Maumee Bay Bacteria Task Force members have conducted a series of studies to answer these questions. Recent studies include:
Wolf Creek Study, 2003 Link:
Wolf Creek flows through Northwood, Oregon, and Jerusalem Township. It becomes Berger Ditch and flows north into Maumee Bay at the Maumee Bay State Park boat basin. The mouth of Berger Ditch is a few hundred yards east of the park's Lake Erie beaches. This study was conducted by UT Lake Erie Center and TMACOG investigated sediment bacterial levels in Wolf Creek/Berger Ditch. The study evaluated whether the stream sediments harbored high concentrations of bacteria that are washed out into the bay during storm events.
Maumee Bay Bacteria Study 2003-2005
Summary
Full Report
There are many sources of E. coli bacteria entering Maumee Bay. Which have a significant impact on bacteria levels at the Maumee Bay State Park Lake Erie beaches? This study was conducted by the UT Lake Erie Center, US Geological Survey, and TMACOG, with support from the Cities of Oregon and Toledo.
Maumee Bay State Park Public Meeting October 2, 2007
A public meeting was held at the Maumee Bay State Park lodge to present the wetland restoration project to residents and stakeholders, and ask for input. Presentations included a recap of previous studies that led to the wetland restoration plan, a discussion of how wetland systems can control bacteria, and a presentation of potential wetland system design scenarios that could be used at Maumee Bay State Park. Presentations from the meeting are available by clicking the links below:
Maumee Bay State Park Bacteria Issues and Project Overview
Kurt Erichsen, TMACOG
Wetlands for Controlling Bacteria
Dr. Daryl Dwyer, UT Lake Erie Center
Wetland System Scenarios for Maumee Bay State Park
Hull & Associates
Maumee Bay State Park Wetland Restoration Plan (2008)
With the Wolf Creek/Berger Ditch watershed identified as a principal source of E. coli impacting the park's Lake Erie beaches, the Maumee Bay Bacteria Task Force is working to develop control measures. The first step has been completed which is a conceptual plan for wetland system to protect the beaches from contamination by pathogens. The study, prepared by Hull & Associates, proposes design concepts for a wetlands restoration plan to provide natural habitat, and eco-tourism, complementing facilities and public access at Maumee Bay State Park.
Maumee Bay State Park Wetland Restoration
Hull & Associates
Maumee Bay State Park (MBSP) Beach is a unique recreational destination in northwest Ohio, estimated to receive 112,000 “visitor occasions” to the beach during the summer of 2006. However, the beach is frequently posted with swimming advisories due to high E. coli bacteria measurements. One of the reasons for the decline may be heightened concerns about the water quality. In the summer of 2006 and 2007, the visitors to Maumee Bay State Park Beach were surveyed to collect information on their preferences for the restored wetlands and to estimate the value of the restored wetlands to the beach visitors. Information was also gathered on the amount the visitors spent in the local area when they visited the beach, representing the dollars brought to the local economy.
The Value of Restoring Wetlands at Maumee Bay State Park (2008)
Kevin J. Egan and Daryl F. Dwyer
Contact:
Kurt Erichsen, P.E.
Vice President of Environmental Planning
300 Dr Martin Luther King Dr
Toledo, OH 43604
419.241.9155
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