The City of Twinsburg's Environmental Commission was formed in response to citizen's complaints and petitions. The practices of clear-cutting trees was causing erosion problems, muddying the waters and roadways, and resulting in significant loss of wildlife habitat.
PURPOSE
The Environmental Commission is empowered to:
• Investigate citizens environmental complaints.
• Provide recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council for large-tract land use projects.
• Develop public outreach programs. Recommend solutions for wildlife management concerns.
• Include environmental standards into the codes, regulations and procedures.
• Recommend solutions for all matters referred by the Council and the Mayor.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Environmental Commission has been instrumental in helping to control the erosion problems in Twinsburg by requiring developers to follow local and state regulations. A new position was created in the City to specifically deal with erosion control problems.
The Environmental Commission has invited developers to share their plans. As a result, a vital link is forming between the Planning Commission and the Environmental Commission. This has enabled the Planning Commission to become aware of and incorporate environmentally-friendly principles into proposed building projects submitted for review. The result of this sharing of information has helped to preserve a greater number of natural drainage channels, wetlands, ledges and waterfalls.
FUTURE PROJECTS
• Create a community education plan for the Ohio EPA's Phase II Storm Water Regulations to be implemented by the City of Twinsburg.
• Seek environmental grants for all city parks, activities and environmental projects.
• Encourage residents and businesses to be environmentally responsible in the developing their properties.
• Educate citizens on the importance of the environment and it's role in our lives.
• Raise community awareness concerning the Gypsy moths and the West Nile Virus.
• Provide input on the Twinsburg Park and Nature Preserve.
• Organize a city wide cleanup day Storm Drain Stenciling.
TWINSBURG'S PLACE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Twinsburg is situated almost entirely in the Tinkers Creek watershed. All streams and waterways in the community flow into Tinker's Creek, which makes it's way to the Cuyahoga River then to Lake Erie. By keeping the water of Tinker's Creek clean, the city is helping to insure clean drinking water.
The City of Twinsburg has shown environmentally responsible planning by purchasing the 900 acres for the Twinsburg Park and Nature Preserve and land near Tinker's Creek for the Center Valley Park.
Preserving and rebuilding the vegetation along the banks of the creek helps to keep the water clean by filtering out sediments and contaminants before they reach the water.
