Sanibel Resident Joins Friends of the Mahoning River Board

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Sanibel resident Judith Ann Zimomra has been elected to the Friends of the Mahoning River (FOMR) Board of Directors. The Friends of the Mahoning River, Inc. is dedicated to improving water quality of the Mahoning River through education, restoration and recreation. The non-profit organization supports enhancements and environmental sustainability of the Mahoning River Corridor.

The Mahoning River, which drains 1,085 square miles, is located primarily in northeastern Ohio and a small portion of western Pennsylvania. The River traverses five Ohio counties and supports 72 species of fish and 15 species of mussels. Portions of the Mahoning River remain impacted from the residue of the industrial activity they began in the late 19th century in cities such as Youngstown, Warren, Niles and Campbell where the River was a major water source used in steel, coke and other heavy manufacturing that supported the region for decades. Particularly the riverbed and shoreline of the 30-mile segment between Leavittsburg, Ohio to the Pennsylvania border has been identified for remediation. The Mahoning River joins the Shennango River in Pennsylvania to form the Beaver River and is part of the Ohio River watershed.

Zimomra, a nearly 20 year resident of Sanibel was raised in Newton Falls, Ohio, through which both the East and West Branches of the Mahonng River flow. Newton Falls is one of two communities for which their water-supply is obtained directly from the Mahoning River. She is a past member of the Kent State University National Alumni Board and has been recognized by the Ohio State University as a member of the Neil Legacy Society. Over her 42 year career in public service Zimomra has served as the Commissioner of Environmental Health for the City of Cleveland, Ohio and Director of Environmental Services for Hamilton County, Ohio. She will soon retire after 20 years as the City Manager of Sanibel.