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Commission reports riparian restoration work: 500 live stakes planted and invasive honeysuckle removal
Summary
Staff described recent riparian habitat work: planting hundreds of live stakes of native shrubs, removing invasive Japanese honeysuckle and coordinating with ODOT on state right‑of‑way projects.
Commission staff described a riparian restoration project that paired invasive honeysuckle removal with native plantings intended to support pollinators. Staff said the spring work included installing approximately 500 live stakes of native willow, dogwood and ninebark, and removing roughly 800 young honeysuckle saplings during two volunteer field days.
Quentin (staff member) explained the rationale: invasive Japanese honeysuckle grows densely along river corridors, shades out native seedlings, and can form a nearly pure understory that prevents forest regeneration. The commission said the live‑stake method uses cuttings from native shrub species that can root and regrow; staff revisited early plantings after a flood event and reported most stakes remained in place.
Staff also discussed coordination with other agencies: the group said Ohio Department of Transportation gave written permission for planting and follow‑up work at a site off Harcourt Road near a bridge over the river because that location is state property and not in city limits. Removed invasive material was taken to the municipal composting facility on Thayer Road, where it was mulched.
Members said the goal is to reestablish native riparian vegetation that provides shade, reduces erosion and improves habitat for fish and pollinators. Staff described follow‑up work to keep regrowth of honeysuckle suppressed while native plantings establish.
