Commercial and pleasure craft are returning to the river, and a healthier community of fish species is finding it more hospitable. The removal of contaminated sediments eliminated the likelihood of contaminants migrating from the river into Lake Erie, protecting a major aquatic resource. The ultimate goal is to restore all impaired uses of the Ashtabula River and Harbor and remove Ashtabula from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The Ashtabula River Partnership serves as a model approach to environmental cleanup with promise for addressing complex projects.