NELSONVILLE, Ohio — A previously devastated area of southeastern Ohio is now experiencing renewed health and resiliency thanks to an extraordinary local partnership with the Wayne National Forest.
The health of Monday Creek’s watershed has improved dramatically due to collaboration between the Wayne National Forest and the Monday Creek Restoration Project, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio University, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Office of Service Mining, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The work of these partners restored aquatic species habitat, significantly reduced acid mine drainage and enhanced recreational opportunities.
Award
The USDA Forest Service recognizes this outstanding achievement with a 2011-2012 Eastern Region Honor Award in the category of protecting ecosystems across boundaries. Over the last decade, about $13 million has been spent on improving the Monday Creek Watershed. Half of that funding has come from our partners.”
Information
For more information on the Monday Creek Watershed Restoration Project visit http://mondaycreek.org/.
The Eastern Region Honor Awards also awarded the Wayne National Forest under the following categories:
– Walking the talk for sustainability: demonstrating our commitment to managing our natural resources in a sustainable manner while encouraging the public to establish similar practices.
– Revolutionizing effectiveness and efficiency: streamlining regional operations, integrating forest projects to achieve restoration goals more efficiently.
