In 2012, PCS announced a new major undertaking in the Maumee AOC called the Maumee Corps. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded PCS with a $800,000.00 grant to help us fuel our economy and create at most 26 seasonal, part-time, temporary and/or full time positions. This team of workers focused on habitat restoration in the Maumee Area of Concern - primarily the Ottawa River and Swan Creek Watersheds - with the help of several partners like the Toledo Metroparks, the Nature Conservancy, the University of Toledo, the Boy Scouts of America, and the City of Toledo. The Maumee Corp utilized a variety of restoration techniques, such as invasive species management within floodplain forest, wet prairie, and riparian habitat. The workers also took part in planting and harvesting native species, wetland restoration initiatives, and re-planting areas devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer with suitable species and stream bank planting.
It was expected that when all of these projects are completed, more than 1000 acres of habitat will be improved - invasive species management and re-planting with natives or hardwood trees is by far the predominate habitat improvement within floodplain forest, wet prairie, and riparian habitat. This project will also address approximately 15,840 linear feet of stream restoration and planting, dozens of acres of wetland restoration, harvesting, an relocating species such as willow whips and seeds, and re-planting areas devastated by tornadoes and Emerald Ashe Borer. In addition, these restoration projects will result in long-term outcomes that will bring the Maumee AOC closer to delisting the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUI (BUI #14) and Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations (BUI #3), resulting in strong, diverse habitat for people and animals alike.
Additional details will surface as NOAA and PCS continue to work together to bring the Maumee Corps closer to active status. Any questions can be directed to Kyle Spicer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
