In spring 2022, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is completing a $2 million project to remove 33 vacant structures and restore the land as forest. These buildings were non-historic. The properties were acquired decades ago as the park was established. This long-anticipated project was made possible by funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
"CVNP was created to protect and restore the Cuyahoga River valley and provide recreational open space for people" said Superintendent Lisa Petit. “This project will revitalize 12 acres of park land by returning it to its natural condition and help us provide visitors with a safer, more enjoyable experience."
The removal of the buildings eliminated more than $7 million of maintenance backlog. Some of them had been vandalized and posed a safety hazard. Reforestation helps meet the goals outlined in the park’s and Strategic Action Plan.
The National Park Service bought these 11 properties in the late 1970s to 1980s. The government used eminent domain or a use-and-occupancy agreement. The latter allowed the seller to keep living in the house for a set period or until death, depending on the terms. While some of these buildings were old, they did not meet the National Register criteria for historic preservation.
The following two properties are of note because they are part of larger restoration projects. Both sites had multiple structures.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
