The Lower Black River Habitat Restoration effort is a consortium of seven separate ecological restoration projects along the lower Black River, in the City of Lorain, Ohio. To date, the City has received nearly $10 million of grant funds to restore habitat within and adjacent to the river. The projects will result in restoration of over 23 acres of active floodplain wetlands, 7 acres of upland riparian areas, and 5,000 linear feet of eroding river banks. The projects will also improve in-stream habitat for fish, including over 7,000 linear feet of fish habitat shelves, rootwad revetments, and boulder clusters. The projects will also remove invasive species and install over 20,000 native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

Portions of the effort have been funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the Ohio EPA, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) through Ohio EPA.

Public outreach and education efforts will introduce the second annual Black River Kayak-A-Thon (see below), the first of its kind on the Black. This event will be coupled with the Lorain International Festival on June 23, 2012. The Kayak-A-Thon and other public outreach activities are designed to get the public involved and educated about ecological restoration efforts that are underway to improve fish habitat, recreational opportunities, and water quality in the lower Black River.

The second annual Black River Kayak-A-Thon will be held on June 23rd, 2012 before the Lorain International Festival. This event will include competitive races as well as a casual float for those who want to take their time and view the restoration projects. This event is being held to encourage recreation on the Black River and celebrate the restoration efforts that are underway along the river.

Get more info & register today!