The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) to strengthen the impact of the H2Ohio water quality initiative. OWDA has approved $5 million to fund additional wetlands efforts in ODNR’s H2Ohio program.

“This partnership will help us magnify H2Ohio’s impact as we work to ensure safe and clean water in Ohio,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “The funds will be used specifically to help ODNR naturally reduce nutrient runoff and prevent algal blooms over the long term.”

ODNR’s H2Ohio projects create, restore, and enhance wetlands to filter water and reduce the phosphorus and nitrogen that feed harmful algal blooms and fuel hypoxia. The funding from OWDA will focus on:

Advancing high-priority Maumee River and Western Lake Erie Basin H2Ohio projects including:
• Maumee River floodplain and wetland restoration
• Wetland enhancements and reconnections on Muddy Creek, a tributary to Sandusky Bay
• Marsh restoration in the Blanchard River watershed

Expanding ODNR’s statewide project focus through:
• Wetland and stream restoration at Chippewa Lake
• Floodplain wetland restoration along the Great Miami River
• A wetland treatment train at Delaware Lake

The funds will also help extend H2Ohio’s wetland monitoring program.

“We are proud to have the backing from OWDA,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Continued investment in H2Ohio will allow the state to build on the program’s strong foundation leading to improved water quality and public health, job creation, and a sustainable economy.”