Mahoning County commissioners support Mill Creek wetland restoration project

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – On Thursday morning, Mahoning County commissioners gave their support for a local wetland restoration project.

The board sent a letter of support to the Mill Creek Park Board, backing a plan to restore a portion of the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve in Coitsville.

The McGuffey Wildlife Preserve has been under the control of Mill Creek MetroParks since 1998.

Members of the William McGuffey Historical Society say the preserve has been neglected over the years and not properly taken care of.

Restoration would include dredging the pond and reconstructing a dock to revitalize the area.

“The absence of having a functioning pond and the removal of the dock have greatly impacted taxpayers being able to use the preserve for recreation and education. More importantly, allowing the pond to disappear has removed a dependable water resource for the wildlife at the wildlife reserve,” said Richard Scarsella, chairman of the William McGuffey Historical Society.

The ball is now in Mill Creek Park’s court. It has the final decision on when, if any, restoration work at the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve would be completed.

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