OHIO — With funding announced for eight new wetland projects, H2Ohio wetlands reached a milestone number of 203.
H2Ohio grant funding of $7.7 million will support the eight new projects on the Western Lake Erie Basin in Williams, Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Ottawa counties.
H2Ohio is focused on the western shore to improve the water quality; however, it is through a targeted approach because of the region's impact on Lake Erie.
There are 105 H2Ohio wetlands focused on the water quality to the west of Lake Erie.
“We’re excited to celebrate this important milestone of more than 200 H2Ohio wetland projects,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. “Science and data tell us that improving Ohio’s water quality will take time, but over the long run, we know that every H2Ohio wetland will contribute to preventing algal blooms and keeping Ohio’s waterways clean.”
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said the wetlands are vital to the H2Ohio initiative as they help slow the flow of water and allow nutrients to settle, leading to a reduction of nutrient loading into larger waterways that can cause algal blooms.
“I’m thrilled to see these H2Ohio wetland projects throughout the entire state of Ohio and the impact each and every single one has when it comes to water quality,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “These projects have also done so much for the Buckeye State with preserving the natural beauty and environment for plant life and wildlife.”
ODNR is working alongside Lake Erie Aquatic Research Network researchers to monitor the efficacy of the wetland projects in order to understand how they are affecting the landscape and adjust projects to provide the most valuable improvements.
