Western Reserve Land Conservancy seeks $190,000 to protect French Creek headwaters

The Cuyahoga County Environment & Sustainability Committee voted April 30 to advance Resolution 20250150, which would authorize up to $190,000 from District 11 ARPA funds to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to place the French Creek Headwaters property under a conservation easement.

Matt Zone, representing Western Reserve, said the nonprofit is one of the largest land conservation organizations in Ohio and has conserved tens of thousands of acres. He described the 11.5-acre Olmsted Township property on Bagley Road as largely forested wetlands with French Creek running through it and noted the site’s zoning as light industrial — a factor increasing development pressure.

Alex (chief conservation specialist) provided project specifics: 11.5 acres, 1,400 linear feet of stream reported associated with the parcel, primarily forested wetlands, and a conservation-easement strategy to protect the site “in perpetuity.” He said the organization can steward and maintain the property long term through its stewardship staff and national accreditation.

Council members asked whether the $190,000 represented matching funds; Western Reserve said the amount would fully fund the easement and that they could provide an appraisal to justify value. Committee members pressed about long-term maintenance; Western Reserve said stewardship staff walk each conserved property annually and that accreditation requires ongoing oversight. Chair Simon moved to advance the resolution to full council; the motion passed by voice vote.

The committee discussed the potential to connect the parcel with larger adjacent holdings to form a conservation corridor should additional acquisitions be possible.