CWA's Director of Communications and Engagement, Samantha Martin, shares insights on the ongoing revitalization of the Cuyahoga River in this NPR article, discussing its remarkable transformation and future potential.
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About a mile from Cleveland’s Lake Erie shore, in a stretch of water once among America’s most polluted, a team of conservationists just released a few dozen lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River. Each of the armor-plated fry — about the size of a human hand — is outfitted with a tiny transmitter to chart its progress. If all goes well, larger releases will follow next year.
It was a celebratory moment for the Cuyahoga — the latest sign that the river that spawned many a joke back in the day is on the comeback. For years now, blue heron and bald eagles have shared those waters with kayakers, paddleboarders and recreational anglers. Clevelanders and tourists alike dine at high-end restaurants along the banks of a river that used to epitomize industrial bleak. In recognition of its progress, the Cuyahoga was dubbed “River of the Year” in 2019.
