Sterling Island Habitat Restoration

Sterling Island is a man-made island within the Area of Concern. It has experienced significant erosion and is a major contributor of sediment, impairing aquatic habitat by reducing spawning, nursery and refuge habitat for fish and aquatic organisms. This restoration addresses loss of fish and wildlife habitat by constructing of a rock deflector and longitudinal stone toe to protect the existing bank against river flows, wave action, ice flows and Lake Erie seiches. Grading and timber steps were installed to prevent erosion from pedestrian foot traffic.

The project will provide aquatic habitat benefits, including a rock substrate spawning area and basking area for waterfowl and turtles. The project was completed in late 2012 with $500,000 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.