First Wetland in Central Ohio Now Complete

MILLERSPORT, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz announced today that the H2Ohio wetland project to reduce harmful algal blooms on Buckeye Lake is now complete. The new Brooks Park Wetland Complex is the first H2Ohio wetland project in Central Ohio.


“Algal blooms are not exclusive only to Lake Erie, so it’s important that we expand our H2Ohio wetland work to other parts of the state,” said Governor DeWine.  “The algal blooms seen at Buckeye Lake over the last decade show why this work is so important, and over the long term, we’ll see these new wetlands filter out nutrients that cause the blooms.”

The Brooks Park project creates a wetland complex along Murphy’s Run, a tributary stream that receives stormwater runoff from nearby farm fields.  That runoff eventually flows into Buckeye Lake and can lead to algal blooms. By redirecting the stream flow through the wetland, excess nutrients that can cause harm will be filtered out before water makes it to the lake.

Buckeye Lake has had algae blooms nearly every year since 2010. When toxic algal blooms are identified, ODNR posts a red sign advising against swimming due to impacts that harmful algae blooms can have on health.

“People come from all over Ohio and beyond to enjoy Buckeye Lake,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.   “Those days are ruined every time we have to put a sign up saying the water isn’t safe.  This wetland is a long-term solution that will help keep water clean and beautiful for people to enjoy for years to come.”

ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft helped in the design and construction of this 3-acre project. The total cost of the project is $750,000.

Other H2Ohio wetland projects currently underway or completed include the Burntwood-Langenkamp Wetland Conservation Area in Mercer County, the Oakwoods Nature Preserve East and Oakwoods Nature Preserve West in Hancock County, the Forder Bridge Floodplain Reconnection in Paulding County, the Van Order Wetland and Forest Restoration in Henry County, the wetland area east of the Andreoff Wildlife Area in Wyandot County, Sandusky Headwaters Preserve in Crawford County, the Fruth Outdoor Center Wetland Restoration project in Seneca County, and the Redhorse Bend Wetland Restoration in Sandusky County.

H2Ohio is Governor DeWine’s initiative to ensure safe and clean water in Ohio. It is a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality over the long term.  H2Ohio focuses on encouraging agricultural best management practices, restoring and enhancing wetlands, and replacing home septic systems to reduce nutrients that contribute to harmful algal blooms. For more information on the H2Ohio initiative, please 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.

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