Restoring Open Space through the Great American Outdoors Act

Projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund allow park land to return to a natural state.

NPS

The NPS is working to protect critical resources for the recreational and educational benefit of the visiting public through the Legacy Restoration Fund, created by the Great American Outdoors Act.

Projects funded by the historic Legacy Restoration Fund reduces overall maintenance costs, removes safety hazards, makes park land available for restoration, and enhances public recreational access. At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we are removing deteriorating non-historic structures and protecting existing recreational amenities.

Removal of structures after acquiring properties is part of the overall plan of renewal of the Cuyahoga River Valley. When the park was established, boundaries were outlined, and properties were acquired with the intention of returning the land to a natural state. Removal of deteriorating structures removes safety hazards and makes the land available for habitat restoration and new recreational uses, which provides opportunities to increase public access.

 

Krecji dump has been cleaned up and restored to a natural state - one of many restoration projects at the park.

NPS / Chris Davis

The park has successfully completed other renewal projects leading up to these newly funded projects. These projects include: Wetmore restoration, Krecji cleanup and restoration, reforestation, invasive plant removal and control, conversion of a historic building into the Boston Mill Visitor Center, establishment of the Cuyahoga River Water Trail, and a Community Access Plan for the future which includes robust public involvement. These projects are an investment in the future of CVNP.