Overview of the Findings and Policy Implications of the Hellbranch Forum Watershed Action Plan

The Hellbranch Run is a major tributary to Big Darby Creek, a national and state scenic river recognized by The Nature Conservancy as one of the twelve "Last Great Places" in the Western Hemisphere. Increasing development pressures in Central Ohio are posing a threat to the integrity of the Hellbranch Watershed and Big Darby Creek. The Hellbranch Watershed Forum was created out of the need stressed by local officials to address stormwater runoff that contributes to flooding in the Hellbranch Watershed, and to decreased water quality in Big Darby Creek. The Forum is partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District to develop the Hellbranch Watershed Forum Action Plan (HWFAP). Additional leadership and expertise is being provided by Fuller, Mossbarger, Scott and May Engineers. The plan will: a) establish a baseline of environmental conditions within the watershed; b) forecast future water quantity and quality conditions; c) recommend policies for overall watershed and stream protection to be implemented at the watershed level; and d) identify restoration opportunities throughout the watershed and evaluate one ecosystem restoration project for funding through the Corps. This paper presents the methodology, findings, conclusions and policy implications reflected by the first three goals of the HWFAP.