cleveland lakefront nature...

October 2012 Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority October 2012

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve Innovative Approaches to Port Challenges

October 2012 Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve

In February 2012 the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority opened the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve to the public. The Preserve is an 88-acre man-made peninsula on the Lake Erie shoreline in the heart of Cleveland. The diverse habitats have sustained hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and mammals over time.


The land formation started as a City of Cleveland landfill in the 1960’s.


Dike 14

The US Army Corps of Engineers constructed a confined disposal facility (CDF) at the site in the 1970’s. It was called Dike 14.


Dike 14 held dredged material from 1979 to 1999. The land sat dormant for several years…


Nature takes hold


From disposal facility to wildlife refuge

• The area began to attract nature visitors and the site was opened for a few days a year.

• Leading environmental education organizations formed an environmental education organization.

• Visitors identified more than 280 species of birds, 42 species of butterflies, 16 species of mammals, reptiles, plants, trees and shrubs.

• The site was designated as an Important Bird Area by Audubon Ohio because it provides essential habitat for birds.

An environmental assessment that showed the site was safe for passive recreation and education use.


Preparing to open the Nature Preserve

• In 2011 the Port Authority committed to opening the 88-acre site to the public.

• Opening the Preserve required a comprehensive planning

effort: Naming and branding Designation and usage Policies, rules and guidelines Hours of operation Budget Trail planning and cutting Entrance gate and fencing Construct kiosk and bridges Alignment with safety services

Directional signage Approvals (local, state, Federal) Oversight and management approach Invasive plant specie management Wildlife management General site and trail maintenance Visitor tracking Awareness building, outreach and education Long-term planning


Branding and signage


Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve opens to the public in February 2012


Results

• 14,000 visitors from 39 states and 13 countries

• Receiving regional and national recognition

• The Port Authority is becoming a regional leader in environmental stewardship − Host for events and education outreach programs

− One third of the Port Authority’s land ownership is greenspace

− The Port Authority is leading other complimentary programs locally


Thank You

[email protected]

cleveland lakefront nature...

Documents