The Lake Erie Geographic Information System (LEGIS)is part of the Great Lakes GIS, a basin-wide GIS thatserves as a tool for science inquiry and a
comprehensiveresource for Great Lakes basin resource managers.
Lead Agency:
USFWS, USEPA, MDNR, GLFC
Contact:
Partners:
Links:
Documents
Great Lakes Aquatic and Coastal GAP
Rehabilitation Strategies
Lake Erie basin
Lake Erie
Ongoing
Programs
(workshops, tools, etc.)
Location:
Great Lakes Basin
Description:
The goal of the Great Lakes Aquatic and Coastal GAP Programs is to evaluate the biological diversity of aquatic species and their habitats in the Great Lakes.
Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), maps of aquatic and coastal habitats along with fish distribution can be used to identify gaps in the
distribution and protection of aquatic species and their habitats within the Great Lakes basin. These programs will develop maps of ecoregional drainage
units in a GIS framework, provide hierarchical habitat classification schemes, and allow for modeling of aquatic species-habitat affinities and interactions.
Mapping project designed to identify and prioritize sites for aquatic conservation in Canadian Great Lakes watersheds; similar to GAP projects and TNC
initiative in the US
Lead Agency:
Nature Conservancy of Canada, OMNR
Contact:
Partners:
The Nature Conservancy (US)
Links:
Documents
Guidance for Proposals Linked to
Rehabilitation Projects
Lake Erie basin
Lake Erie
Completed - priorities list
Environmental Objectives under the
(Implementation)
incorporated into GLFC USFWS
Restoration Act RFP for 2006
USFWS Restoration Act
Location:
Great Lakes Basin
Description:
The goal was to develop a prioritized list of draft environmental objectives across the Great Lakes basin that have the most significance as related to
achievement of the Fish Community Goals and Objectives that would be used by the CLC for setting funding priorities for the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife
Restoration Act Grant cycle.
Lead Agency:
GLFC, OMNR, ODNR
Contact:
J. Tyson, Sandusky Fish Research Unit, ODNR, 305 E. Shoreline Dr. Sandusky, Ohio 44
Partners:
GLFC and all Lake Committees
Links:
Documents
Reference #13
Lake Erie Binational Habitat Mapping
Rehabilitation Strategies
Lake Erie basin
Lake Erie
Ongoing, Completion Date
Project
(workshops, tools, etc.)
December 2006
Location:
Lake Erie
Description:
Development of a comprehensive habitat classification system for the entire Lake Erie basin that includes terrestrial, inland lakes and tributaries, wetlands,
and coastal margin, nearshore, and open-water offshore areas. Dynamic classification scheme is based fundamental integrity components (physical,
chemical, and biological) and uses existing geospatial datasets and coverages. Aquatic classification scheme will be three-dimensional and integrate
geospatial data from coastal margin, nearshore, and offshore areas of Lake Erie.
Lead Agency:
NRRI - University of Minnesota
Contact:
S. Mackey, Habitat Solutions, Beach Park, IL 60087
Creation of a strategy to address habitat issues within the Lake Erie Basin. Includes 1) Guiding principals, goals and objectives 2) Listing of relevant
management strategies already in place 3) Listing of priority watersheds on which to focus attention and 4) Criteria and tools for choosing additional priority
watersheds.
Lead Agency:
EC
Contact:
J. Tyson, Sandusky Fish Research Unit, ODNR, 305 E. Shoreline Dr. Sandusky, Ohio 44 / OR / Jennifer Vincent, 867 Lakeshore Road Burlington, ON L7R
An ongoing series of workshops designed to focus management needs and coordinate research toward a better understanding the Great Lakes ecosystem.
To date: Habitat Classification (Dec 2002), Habitat Restoration and Protection (Feb 2003). 2005 meetings to tackle i) predicting the effects of changing
water levels, modeling the Huron/Erie Corridor/Lake St.Clair system and iii) research protection and restoration planning for HEC, LSC aquatic habitats.
Lead Agency:
GL Millennium Network
Contact:
J. Ciborowski, 36 Biology Building, U. of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4
The National Fish Habitat Action Plan is "a nationwide effort that harnesses the energies, expertise and existing partnerships of state and federal agencies
and conservation organizations." This is an effort to develop partnerships in the lower lakes with an emphasis on restoration, protections and enhancement
of fish habitat in Lake Erie tributaries and their associated watersheds.
Lead Agency:
National Fish Habitat Initiative
Contact:
K. Fynn-AikinsLower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office, Amherst, NYkofi_fynnaikins@fws.gov
Partners:
Various local, state, federal, academic and non-traditional organizations
Designing, financially supporting and assisting the conversion of marginal farmland to wetland via the breaking of drainage tile and introducing small
structure to facilitate the holding of water.
Lead Agency:
OMNR (Aylmer District)
Contact:
D. Richards, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aylmer, Ontario
Partners:
Links:
Documents
Lakewide Projects
Cedar Creek, Rondeau, Big Creek
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Lake Erie Coastal- and Thames River-
Habitat monitoring and
West-central basin
n/a
summer 2006
Wetland assessments and evaluation
evaluation
Location:
L.E. north shore and Thames river watershed
Description:
Evaluation, ranking and mapping of coastal wetlands in Aylmer District as well as select wetlands in the Thames River watershed.
Lead Agency:
OMNR (Aylmer)
Contact:
D. Richards, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aylmer, Ontario
Partners:
UTRCA
Links:
Documents
Chautauqua-Conneaut
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Crooked Creek Holliday Site Stream
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Crooked Creek
2011
Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Holliday Farms
Description:
This project is a habitat improvement effort.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
NRCS Property Owner
Links:
Documents
Design
East Branch of Conneaut Creek
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
East Branch of Conneaut Creek, PA
Completed 2010
Albion Park Stream Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Albion Park
Description:
This project is a habitat improvement effort.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16354
Partners:
Albion Sportsmans Club
Links:
Documents
Design and Permits
East Branch of Conneaut Creek
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
East Branch of Conneaut Creek, PA
2009 Ongoing
Impoundments Preliminary
Implementing strategies,
Restoration Plan
Location:
Erie County
Description:
The PRP has been completed for this project and the project has advanced to the feasibility, design phase. The project involves improving fish passage to a
reach of East Branch of Conneaut Creek by the removal of two dams near Albion PA, restoration of the stream reach impacted by the dam, and the
construction of a sea lamprey control barrier. Results of this feasibility and design phase will determine future direction of this project
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16353
Partners:
US Army Crop of Engineers, Albion Sportsmen's Club
Links:
Documents
Final PRP, Feasibility Study
Elk Creek, Folleys End Stream
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Elk Creek
2011
Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Folleys End
Description:
This project is a habitat improvement effort.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
NRCS Property Owner
Links:
Documents
Design
Elk Creek, McKean Reach Stream
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Elk Creek
2011 ongoing
Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Huya Site
Description:
The PRP is under development for this project with anticipation to advance to the feasibility / design phase in 2011.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
US Army Crop of Engineers,
Links:
Documents
PRP
Formile Creek Fish Passage
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Four Mile Creek, PA
2010 Ongoing
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Cassidy Park Millcreek Township
Description:
The project will provide passage at two fish passage barriers.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
Lawrence Park Township, DCNR, CZM, Lawrence Park Golfcourse, USF&WS
Links:
Documents
Maumee, Ashtabula-Chagrin
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Ohio's Lake Erie Balanced Growth
Rehabilitation Strategies
West-central basin
n/a
2005-2008
Program
(workshops, tools, etc.)
Location:
Pilot projects: Chagrin, Rocky and Swan Creek watersheds
Description:
Pilot watersheds are developing Watershed Balanced Growth Plans, which are a regional framework for coordinated, local decision making about how growth
and conservation should be promoted by local and state policies and investments.
Lead Agency:
Ohio Lake Erie Commission
Contact:
Partners:
Links:
Documents
Projects Located Across Multiple Basins
Ashtabula-Chagrin
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Ashtabula River AOC
Rehabilitation Projects
Central basin
n/a
Ongoing
(Implementation)
Location:
Ashtabula River, OH
Description:
Ongoing rehab via implementation of RAP: details [http://www.epa.gov/ashtabula-river-aoc]
Lead Agency:
OEPA: RAP co-ordinator
Contact:
Partners:
Extensive list of government, industry and NGO,see website
Evaluation, ranking and mapping of coastal wetlands in Aylmer District as well as select wetlands in the Thames River watershed.
Lead Agency:
OMNR (Aylmer)
Contact:
D. Richards, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aylmer, Ontario
Partners:
UTRCA
Links:
Documents
Chautauqua-Conneaut
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Cassidy Park Fish Habitat and
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Walnut Creek, PA
2011
Hyporheic Zone Improvement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Lawrence Park Golfcourse
Description:
This project is a habitat improvement effort.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16355
Partners:
Steelhead Association, Millcreek Township
Links:
Documents
GLRI Grant Agreement Design
Chautauqua Creek Fish Passage
Rehabilitation Projects
Central basin
n/a
2006 to completion
Project
(Implementation)
Location:
Chautauqua Creek, NY
Description:
This is the initial phase of an investigations into feasibility, costs, and benefits associated with fish passage at a pair of dams near Westfield, NY on
Chautauqua Ck. Results of this initial study will determine future direction of this project.
Lead Agency:
US Army Corp of Engineers, Erie County, Village of Westfield, USFWS, and NY Rivers United
Contact:
J. Markham, Lake Erie Fisheries Unit – NYSDEC, Dunkirk, NY 14048-1031
Partners:
NYSDEC, Red House Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Links:
Documents
Crooked Creek Holliday Site Stream
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Crooked Creek
2011
Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Holliday Farms
Description:
This project is a habitat improvement effort.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
NRCS Property Owner
Links:
Documents
Design
East Branch of Conneaut Creek
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
East Branch of Conneaut Creek, PA
Completed 2010
Albion Park Stream Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Albion Park
Description:
This project is a habitat improvement effort.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16354
Partners:
Albion Sportsmans Club
Links:
Documents
Design and Permits
East Branch of Conneaut Creek
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
East Branch of Conneaut Creek, PA
2009 Ongoing
Impoundments Preliminary
Implementing strategies,
Restoration Plan
Location:
Erie County
Description:
The PRP has been completed for this project and the project has advanced to the feasibility, design phase. The project involves improving fish passage to a
reach of East Branch of Conneaut Creek by the removal of two dams near Albion PA, restoration of the stream reach impacted by the dam, and the
construction of a sea lamprey control barrier. Results of this feasibility and design phase will determine future direction of this project
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16353
Partners:
US Army Crop of Engineers, Albion Sportsmen's Club
Links:
Documents
Final PRP, Feasibility Study
Elk Creek, Folleys End Stream
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Elk Creek
2011
Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Folleys End
Description:
This project is a habitat improvement effort.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
NRCS Property Owner
Links:
Documents
Design
Elk Creek, McKean Reach Stream
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Elk Creek
2011 ongoing
Enhancement
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Huya Site
Description:
The PRP is under development for this project with anticipation to advance to the feasibility / design phase in 2011.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
US Army Crop of Engineers,
Links:
Documents
PRP
Formile Creek Fish Passage
Rehabilitation Projects:
East-Central
Four Mile Creek, PA
2010 Ongoing
Implementing strategies,
Location:
Cassidy Park Millcreek Township
Description:
The project will provide passage at two fish passage barriers.
Lead Agency:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Contact:
K. Anderson, Division of Habitat Management, Tionesta Pa 16356
Partners:
Lawrence Park Township, DCNR, CZM, Lawrence Park Golfcourse, USF&WS
Links:
Documents
Cuyahoga
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Characterization of yellow perch
Habitat monitoring and
Central basin
n/a
Spring 2006-08
spawning movement in association
evaluation
with substrate in the Central Basin
Location:
Nearshore areas (<20 m) at Cleveland and Chagrin, OH
Description:
Spatial distribution of yellow perch by gender and age during the inshore spring spawning migration.
Lead Agency:
ODNR, Div. of Wildlife
Contact:
C. Knight, Fairport Fish Research Unit, ODNR, 1190 High St., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
Partners:
Links:
Documents
Cuyahoga River AOC
Rehabilitation Projects
Central basin
n/a
Ongoing
(Implementation)
Location:
Cuyahoga River, OH
Description:
Ongoing rehab via implementation of RAP: details [http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/cuyahoga.html]
Lead Agency:
OEPA: RAP co-ordinator
Contact:
Partners:
Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, USDA, OEPA, ODNR, USACE, USDHUD, USEPA and numerous industrial and community groups
Cooperative project to develop a nearshore fish community assessment program for OH Div. OF Wildlife. Includes detailed habitat assessment and effect on
fish community.
Lead Agency:
University of Toledo Lake Erie Center
Contact:
Eric Weimer, OH Div. of Wildlife, 305 E. Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870
Partners:
OH Div. of Wildlife; USGS-Sandusky
Links:
Documents
Final Report; Thesis; multiple presentations; ongoing assessment program
Maumee, Ashtabula-Chagrin
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Ohio's Lake Erie Balanced Growth
Rehabilitation Strategies
West-central basin
n/a
2005-2008
Program
(workshops, tools, etc.)
Location:
Pilot projects: Chagrin, Rocky and Swan Creek watersheds
Description:
Pilot watersheds are developing Watershed Balanced Growth Plans, which are a regional framework for coordinated, local decision making about how growth
and conservation should be promoted by local and state policies and investments.
Lead Agency:
Ohio Lake Erie Commission
Contact:
Partners:
Links:
Documents
n/a
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Nearshore reefs for walleye
Habitat monitoring and
Central basin
Lake Erie
Spring 2012
spawning in the Central Basin
evaluation
Location:
Nearshore areas (<3 m) from Fairport Harbor to Ashtabula, OH
Description:
Identification of potential nearshore spawning reefs and examination of the use of these areas by spawning walleye.
Lead Agency:
ODNR, Div. of Wildlife
Contact:
C. Knight, Fairport Fish Research Unit, ODNR, 1190 High St., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
Partners:
Links:
Documents
Presque Isle Bay AOC
Habitat monitoring and
Central basin
Lake Erie
Ongoing: target of 2010
evaluation
Location:
Presque Isle Bay, PA
Description:
Monitoring program involving benthos and sediment. Focusing on Brown Bullhead (skin lesions and lip pappilomas) as indicator species for evidence of
Electrofishing to determine status of fish communities/ biodiversity/fish, reptilian, and amphibian SAR/habitat availability/water quality/ contaminants
related to aquatic biota in Rondeau Bay and sites in the west-central basin of Lake Erie.
Lead Agency:
OMNR- LEMU / DFO research and assessment Branch
Contact:
B. Locke, OMNR Lake Erie Fisheries Station, R. R. #2, 320 Milo Rd., Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0
Partners:
Rondeau Provincial Park, LTVCA, OMNR-Aylmer District.
Links:
Documents
Reference #2
Rondeau
Project Title
Project Type
Basin
Waterbody(ies)
Status
Rondeau Bay Watershed Habitat
Rehabilitation Projects
Central basin
n/a
Ongoing
Stewardship Program
(Implementation)
Location:
Lake Erie Central Basin North shore
Description:
Lever marginal rural properties for the restoration and protection of 375 acres of habitat over years 1-3.Education of landowners, community groups on
benefits of BMPs through natural resource projects. Lever local groups to continue education efforts.
Lead Agency:
OMNR (Aylmer)
Contact:
Don Hector, OMNR, 353 Talbot St., W. Aylmer, Ont. N5H 2S8
Partners:
LTVCA, LEMU, Aylmer District, Rondeau Bay Watershed Coalition, Rondeau Provincial Park staff and the Lake Erie Corridor Stewardship Initiative
Links:
Documents
Rondeau Bay Wetland Complex
Habitat monitoring and
Central basin
n/a
May-Dec 2005; Reporting Spring
Assessment
evaluation
2006; continued assessment
focusing on invasive species and
water quality, Summer 2006.
Location:
Lake Erie Central Basin North shore
Description:
To assess the status of the coastal wetland complex located within Rondeau Bay. Analysis parameters will include: water and sediment quality, vegetation
diversity and richness, aquatic invertebrate diversity and IBI scores, fish , marsh bird and amphibian diversity, water fowl production and predation
pressures, tributary water quality and landuse impacts. The results of this study will be used to guide stewardship initiatives within the watershed.
Lead Agency:
LEMU- OMNR
Contact:
J. Gilbert or B. Locke; Lake Erie Fisheries Station, R. R. #2, 320 Milo Rd., Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0
Partners:
BSC, Rondeau Provincial Park, OMNR-Aylmer District, EC
Links:
Documents
Reference # 5 and #6
Wheatley Harbour AOC RAP
Rehabilitation Projects
Central basin
n/a
Ongoing
(Implementation)
Location:
Wheatley Harbour, central basin L. Erie
Description:
Lead Agency:
EC
Contact:
B. Locke, OMNR Lake Erie Fisheries Station, R. R. #2, 320 Milo Rd., Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0
Partners:
multi-partner initiative including OMNR, MOE, Stewardship Ontario
Photo: American Fisheries Society