Water is an essential part of all life. In 2019, when Governor Mike DeWine took office, he made water quality a top priority by launching H2Ohio: a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality. ODNR’s role in the initiative is to reduce nutrient loads in rivers and lakes through creating or restoring wetlands. The $50 million dollar investment was quickly put to good use.

The main focus of H2Ohio is the Lake Erie watershed. The Maumee and Sandusky State Scenic Rivers are huge tributaries to Lake Erie. Christina Kuchle, NW Region Scenic Rivers Manager, has been working diligently with the H2Ohio team at ODNR assisting with the implementation of $9.3 million of water quality investments throughout the watersheds of these State Scenic Rivers. This $9.3 million dollar investment overseen by Christina is projected to result in 400 acres of permanent land protection, more than 350 acres of restored wetlands and more than 4000 linear feet of stream restoration.

ODNR’s success in the H2Ohio initiative would not be possible without strong partnerships. So far, ODNR has formed partnerships with 20 outside entities. [See a full list of H2Ohio partners]

Once the current projects are complete, there will be approximately 90,000 acres of watershed filtered by wetland projects and more than 5,700 acres of wetlands created, restored, or enhanced. H2Ohio, at its core, is a powerful collaboration. It’s an alignment of missions across state agencies, industry, agriculture, and conservation organizations working together to improve water quality. New projects will continue to be identified and implemented throughout 2021.

For more information on the H2Ohio initiative or current and future wetland projects please visit h2.ohio.gov.

Examples

Redhorse Bend Floodplain Restoration: Sandusky County, $976,000

Fifty-four acres of frequently flooded agricultural land along the Sandusky River in Fremont was previously purchased using Clean Ohio Funds through Black Swamp Conservancy and taken out of agricultural production. With H2Ohio funds, flood water from the river will be captured in restored wetlands, wet meadows, and eventually forests filtering sediment and nutrients. Once the restoration is complete, the property will be open to the public and managed by the Sandusky County Park District.

Redhorse Bend Conceptual Design

Forder Bridge Floodplain Reconnection: Paulding County, $400,000

Fifty-four acres of former agricultural fields along the Maumee State Scenic River, purchased using Clean Ohio Funds through Black Swamp Conservancy, will benefit from 1700 linear feet of stream restoration and a passive treatment train wetland. These restored features will help reduce nutrients and restore natural hydrologic features. Separate funding was also used to improve existing access to the Maumee River Water Trail with the addition of a canoe/kayak launch. The site is still temporarily closed until final plantings of native vegetation are complete in the Spring of 2021.

Forder Bridge Conceptual Restoration Plan