BIG CREEK
Big Creek, in northeast Ohio, is the third largest tributary (of 12) of the Lower Cuyahoga River draining 39 square miles. It traverses 12 miles through 7 municipalities (Cleveland, Brooklyn, Linndale, Parma, Parma Heights, Brook Park, and North Royalton). It is the most severely urbanized watershed (52% impervious). Big Creek enters the Cuyahoga River at a point 7.4 miles above the mouth of the Cuyahoga in Cleveland at Lake Erie.
OUR MISSION
To conserve, enhance, and bring recognition to the natural and historic resources of the Big Creek Watershed and develop a recreational trail network that joins these resources to each other and the community.
OUR VISION
- The connection of existing greenways such as the CanalWay Towpath Trail west and south to the Big Creek Reservation at Brookpark Road.
- Improved conditions of Big Creek and the natural environment throughout the watershed.
- Improved, safe and convenient access to the natural environment throughout the Big Creek watershed with increased educational and recreational opportunities
- Successful promotion of the benefits of a healthy watershed, as well as important historical events, structures and sites within the watershed.
MAJOR PROJECTS UNDERWAY
Friends of Big Creek and the Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization, after gaining local funding matches, were awarded an Ohio Coastal Management Assistance Grant for a comprehensive Big Creek Balanced Growth Watershed Management Plan. Community based watershed planning helps reduce flood damage, decrease the loss of greenspace, reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. The plan is due for completion in October 2008.
Friends of Big Creek, Cleveland Metroparks, and the cities of Cleveland and Parma joining the City of Brooklyn as co-sponsors were awarded funding from a NOACA Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative grant for the Big Creek Greenway and Trail Alignment & Neighborhood Connector Plan. The study, lead by the Floyd-Browne Group, seeks to connect the Metroparks Big Creek and Brookside Reservations through the City of Brooklyn while identifying opportunities for interpretive exhibits and ecological restoration. This project is due for completion in October 2008.