H2Ohio seeks Northwest Ohio projects
As part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is seeking new H2Ohio project applications in northwest Ohio. All northwest Ohio-based projects are considered for grant funding year-round and do not have a specific deadline to apply.
Ottawa, Sandusky counties in targeted area
The ODNR H2Ohio Wetland Grants Program will prioritize projects in Allen, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin. Henry, Lucas, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot counties.
A priority area of interest for projects is the Maumee River watershed, which is the largest watershed in the Great Lakes region.
"Wetlands are vital, natural infrastructure that are necessary for clean drinking water and safe recreation across our state," Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz said.
All projects must demonstrate how they will reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality. Eligible grant project applicants include nonprofits, cities, villages, counties, townships and special districts like parks and conservancy districts. Private land is eligible for grant funding when working with one of the eligible applicant types, and projects on private land are subject to deed restrictions on any restored project area.
Projects must benefit water quality
H2Ohio Wetland Grant funding is focused on the following types of actions to benefit water quality:
● Restoring or creating wetlands that will have a close connection with stormwater or agricultural drainage, ditches, streams or rivers
● Restoring or improving the connection between existing, low-quality wetlands and nearby drainage or waterways
● Reconnecting streams and rivers to natural, restored or reforested floodplain habitat
● Expanding floodwater storage and retention with wetland habitat restoration
If your project is in one of the counties listed above, contact H2Ohio@dnr.ohio.gov before submitting an H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program application.
The News-Messenger/News Herald
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: ODNR seeks to improve wetland areas in Northwest Ohio
