Ohio DNR will leverage glri and H2OHIO program funds to address nonpoint source pollution that contributes to harmful algal blooms in lake erie in cooperation with the black swamp conservancy (BSC)

Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 awarded the Ohio Department of Natural Resources a $2.264 million Cooperative Agreement on April 30, 2026, under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) to reduce nonpoint source pollution contributing to harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie.

The award funds restoration of the 152-acre Heron Crest Property along 1.2 miles of the Maumee State Scenic and Recreational River. GLRI funds will support 72 acres of floodplain and wetland restoration and 33 acres of upper field restoration, including capture and treatment of tile water through wetland restoration, pollinator meadow planting, and upland woods establishment. These activities will increase floodplain connectivity, expand wetland habitat, and create water treatment and storage capacity for the Maumee River. The restoration is projected to reduce phosphorous loading by an estimated 295 pounds per year from nonpoint sources, benefiting residents and users of the Maumee River corridor.

The Black Swamp Conservancy serves as sub-recipient, covering costs for project site assessment, design, and permitting associated with the wetland reconnection and floodplain restoration work. The period of performance extends through December 1, 2028. Work is performed in Ohio.

Activities:this grant will support restoration of a significant portion of the 152-acre heron crest property which lies along 1.2 miles of the maumee state scenic and recreational river. Glri funds will support 72 acres of floodplain and wetland restoration, and 33 acres of upper field restoration which will include capturing and treating tile water through wetland restoration, plus planting pollinator meadow and upland woods.subrecipient:the subaward will cover costs associated with project site assessment, design, and permitting for the reconnection and restoration of a wetland and adjacent floodplain. Outcomes:these restoration activities will increase floodplain connectivity and wetland habitat and create additional water treatment and storage for the maumee river. This project will improve water quality in lake erie by reducing an estimated 295 LBS/YR of phosphorous loading from nonpoint sources. The beneficiaries of this project are all who live, work, and recreate in and around ohio's maumee river, specifically within the maumee state scenic and recreational river.