In 1987, the United States and Canadian Governments identified the Black River RAP as an Area of Concern that required remedial actions. The Black River Remedial Action Plan was established and Coordinating Committee members were appointed.

The Black River Watershed encompasses about two-thirds of Lorain County, about a third of Medina County and a very small portion of both Huron and Ashland Counties. The East and West Branches of the Black River flow north until they meet in Elyria. At their confluence, they form the Black River Mainstem, which continues to flow north to the mouth of the river, where it meets Lake Erie.

The East Branch of the Black River runs north, towards Lake Erie, from Sullivan Township through Lodi, Spencer, LaGrange, Grafton into Elyria where is meets the west branch at the confluence in Cascade Park. Seven tributaries contribute to the East Branches flow. These tributaries include the West Fork of the East Branch in Sullivan & Homer Townships; the East Fork of the East Branch in the Medina County Townships of Harrisville & Chatham; Coon Creek in Spencer; Crow Creek in Litchfield Township; Salt Creek in Grafton Township; and Willow Creek that runs across the northern boundary of Eaton Township.

The West Branch of the Black River begins in Troy, Rochester & Huntingon Townships in the tributaries of Charlemont and Buck Creeks. Wellington Creek meets the West Branch and Elk Creek near the four corners of LaGrange, Pittsfield, New Russia and Carlisle Townships. Plum Creek drains the land area around the City of Oberlin and meets up with the West Branch in Carlisle Township.

The Mainstem
The East and West Branch meet in Cascade Park at the Mainstem Confluence and continue northward until the river combines with waters from the Avon and Sheffield area via the French Creek tributary. The River then makes a western turn toward the City of Lorain, eventually to the mouth of the Black River and Lake Erie.

You're invited to take a tour of the Black River Watershed