Lake Metroparks and the Geauga Park District have been given nearly $750,000 in federal funds to help keep the Chagrin River flowing clean.

The money is coming from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, channeled through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The Ohio EPA, which awarded $400,000 to the Geauga Park District, said those funds will help restore the river’s headwaters in the county. At the same time, the Ohio EPA is awarding Lake Metroparks $349,584 with the money earmarked for reestablishing a flood plain along the stream’s main stem.

BROWNHELM TOWNSHIP—A state plan to name the Vermilion River as Ohio’s 15th scenic river has sparked worries about the property rights for private landowners, said the township trustees who also have questions about the state’s plans

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources this month was to designate the 25.3 miles of the Vermilion River and its East Fork as a scenic river.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Developed land outside the Cleveland Metroparks has turned the 22,000-acre Emerald Necklace into the region's catch-basin for storm water runoff, damaging park property and costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

VERMILION – A 1.68-acre parcel at the mouth of the Vermilion River could become public property as early as next year.

The Western Reserve Land Conservancy will use state and private monies to buy the Wakefield property, 5540 Huron Road, Vermilion. The land sits on the west bank at the river's mouth, with 500 feet of river frontage and a 300-foot beach immediately east of Vermilion's Main Street Beach.

The finishing touches are being readied on a plan submitted by Kirtland Hills Village to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the restoration of the east branch of the Chagrin River. This plan consists of site assessment, restoration details and implementation, as well as monitoring the process before and after work.