A new regional partnership is paving the way for a long-awaited solution to severe erosion along Dicks Creek in the City of Monroe, while helping move forward a critical connection in the Great Miami River Trail network through Butler County.

MetroParks of Butler County, the Miami Conservancy District, the Monroe Area Community Improvement Corporation, and the City of Monroe formalized a partnership to stabilize approximately 800 linear feet of Dicks Creek. The project will allow the City of Monroe to complete its portion of the Great Miami River Trail, closing one of the remaining trail gaps in Butler County.

The stabilization project addresses ongoing streambank erosion that threatens adjacent land, contributes sediment to the creek, affects aquatic habitat, and creates challenges for safely developing public infrastructure within the corridor. Restoring the streambank will improve water quality, reduce future erosion risks, and help protect nearby property and natural resources.

“MetroParks saw an opportunity to bring the right partners together and finally move this project forward after years of challenges,” said Jackie O’Connell, Executive Director of MetroParks of Butler County. “Thanks to the Butler County Commissioners' generous investment of ARPA funding, this partnership helps solve a longstanding erosion problem while moving the Great Miami River Trail one step closer to completion in Butler County.”

The project is being funded collaboratively through a combination of regional investment and dedicated local resources, maximizing public benefit while minimizing additional burden on local taxpayers. Under the agreement:

• MetroParks of Butler County will contribute between $375,000 and $525,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding originally awarded by the Butler County Commissioners. 
• Miami Conservancy District will contribute $225,000 and donate approximately 33.6 acres of land to the City of Monroe.
• The City of Monroe will contribute up to $72,500 for project administration and inspection services.

All project funds will be managed through a dedicated account overseen by the Monroe Area Community Improvement Corporation, which will also serve as the project contracting entity.

This partnership moves a long‑standing challenge toward a real solution and helps Monroe take the next step on our trail connection,” said Larry Lester, City Manager. “It also creates the conditions we need to begin addressing repairs at Bicentennial Commons so the space can safely reopen for the community,” added Gary Morton, Public Works Director.

The Great Miami River Trail is one of southwest Ohio’s premier regional recreational assets, connecting communities to a 350+ mile paved multi-use trail system that supports walking, biking, commuting, tourism, and economic development. Completing Monroe’s trail segment will strengthen that connection while expanding public access to the river corridor.

Once complete, the Dicks Creek stabilization project will improve stream health, protect surrounding land, and create the conditions necessary to safely construct Monroe’s trail segment.

“The health of our streams and the strength of our communities are deeply connected,” said MaryLynn Lodor, General Manager of the Miami Conservancy District. “This project reflects what regional partnership can accomplish when organizations come together around a shared goal. By restoring Dicks Creek, we’re helping protect water quality, reducing long-term erosion risks, and supporting a trail connection that will benefit residents and visitors for generations.”

Following construction, the City of Monroe will assume ownership and long-term maintenance responsibilities for the creek stabilization improvements and trail infrastructure.

The partnership represents a significant investment in environmental stewardship, regional connectivity, and public recreation access in Butler County.

Click here to access a map of the Great Miami River Trail improvements in progress.

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