Advocates point to work in Maumee as proof of what's possible

Advocates highlighted restoration work in Maumee, Ohio, as proof of what’s possible in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Over two decades, the Western Lake Erie Basin Partnership—built with agencies, universities, farm groups, and conservation organizations—has funded projects aimed at reducing phosphorus pollution and restoring wetlands and wildlife habitat. The Aug. 12 river tour culminated a day-long meeting at Toledo Metroparks’ Glass City Pavilion, focusing on a habitat project rebuilding and improving more than 83 acres at Clark and Delaware/Horseshoe islands. The effort cost about $13 million, led by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and the city, with funding from H2Ohio and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. A stated goal is blunting waves and trapping sediment and nutrients before they reach Lake Erie.