| Willow Grove Park Lisbon, Ohio |
After a 5 day cleanup at Willow Grove park in Lisbon, Ohio Spring 2011.
Council closer to demolishing dam at Willow Grove Park
March 21, 2011
By TOM GIAMBRONI, Staff Writer Morning Journal
LISBON - Village Council has agreed to demolish the dam at Willow Grove Park if a state grant can be
obtained to cover the cost.
This is the plan of Lisa Butch, watershed coordinator for the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation, who
approached council with the idea. She said the trend across the state and nationwide is to remove
unneeded man-made dams because they are detrimental to the life of the stream and its inhabitants.
Butch said removing the dam at Willow Grove Park, which is located on the middle fork of the Little Beaver
Creek, would "protect the health of the stream and improve water quality."
The dam has created a pond that extends nearly 2-1/2 miles upstream, "and the pond can cause problems
for the fish and other aquatic life," she said.
Also attending the meeting was Kurt Wagner, a fish biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
He said dams interfere with the natural flow of streams, raising the water temperature, and interfere with
the spawning and migration habits of fish and other aquatic animals.
"Ecologically, it's a slam dunk to get rid of the dam," he said.
Mayor Mike Lewis was sympathetic, saying, he did not realize "what a profound effect that dam was having
that far upstream ... I think the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages."
Butch estimated it would cost $200,000 to $250,000 to remove the small dam and shore up the banks,
including planting trees. She said there are some grants that pay 100 percent, while others require a local
match that could be offset by counting her labor or seeking other grants.
Lewis said that is the only way the project will work because the village lacks the extra money to put toward
the match.
During the meeting it was pointed out there is a second small dam located about a mile downstream near
Pondi's Restaurant, but Butch said she was unable to find it. Officials said the dam is there but can be
seen only during low water.
Council voted 4-0 to give Butch permission to apply for a grant on behalf of the village, with Willis Coleman
and Joe Morenz abstaining. Both said they had mixed emotions, with Coleman noting the dam is a favorite
fishing spot for local residents, but he also realizes two people have drowned over the years in the deep
swimming hole it created.
"I'm just not sure it's a good thing or not. I kind of like that dam ... That dam's been part of that park for as
long as I can remember," Morenz said.
March 21, 2011
By TOM GIAMBRONI, Staff Writer Morning Journal
LISBON - Village Council has agreed to demolish the dam at Willow Grove Park if a state grant can be
obtained to cover the cost.
This is the plan of Lisa Butch, watershed coordinator for the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation, who
approached council with the idea. She said the trend across the state and nationwide is to remove
unneeded man-made dams because they are detrimental to the life of the stream and its inhabitants.
Butch said removing the dam at Willow Grove Park, which is located on the middle fork of the Little Beaver
Creek, would "protect the health of the stream and improve water quality."
The dam has created a pond that extends nearly 2-1/2 miles upstream, "and the pond can cause problems
for the fish and other aquatic life," she said.
Also attending the meeting was Kurt Wagner, a fish biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
He said dams interfere with the natural flow of streams, raising the water temperature, and interfere with
the spawning and migration habits of fish and other aquatic animals.
"Ecologically, it's a slam dunk to get rid of the dam," he said.
Mayor Mike Lewis was sympathetic, saying, he did not realize "what a profound effect that dam was having
that far upstream ... I think the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages."
Butch estimated it would cost $200,000 to $250,000 to remove the small dam and shore up the banks,
including planting trees. She said there are some grants that pay 100 percent, while others require a local
match that could be offset by counting her labor or seeking other grants.
Lewis said that is the only way the project will work because the village lacks the extra money to put toward
the match.
During the meeting it was pointed out there is a second small dam located about a mile downstream near
Pondi's Restaurant, but Butch said she was unable to find it. Officials said the dam is there but can be
seen only during low water.
Council voted 4-0 to give Butch permission to apply for a grant on behalf of the village, with Willis Coleman
and Joe Morenz abstaining. Both said they had mixed emotions, with Coleman noting the dam is a favorite
fishing spot for local residents, but he also realizes two people have drowned over the years in the deep
swimming hole it created.
"I'm just not sure it's a good thing or not. I kind of like that dam ... That dam's been part of that park for as
long as I can remember," Morenz said.
Local man wants to keep dam in Willow Grove Park
April 10, 2011
By TOM GIAMBRONI - Staff Writer (tgiambroni@mojonews.com) , Morning Journal News
LISBON - Local resident Jerry Tyson is circulating petitions in hopes of gathering enough signatures to
convince Village Council to change its mind about removing the dam at Willow Grove Park.
"I think it's going to harm the park, and I can't see spending $250,000 in taxpayer money to remove
something that doesn't need removed," he said.
Council voted last month to give Lisa Butch of the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation permission to
seek a state grant to remove the Willow Grove Park dam, which spans the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver
Creek.
Butch said the concrete, dam constructed in the 1950s, has disrupted the natural flow of the creek and
created a pool of slow-moving water more than two miles upstream. A state fish biologist who
accompanied Butch to the council meeting said the pools created by dams raise water temperatures and
interfere with the spawning and migration habits of fish and other aquatic animals.
She estimated it would cost $200,000 to $250,000 to remove the dam, shore up the banks and plant trees
to prevent erosion. Council said it would only go along if the grant covered the entire cost because the
village lacks money to contribute.
Tyson will be circulating petitions and plans to speak at Tuesday's council meeting. Tyson is friends with
Councilman Joe Morenz, who abstained from the vote because of mixed feelings, and he said Morenz
indicated to him that council would reconsider if convinced there was majority opposition to the project.
"I'm hoping for a vote on Tuesday to get it stopped. That's my primary goal," he said.
Tyson is opposed to the project for two reasons. First, he feels it is a waste of tax dollars to remove a dam
that is in good shape. Secondly, its removal would eliminate fishing holes created by the dam.
"I know it's not Lisbon's money, that it's state money, but it's still taxpayer money," he said. "I feel it could
be used on something that is really needed, like our streets or schools, not a dam that doesn't need
replaced."
Tyson said he fishes the area and removing the dam would eliminate popular fishing spots below the dam
and the area of pooled, slow-moving water above the dam, which is used by other local anglers.
"It will turn that entire stretch into rapids and people come to the park to fish there," Tyson said of the
pooled area that would be eliminated with removal of the dam.
April 10, 2011
By TOM GIAMBRONI - Staff Writer (tgiambroni@mojonews.com) , Morning Journal News
LISBON - Local resident Jerry Tyson is circulating petitions in hopes of gathering enough signatures to
convince Village Council to change its mind about removing the dam at Willow Grove Park.
"I think it's going to harm the park, and I can't see spending $250,000 in taxpayer money to remove
something that doesn't need removed," he said.
Council voted last month to give Lisa Butch of the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation permission to
seek a state grant to remove the Willow Grove Park dam, which spans the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver
Creek.
Butch said the concrete, dam constructed in the 1950s, has disrupted the natural flow of the creek and
created a pool of slow-moving water more than two miles upstream. A state fish biologist who
accompanied Butch to the council meeting said the pools created by dams raise water temperatures and
interfere with the spawning and migration habits of fish and other aquatic animals.
She estimated it would cost $200,000 to $250,000 to remove the dam, shore up the banks and plant trees
to prevent erosion. Council said it would only go along if the grant covered the entire cost because the
village lacks money to contribute.
Tyson will be circulating petitions and plans to speak at Tuesday's council meeting. Tyson is friends with
Councilman Joe Morenz, who abstained from the vote because of mixed feelings, and he said Morenz
indicated to him that council would reconsider if convinced there was majority opposition to the project.
"I'm hoping for a vote on Tuesday to get it stopped. That's my primary goal," he said.
Tyson is opposed to the project for two reasons. First, he feels it is a waste of tax dollars to remove a dam
that is in good shape. Secondly, its removal would eliminate fishing holes created by the dam.
"I know it's not Lisbon's money, that it's state money, but it's still taxpayer money," he said. "I feel it could
be used on something that is really needed, like our streets or schools, not a dam that doesn't need
replaced."
Tyson said he fishes the area and removing the dam would eliminate popular fishing spots below the dam
and the area of pooled, slow-moving water above the dam, which is used by other local anglers.
"It will turn that entire stretch into rapids and people come to the park to fish there," Tyson said of the
pooled area that would be eliminated with removal of the dam.
Lisbon council urged to leave park dam alone
April 13, 2011
By MARY ANN GREIER , Salem News
LISBON - Village council took no action Tuesday on a citizens' petition to stop demolition of the dam at
Willow Grove Park, indicating a need for more time to study both sides of the issue.
Mayor Mike Lewis told Pritchard Avenue resident Jerry Tyson that he made a compelling argument when
he urged council to leave the dam alone, but he also said a compelling argument was made by those
urging removal of the dam.
Tyson presented council with copies of a petition containing more than 40 signatures from people wanting
the proposed dam demolition stopped. Next to their address was a space for people to write in a
comment, with comments varying from "keep the dam" to "waste of money," "don't take it out" and "the
government makes no sense."
Council voted 4-0 in March to remove the dam at the park if grant funds can be obtained to cover the
cost. Council members Willis Coleman and Joe Morenz abstained. Lisa Butch, watershed coordinator for
the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation, approached council about the idea and got their permission to
apply for grant funding on their behalf.
During his presentation, Tyson said he disagreed with Butch's contention that the pond created by the
dam extended nearly 2 1/2 miles upstream. He provided a photo of Little Beaver Creek .7 of a mile
upstream from the dam showing a rapids, which he said indicated the end of the pond. He said her
number was incorrect.
"If you take out that dam, your park is going to have no water in it," he said, noting that many people fish
there.
He said more important for them to consider was the fact that many people he talked to don't want
anything done to the dam. None of the people he solicited for signatures were in favor of demolishing it.
"My biggest concern is the absolute waste of taxpayer money. I see no harm in leaving it just the way it is,"
Tyson said.
Butch also attended the meeting and again spoke in favor of her idea, saying she still believed the project
could enhance the park, not destroy it. Plans would include shoring up the banks and planting trees once
the dam is removed. She estimated the cost of the project at $200,000 to $250,000, with some grants
covering 100 percent of the cost while others may require a local match. She said the local match could
be offset by counting her labor or getting another grant.
Columbiana County Park District board members Tom Butch and Mike West and Center Township
Trustee Greg Shive also spoke in favor of the project. West talked about his experience as a fish
technician and how the project would make a much healthier environment for fish and aquatic wildlife.
"You have an opportunity here. It won't cost you any money to fix it," he said.
Tom Butch said both the Columbiana County Conservation Club and Ohio Department of Natural
Resources Division of Wildlife support taking out manmade dams. Shive said if the dam is removed, the
creek could clean itself out and it could alleviate some flooding problems on nearby roads.
The decision to make no decision came after Morenz asked what they were going to do about the dam.
Lewis said he thought they needed to discuss it among themselves before doing anything. Councilman
Ryan Hillman moved they table any action at this time, backed up by Councilwoman Mary Ann Gray.
Mary Ann Greier can be reached at mgreier@salemnews.net
April 13, 2011
By MARY ANN GREIER , Salem News
LISBON - Village council took no action Tuesday on a citizens' petition to stop demolition of the dam at
Willow Grove Park, indicating a need for more time to study both sides of the issue.
Mayor Mike Lewis told Pritchard Avenue resident Jerry Tyson that he made a compelling argument when
he urged council to leave the dam alone, but he also said a compelling argument was made by those
urging removal of the dam.
Tyson presented council with copies of a petition containing more than 40 signatures from people wanting
the proposed dam demolition stopped. Next to their address was a space for people to write in a
comment, with comments varying from "keep the dam" to "waste of money," "don't take it out" and "the
government makes no sense."
Council voted 4-0 in March to remove the dam at the park if grant funds can be obtained to cover the
cost. Council members Willis Coleman and Joe Morenz abstained. Lisa Butch, watershed coordinator for
the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation, approached council about the idea and got their permission to
apply for grant funding on their behalf.
During his presentation, Tyson said he disagreed with Butch's contention that the pond created by the
dam extended nearly 2 1/2 miles upstream. He provided a photo of Little Beaver Creek .7 of a mile
upstream from the dam showing a rapids, which he said indicated the end of the pond. He said her
number was incorrect.
"If you take out that dam, your park is going to have no water in it," he said, noting that many people fish
there.
He said more important for them to consider was the fact that many people he talked to don't want
anything done to the dam. None of the people he solicited for signatures were in favor of demolishing it.
"My biggest concern is the absolute waste of taxpayer money. I see no harm in leaving it just the way it is,"
Tyson said.
Butch also attended the meeting and again spoke in favor of her idea, saying she still believed the project
could enhance the park, not destroy it. Plans would include shoring up the banks and planting trees once
the dam is removed. She estimated the cost of the project at $200,000 to $250,000, with some grants
covering 100 percent of the cost while others may require a local match. She said the local match could
be offset by counting her labor or getting another grant.
Columbiana County Park District board members Tom Butch and Mike West and Center Township
Trustee Greg Shive also spoke in favor of the project. West talked about his experience as a fish
technician and how the project would make a much healthier environment for fish and aquatic wildlife.
"You have an opportunity here. It won't cost you any money to fix it," he said.
Tom Butch said both the Columbiana County Conservation Club and Ohio Department of Natural
Resources Division of Wildlife support taking out manmade dams. Shive said if the dam is removed, the
creek could clean itself out and it could alleviate some flooding problems on nearby roads.
The decision to make no decision came after Morenz asked what they were going to do about the dam.
Lewis said he thought they needed to discuss it among themselves before doing anything. Councilman
Ryan Hillman moved they table any action at this time, backed up by Councilwoman Mary Ann Gray.
Mary Ann Greier can be reached at mgreier@salemnews.net
Lisbon decides not to sink dam
April 27, 2011
By TOM GIAMBRONI - Staff Writer (tgiambroni@mojonews.com) , Morning Journal News
LISBON - Village Council withdrew its permission to demolish the Willow Grove Park dam just one month
after saying yes to the project.
"I think we're here to do what the majority of the people want," said Councilman Ryan Hillman, who was
among the council members who reversed themselves at Tuesday's council meeting by voting to withdraw
support for the dam demolition project.
"Personally, I think the experts know better than we do," Hillman added, referring to the officials from the
Ohio Department of Natural Resources who said removing the dam would restore the natural flow of the
Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek, thereby improving habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Council voted last month to give Lisa Butch of the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation permission to
seek a state grant on behalf of the village to cover the estimated $250,000 cost of removing the dam,
shoring up the banks and planting trees to prevent erosion.
Resident Jerry Tyson began a petition drive to get council to reconsider, which they declined to do at their
next meeting on April 12 despite being presented with petitions containing 40 signatures. Tyson attended
last night's meeting and presented petitions containing 100 more signatures, and he said not a single
person who was asked refused to sign.
Tyson had more support at last night's meeting, starting with Charlie Senanefes, who noted the dam was
still in great shape despite being built in the 1950s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"I think it could be there another 100 years if you leave it alone. I feel it's part of history, Lisbon's history,"
he said, adding that removing the dam would ruin the park by eliminating deep fishing spots upstream to
the Boy Scouts camp.
Tyson agreed. "The dam was built for that park because people remembered what it was like when you
weren't able to fish there," he said.
"I don't know what it will take to stop this, but I'm not going to quit, even if that means knocking on every
door in this town," Tyson added.
Dick Henthorne told council the fish biologists recommend the dam be removed, "but the people don't give
a hoot if the fish can swim upstream. They want the dam."
Council President Roger Gallo suggested they wait until learning if Butch was successful in
obtaining the grant, but Councilman Steve Defilippo made a motion to withdraw support for the
project, regardless of whether the grant were awarded. Supporting the motion were
councilmen Hillman, who just before indicated he was opposed, along with Willis Coleman and
Joseph Morenz. Coleman and Morenz abstained from the original vote in March, while
everyone else had voted yes.
Abstaining from Tuesday's vote were Gallo and Councilwoman Mary Ann Gray.
Butch was in attendance and expressed her disappointment at council's decision, but she is glad they
acted now instead of letting her continue working on the grant application and then changing their minds.
Butch said she may approach council again someday, however, but not before first undertaking public
education on the benefits of demolishing the dam.
April 27, 2011
By TOM GIAMBRONI - Staff Writer (tgiambroni@mojonews.com) , Morning Journal News
LISBON - Village Council withdrew its permission to demolish the Willow Grove Park dam just one month
after saying yes to the project.
"I think we're here to do what the majority of the people want," said Councilman Ryan Hillman, who was
among the council members who reversed themselves at Tuesday's council meeting by voting to withdraw
support for the dam demolition project.
"Personally, I think the experts know better than we do," Hillman added, referring to the officials from the
Ohio Department of Natural Resources who said removing the dam would restore the natural flow of the
Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek, thereby improving habitat for fish and other aquatic life.
Council voted last month to give Lisa Butch of the Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation permission to
seek a state grant on behalf of the village to cover the estimated $250,000 cost of removing the dam,
shoring up the banks and planting trees to prevent erosion.
Resident Jerry Tyson began a petition drive to get council to reconsider, which they declined to do at their
next meeting on April 12 despite being presented with petitions containing 40 signatures. Tyson attended
last night's meeting and presented petitions containing 100 more signatures, and he said not a single
person who was asked refused to sign.
Tyson had more support at last night's meeting, starting with Charlie Senanefes, who noted the dam was
still in great shape despite being built in the 1950s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"I think it could be there another 100 years if you leave it alone. I feel it's part of history, Lisbon's history,"
he said, adding that removing the dam would ruin the park by eliminating deep fishing spots upstream to
the Boy Scouts camp.
Tyson agreed. "The dam was built for that park because people remembered what it was like when you
weren't able to fish there," he said.
"I don't know what it will take to stop this, but I'm not going to quit, even if that means knocking on every
door in this town," Tyson added.
Dick Henthorne told council the fish biologists recommend the dam be removed, "but the people don't give
a hoot if the fish can swim upstream. They want the dam."
Council President Roger Gallo suggested they wait until learning if Butch was successful in
obtaining the grant, but Councilman Steve Defilippo made a motion to withdraw support for the
project, regardless of whether the grant were awarded. Supporting the motion were
councilmen Hillman, who just before indicated he was opposed, along with Willis Coleman and
Joseph Morenz. Coleman and Morenz abstained from the original vote in March, while
everyone else had voted yes.
Abstaining from Tuesday's vote were Gallo and Councilwoman Mary Ann Gray.
Butch was in attendance and expressed her disappointment at council's decision, but she is glad they
acted now instead of letting her continue working on the grant application and then changing their minds.
Butch said she may approach council again someday, however, but not before first undertaking public
education on the benefits of demolishing the dam.
My thoughts: (Jerry Tyson) Thank You Steve Defilippo.