identify and preserve significant natural areas.

Both color and black and white aerial photographs were the most important resource used in performing the open space inventory. In addition, other available GIS data from U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA, Youngstown State University, the Mahoning River Consortium, and other sources were obtained for the study. Satellite imagery from 1994 was also used. Following the remote sensing work, some field verification was performed to ensure data quality.

Many GIS data layers were compiled including:
• Wetlands
• Woodlands
• Streams
• Subwatersheds
• Steep slopes
• Impervious Surfaces

In addition, other data layers were developed for Portage County using a variety of resources:
- Water quality data were compiled and mapped using U.S. EPA and Ohio EPA databases for impaired waters and approved Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).
- Riparian corridors were identified for all streams and rivers shown on USGS maps. Land use, topography, wetlands, FEMA floodplains, and vegetation community types were considered when determining the width of a stream’s riparian zone.
- Impaired sites, such as landfills, mining operations, and other large disturbances were mapped using aerial photograph interpretation. In addition, U.S. EPA databases were queried to obtain locations of Superfund sites and CERCLIS sites.