Blue Creek and Neis Ditch Stream Restoration Design-Build

Lower Blue Creek watershed receives fish habitat, increased flood capacity during high flow events, improved hydrology and water quality via sediment and nutrient load reduction through improved water retention.

Located in Oak Openings Preserve, a 4,180-acre public park and nature preserve, the Blue Creek and Neis Ditch project sites are situated in the portion of the Lower Blue Creek watershed. The sites faced decades of damage due to agricultural practices, ditching, and development. Metroparks Toledo contracted with Biohabitats and MLS to develop full design and construction plans designed to address the benthic population and fish habitat beneficial use impairments in the Maumee AOC, increase flood capacity during high flow events, improve hydrology and water quality via sediment and nutrient load reduction through improved water retention.
Working with project partners and contractor, MLS, Biohabitats developed plans to stabilize sections of 3,950 LF of eroding streambank, improve instream habitat in 4,450 LF of stream channel through the addition of riffle/pool habitat, enhancement of 3 AC of riparian habitat, and design of a 1,000 LF of floodplain expansion. The design includes the use of root wads and live branch layering to enhance and stabilize the stream channels while creating habitat. Biohabitats is also performing all permitting for the project, including coordination with the County Engineer on petition ditch issues and design within a regulatory floodway. Construction began in November of 2024.