Mitigation Project

The Peaslee Award honors the memory of John B. Peaslee, the Superintendent who closed Cincinnati schools on April 27, 1882, so that students could plant trees in an abandoned vineyard that has since become the city’s beautiful Eden Park.

The Kenton County Conservation District (KCCD) is managing a major mitigation project. Bottomland hardwood tree losses along the Ohio River, during the 2010 construction of a hydro-electric plant at the Meldahl Dam, have been replaced in the 100-year floodplain of the Licking River at the Morning View Heritage Area and the 100-year floodplain along the Banklick Creek. The mitigation at these sites includes tree planting, invasive species removal, and preservation of the project through conservation easements. KCCD recently planted approximately 12,000 trees (including: hickories, maples, oaks, persimmons, red buds, spicebushes, and sycamores) to complete this required mitigation plan, which received approval by the US Army Corps of Engineers in September 2017. By planting thousands of native hardwood trees that tolerate these flood conditions, KCCD aims to enhance portions of the floodplains’ abilities to mitigate flood damage to the county's natural and built environments. The trees, when they mature, will act as a natural buffer. The plant species will be watered and maintained as necessary throughout the seasons to ensure successful establishment. It is expected that enhancement of the areas will increase plant and animal diversity over the existing condition and provide an enhanced habitat for the area. 

With help from the Banklick Watershed Council, DHL, Grateful Life Center, Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service, Kenton County Fiscal Court, SD1, Mill Creek Alliance, NKY Urban and Community Forestry Council, Stork family and numerous volunteers, KCCD successfully completed the first phase of this large mitigation project. Special thanks to Kenton County Conservation District Secretary/Treasurer Chris Kaeff for his leadership of and dedication to this project. 

Check out the local 12 news clip:  http://local12.com/news/local/dhl-volunteers-dig-in-to-help-fight-local-flooding