1969–The recovery of the Cuyahoga River started with the infamous fire; which led to:

1972- Formation of US EPA / Passage of the Clean Water Act; and,

1973- Formation of Ohio EPA; and,

1985- International Joint Commission, declares 43 Areas of Concern (AOCs) in the Great Lakes, 31 in U.S.) including the Cuyahoga which has 10 of 14 listed "Impairments"; and

1986- Formation of Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) as Community Driven restoration efforts- No defined structure, no authority and no funding mechanism, but a big mission to eliminate the listed impairments (referred to as "Delisting").

1988- Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization (CRCPO) was formed as the non-profit 501(c)3 financial parent to implement the Cuyahoga River RAP

1998- Designation by President Clinton as one of fourteen American Heritage Rivers - Provides important Federal recognition and support

2005- Great Lakes Regional Collaborative Plan reasserts the importance of AOCs and RAPs for the recovery and preservation of the Great Lakes. GLRC plan calls for $20 billion in new Federal support over 20 years.

For more information contact James White, RAP Executive Director and federally recognized AHRI River Navigator for the Cuyahoga.