The largest habitat-restoration project in the Maumee River’s history began Tuesday.
Several federal, state, and local officials joined private industry representatives and members of the public inside the Walbridge Park Shelter House to mark the occasion, which involves restoration and improvements to 63 acres of river island property.
Though treated as one project, the $13.5 million of work is actually a dual effort aimed at improving two Maumee River islands, Clark Island and Delaware/Horseshoe Island, within view of each other near the park. Last known to be carrying a combined $10 million price tag about a year ago, the cost rose after the design was completed.
The biggest source of money for the work is coming from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, an $8.15 million allocation made via Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is contributing $5.4 million from its Obama-era Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Once completed in the summer of 2025, those two land masses within the river will provide more recreational opportunities for canoeists, kayakers, and other boaters. Expanded wetlands will help filter algae-forming phosphorus runoff from the river. More forms of wildlife are expected to be using the area again, too.