Spencer Creek Rehabilitation Project Update-Tree Removals
The City of Rocky River will begin preparation work for the upcoming Spencer Creek Rehabilitation Project with tree removal along Spencer Creek within Bradstreet’s Landing Park on March 17 and March 18, 2026. Trees will be taken down and staged for removal from the site in the upcoming construction area for removal at a later date.
During this time, Bradstreet’s Landing Park may be closed for periods to vehicular traffic to allow crews to safely complete the work.
While removing trees is never taken lightly, this work is necessary to allow the stream restoration project to move forward and must occur before April 1 in order to comply with federal wildlife protection guidelines for the Indiana bat, a federally endangered species. These bats may use tree cavities as summer roosting habitat, and environmental regulations require that tree clearing take place during the winter months before bats return to the region in the spring.
In addition to protecting wildlife, tree removal is needed due to significant erosion that has occurred along portions of Spencer Creek’s shoreline. In several areas, streambank erosion has undermined trees along the creek, leaving them unstable or leaning toward the water. These conditions can accelerate bank failure, contribute sediment to the creek, and further degrade the stream corridor.
The upcoming Spencer Creek Rehabilitation Project will address these issues by stabilizing streambanks and restoring a more natural floodplain along the creek. Over time, Spencer Creek has become confined and disconnected from its natural floodplain, which has increased erosion and reduced the stream’s ability to safely convey stormwater flows.
Restoring a natural floodplain will help:
• Reduce ongoing streambank erosion
• Improve the creek’s ability to handle stormwater events
• Protect nearby infrastructure and parkland
• Improve ecological health and habitat along the stream
While some trees must be removed to allow the restoration work to occur, the long-term goal of the project is environmental restoration and improved stream stability.
We appreciate the community’s understanding as we complete this important work to protect and restore Spencer Creek. For additional information regarding project, please see the “Upcoming Construction Projects” section on the City of Rocky River’s Public Works page https://www.rockyriverohio.gov/public-works.
