Project to benefit ecosytem, golf course

SANDUSKY — The Erie Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with Sandusky's government, recently publicized some details for the H2Ohio Mills Creek Floodplain Enhancement Project. The work will take place within Mills Creek Golf Course and is designed to improve water quality in Mills Creek and Sandusky Bay while also addressing maintenance and flooding issues at the course. Construction should begin this fall. "This project provides an opportunity to improve ecosystem services of the creek while safeguarding recreational needs of the property," district director Breann Hohman said. "Projects like these, funded through H2Ohio, are all part of a statewide effort to improve our streams and Lake Erie." H2Ohio represents the state's clean water program that aims to scale back harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. This program provided a $975,000 grant to local officials so they can pursue this project. The cost should cover all expenses. In 2024, the district received an H2Ohio grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife to improve the floodplain within the golf course and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution from entering Lake Erie. Over the last year, those with the district and city government have worked with GPD Design Group to plan conservation improvements along about 2,600 linear feet of stream. The design includes riparian wetland creation, floodplain enhancement and stream stabilization. Once complete, the golf course will serve not only as a place of recreation but also as a vital functioning ecosystem that supports a healthy coastal community. "We're grateful to the Erie Conservation District for leading this project," city recreation superintendent Jason Werling said. "Their work will help us fix flooding and erosion issues at Mills Creek Golf Course while improving the health of the creek and Lake Erie." Mills Creek has long faced challenges from nutrient and sediment pollution, which impact both aquatic life and the health of Lake Erie. This project will restore natural stream functions by creating wetlands, stabilizing streambanks and improving in-stream habitat. The: • Ecosystem benefits by creating more than 4 acres of streamside wetlands to filter pollutants before they reach Sandusky Bay; stabilizing nearly 1,000 feet of eroding streambank; and realigning a section of Mills Creek to restore flow and improve stream bed habitat • Golf course benefits by managing flooding in targeted wetland areas; regrading low areas on Hole No. 3's fairway to improve playability; resolving erosion issues near tee boxes and greens; and constructing a berm to redirect floodwater away from storage buildings