PRESS RELEASE – As part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) 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.
The ODNR H2Ohio Wetland Grants Program is prioritizing projects in the following counties: 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 is necessary for clean drinking water and safe recreation across our state,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz.
“By continuing to invest in these water quality projects, we are bettering our streams, rivers, and lakes for everyone to enjoy while protecting key wildlife habitats.”
All projects must demonstrate how they will reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality. Eligible grant project applicants include non-profits, 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.
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.
For more information, visit the H2Ohio Wetland Grant Program page at ohiodnr.gov. H2Ohio is Governor DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters.
Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization. For more information visit h2.ohio.gov.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.