Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration Project 

The Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration Project will enhance approximately 55 acres of open water habitat along Crane Creek near its mouth at Lake Erie within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. This design-build project is currently in the design phase and is focused on improving habitat conditions for fish and benthos (aquatic organisms that live on or near the bottom of the creek). 

Fish populations, benthic populations, and fish habitat were identified as beneficial use impairments in Crane Creek. The proposed improvements will help address these impairments by creating wetland and shallow water shoal habitat that increases habitat diversity and improves conditions for fish and other aquatic communities. 

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is leading the project in partnership with the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Geological Survey, with support from the Maumee Area of Concern Advisory Committee. Plans are being prepared by engineers and scientists at Verdantas under the direction of the collaborating agencies. Mark Haynes Construction will serve as the construction contractor. The project is funded through a grant from the U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. 

Open House 

The public is invited to attend an open house to learn more about the Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration Project, review the draft restoration design, and provide your thoughts to the project team. 

 Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026 

 Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

 Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 

14000 W. State Route 2 

Oak Harbor, Ohio 

 This informal, drop-in open house will provide an opportunity to learn about the proposed restoration improvements, speak directly with members of the project team, ask questions, and share feedback on the draft design. Stop by anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 

Project Updates 

The project is currently in the design phase. Additional information and project updates will be posted on this page as the project progresses. Please check back for updates.