NCSL Statement of Support for NEORSD’s Recommendations
July 22, 2021
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes supports the recommendations of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District(NEORSD) regarding the future of the Shaker Lakes. Given our location between Horseshoe Lake and Lower Lake, and our mission to conserve a publicly-accessible natural area, we support NEORSD’s recommendations, which will maximize stormwater flood control and improve the ecological health of the Doan Brook watershed. These recommendations include replacing the Lower Lake dam and retaining Lower Lake, removing the dam at Horseshoe Lake, and restoring the natural, free-flowing stream channels of the North and Middle Branches of Doan Brook. Replacing Horseshoe Lake with natural, sinuous channels and a vegetated floodplain will provide natural flood control and restore valuable native habitat.
We strongly encourage NEORSD to embrace a vision for the North and Middle Branches of Doan Brook that reflects the more natural downstream conditions and diverse habitats found at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. To that end, the Nature Center stands ready to provide input and assistance as NEORSD develops its conceptual plans.
The Shaker Lakes have been integral to the history and character of our community, and they are a cherished natural asset. As it proceeds through the restoration design process, we urge NEORSD to engage the public, consider their input, and commit to preserving the accessibility and scenic beauty of this valuable community resource.
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For more information about NEORSD’s recommendations and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit their website at https://www.neorsd.org/shaker-lakes-review-and-recommendations/. For additional questions, please contact: Jeff Jowett, NEORSD Senior Watershed Team Leader, at [email protected].
The mission of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is to conserve a natural area, connect people with nature and inspire environmental stewardship. For more information, visit https://shakerlakes.org/. For additional questions about the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, please contact: Kay Carlson, President & CEO, at [email protected].
