Clean Ohio Fund Recommendations

The Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) has completed evaluations and will make recommendations for funding two projects through the Clean Ohio Fund that will preserve about 230 acres of open space in Lucas County. If approved as expected, state funding of $1,246,000 will return to Lucas County.

Both recommended projects are part of the Metroparks of the Toledo Area. The first priority is a project at Raab and Frankfort roads that would protect 133 acres with the purchase of four separate parcels. The properties are between Kitty Todd Preserve and the Irwin Prairie in western Lucas County. The land is part of the greater Oak Openings region and the acquisition contributes to a plan to connect the Oak Openings Preserve and Secor Metropark. Future plans call for the area to be restored as wet prairie which is habitat for Kirtland’s Warbler, the Least Bittern, and Blanding’s Turtle.

The second priority project in the Blue Creek area would protect 97 acres through the acquisition of four contiguous vacant parcels that abut the existing Blue Creek Metropark south of the Village of Whitehouse. The project area includes a wet woods classified as a category II wetland. The acquisition will double the length of protected corridor of Blue Creek and improve aquatic habitat. The Metroparks will provide significant local matching funds for both projects.

 Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org

TMACOG Issues Request for Proposals

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) is accepting proposals for two parts of a Belmont/ Forest Biocell project.

Part 1: Landscape Design and Construction Phase Engineering and Inspection for Belmont/Forest Biocell. Consultant to provide construction oversight and project inspection for two stormwater bioretention cells at vacant lots at the corner of Belmont and Forest in Toledo. Consultant will also provide landscaping design for the project.

Part 2: Belmont /Forest Biocell Project Construction. Construction of two stormwater bioretention cells on vacant lots at the corner of Belmont and Forest in Toledo. Includes excavation, construction of underdrain piping, and curb adjustments.

Proposals are due by May 10. For both projects, request bidding documents from and submit bids to Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, 300 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Ste. 300, Toledo, OH 43604, attn: Kari Gerwin (gerwin@tmacog.org), 419.241.9155 x 103.

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org

TMACOG is hiring a Watershed Planner

TMACOG is now accepting applications for a Water Infrastructure/Watershed Planner. This position will build the capacity of TMACOG’s Water Quality department. The successful candidate will align skills closely with needs of TMACOG members and regional water quality challenges.

The position will coordinate the TMACOG Watershed Committee and assist with both the Wastewater and Public Water Supply Committees. Technical functions will be to organize water quality, resource, and infrastructure data and conduct planning and watershed analyses for the Maumee, Portage, and Lake Erie Western Basin watersheds.

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree in an appropriate planning-related field and must demonstrate some professional management experience in a related field. Position requires skills in applying statistical and graphic procedures relevant to analyzing and presenting data.

See more information about qualifications and the scope of work on the TMACOG webpages: http://www.tmacog.org/employment/Watershed_Planner_position.pdf. 

Applications are due by May 27. 

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org

Ohio Stormwater Conference

Stormwater planners are invited to register early for the Ohio Stormwater Conference for the best price. Early registration ends April 15.  The conference will be May 4-6 at the Sharonville Convention Center in Sharonville, OH. This is the premier Ohio conference for stormwater planners. 

Register here: http://www.ohstormwaterconference.com

Local planners with questions can contact Kari Gerwin, Water Quality Planner II

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments

p: 419.241.9155 ext. 103

gerwin@tmacog.org

Public Invited to Review Update to Regional Sewer and Water Plan

The Areawide Water Quality Management Plan (called the 208 Plan from that section of the Clean Water Act), is an agreement among regional partners on how we will treat wastewater to comply with federal regulations. The plan is updated regularly in response to local development and changes in infrastructure. The most recent update will be available for public review and comment at a public meeting Wednesday, May 4, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the TMACOG Boardroom.

The newest update shows how communities are addressing industrial package plants, combined storm and sanitary sewers, and providing capacity for economic development. For questions on the 208 Plan, contact Kurt Erichsen, 419.241.9155, ext. 126.

Persons requesting special accommodations for disabilities of language, mobility, or other handicap are invited to contact TMACOG Accessibility Coordinator Jennifer Allen 419.241.9155, ext. 107.
Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org

Bike Month is Coming!

Well, it's not coming until May but we're planning rides and other events now. Hope you can join one.

Bike Month invites experienced cyclists and those who aspire to ride more often to get out on roads and paths.

Here's what's in the works for now. Keep your eyes open; many cities are organizing civic rides and the bike clubs are putting together their season. 

Bike Month Events 

May 4       Bike to School Day

May 6      Family Bike Night - Side Cut Metropark, 6 p.m.*

May 8      Bike & Bird Adventure – Pearson Metropark, 7 a.m.*

May 16-22  TARTA Reduced fare – 25 cents for cyclists. All buses are equipped with bike racks.

May 18      Ride of Silence - University of Toledo, Bancroft St. entrance, 6:30 p.m.
Slow ride with police escort to remember people who have been hurt on public roads.

May 20      Bike to Work Day

May 21    Bike Day at the Farmer’s Market, Erie St., downtown Toledo, 9 a.m. – noon
Bike repairs, t-shirts for cyclists while supplies last, coffee for bikers

May 21    Metroparks Outdoor Adventure Expo - Side Cut Metropark, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bike clubs on hand at this all day expo.

May 22      Sylvania Slowryders Ride – Sylvania Public Library, 4 p.m.
Bike ride, food trucks, dancing, and more

 *MetroparksToledo.com. Registration required.

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org

First Meeting of the Water Quality Council Held

After a year of reorganization and planning, the new Water Quality Council held its first meeting Wednesday, March 9 at the Lucas County Sanitary Engineers office. More than 40 people were in attendance including city, county, village, and township elected officials, wastewater operators, and sanitary engineers.

Chair of the WQC Carol Contrada noted the mission of the new council in her opening remarks. “Through the work of the Wastewater, Public Water Supply, Regional Water Planning, Watershed, and Stormwater committees, we are charged with creating an Agenda for Lake Erie,” she said.