The Backcountry Press
The country's premier daily HUNTING, FISHING & OUTDOOR news in the USA and around the globe. Read whats happening in your neck of the woods & beyond.
The Backcountry Outdoor News reports the latest hunting and, fishing news along with fishing derbies and tournaments
from:
| ||||||
 | ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
|
HUNTING NEWS CATEGORIES
© 2010 Backcountry Press Outdoor News - All Rights Reserved Website Design by:
Connect With Us
| ||||
Disclaimer: The views expressed on this site are that of the authors and not necessarily that of TBC Press
| ||||
H2Ohio Initiative Adds Additional Wetlands Near Andreoff Wildlife Area
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 10/15/20
News # 13993
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and Ducks Unlimited announced the development of a new H2Ohio wetlands project in Wyandot County. The wetlands will be located near the Andreoff Wildlife Area in the headwaters of the Blanchard River which ultimately flows into Lake Erie.
“We’re excited about these new wetlands because they’ll help naturally improve water quality by trapping, filtering, and removing excess pollutants and nutrients, like phosphorus, from the water before they flow into Lake Erie and contribute to harmful algal blooms,” said Governor DeWine. “One of the long-term goals of the H2Ohio initiative is to prevent algal blooms on Lake Erie through projects like this.”
“Inland wetlands are essential to improve water quality in Ohio,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This property sits at the headwaters of the Blanchard River, and these new wetlands will help reduce the amount of sediment that enters the watershed. Ducks Unlimited is a recognized leader in wetland conservation, and we look forward to working with them on this vital water quality initiative.”
H2Ohio funding was granted to Ducks Unlimited to purchase 278 acres in Wyandot County directly to the east of Andreoff Wildlife Area where the new wetland complex will be built. The wetlands will utilize drainage from surrounding agricultural fields as a water source. This water will feed into the wetlands via a system of pumps and tiles designed to control flow for maximum nutrient and sediment reduction.
“Clean water is at the core of healthy wildlife habitats and the good health of Ohio’s residents,” said Jaime Rader, director of operations for Ducks Unlimited’s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. “Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio plan will ensure people, ducks, fish, and wildlife have clean water for generations. Ducks Unlimited appreciates his leadership and the opportunity to work with Ohio DNR Director Mertz to utilize H2Ohio to restore and protect Ohio’s crucial wetland habitats.”
In addition to their water quality benefits, wetlands provide excellent wildlife habitat for uniquely adapted plant and animal species, many of which are considered in peril. The public, including birders, anglers, and waterfowl hunters, will have access to this property once wetland construction is complete, as part of the Andreoff Wildlife Area complex.
This wetland project joins several others that already have broken ground as part of the H2Ohio initiative including: the Fruth Wetland Nature Preserve in Seneca County, the St. Joseph Confluence Reconnection in Williams County, the Van Order Wetland and Forest Restoration in Henry County, and the Forder Bridge Floodplain Reconnection in Paulding County. The H2Ohio initiative currently has 26 wetland projects underway. These projects are being completed in collaboration with the Black Swamp Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and various county and metropark systems, among other partners.
H2Ohio is Governor Mike 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.
####
Publishers Notes: OUT OF STATE HUNTERS, FISHERMEN & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS; Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there could be limitations for OUT of STATE hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts to include a 14-day quarantine requirement or negative COVID-19 testing alternative. Please check with the State's Department of Natural Resources BEFORE you travel or apply for the 2020 Fall Hunts.
As OUR COUNTRY REOPENS AGAIN (from the COVID-19 pandemic) and continue to enjoy outdoor activities, ALL outdoor enthusiasts (man, woman, child) should follow the guidelines set by nps.gov. These guidelines include; social distancing, the Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.
