H2Ohio Breaks Ground on New Wetland Project in Williams County

excavator

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in collaboration with the Black Swamp Conservancy, broke ground on a new H2Ohio wetland project in Williams County on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. The St. Joseph Confluence Reconnection will include the decommission of subsurface drainage tiles, restoration of wetlands, removal of dikes, and reforestation.

“The St. Joseph project will be a collaborative effort with long-term benefits,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Once complete, this project will help to improve water quality in the Maumee River Watershed and make a more stable ecosystem for native species.”

H2Ohio funding will be used for 11.47 acres of reforestation and 35.75 acres of wetland restoration on this 140-acre property. Removing dikes and restoring floodplain wetlands with native vegetation will capture nutrient laden floodwaters from the St. Joseph River and its tributaries on the property. Restoring deciduous forest will provide benefits to wildlife and absorb rainfall from storm events.

The restored wetlands will also enhance the habitat for the federally threatened copperbelly water snake. The reptiles, found in parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, need shallow wetlands along the edges of larger wetlands complexes where they can hunt for frogs. They have been threatened since 1996.

ODNR will be working with Black Swamp Conservancy to complete this project at an estimated cost of $730,000.

“We are thrilled to partner with ODNR on this important restoration project,” said Rob Krain, Executive Director for Black Swamp Conservancy. “This project expands upon existing high quality wetlands on the property, enhancing critical wildlife habitat, and improving water quality in our community.”

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website.