Cuyahoga River Area of Concern (AOC)
🌐The Cuyahoga River Area of Concern is a major restoration effort focused on bringing life back to 46 miles of river. Local and state partners are working to remove long-standing environmental impairments—like poor water quality and habitat loss—through a Remedial Action Plan. The effort is guided by a diverse coalition of agencies, nonprofits, and community members, all contributing to a healthier, more resilient watershed through practical actions like wetland restoration, dam removals, and neighborhood-scale stewardship.
Bioregional Context
The Cuyahoga River flows through northeast Ohio, winding through Cleveland before emptying into Lake Erie. The Area of Concern encompasses a heavily urbanized and industrial corridor that was once emblematic of environmental neglect—the Cuyahoga famously caught fire in 1969. Today, the watershed represents a symbol of ecological renewal, where efforts to address historical pollution intersect with urban resilience, community health, and biodiversity recovery.