This cooperative agreement will focus efforts to restore habitat for migratory birds, federally threatened and endangered species, and other federal trust species in northwest ohio

This $150,000 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 will support habitat restoration efforts through September 2025 in northwest Ohio's Lake Erie marshes area. Working with Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and other partners, the funding will restore wetland and upland complexes on formerly agricultural lands and in existing conservation areas. Specific activities include removing field tile and constructing low-level berms to restore wetland hydrology and extend hydroperiods. The Agreement is part of the Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, which provides $150K in financial and technical assistance to voluntary habitat conservation projects. Additionally, Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge received a $170,000 sub-award from the State of Ohio to further the restoration work.

The work will focus on restoring wetland and upland complexes in the lake erie marshes area of ohio. Sites coming out of agricultural production will be prioritized, as will existing conservation areas that are conducive to further restoration and enhancement of these habitats. The wetland restoration efforts will aim to restore wetland hydrology by removing field tile and constructing low level berms, extending hydroperiod in existing wetlands. The USFWS will work in conjunction with the recipient, as well as other partners including the ohio department of natural resources (odnr), the USDA-natural resources conservation service (USDA-nrcs), and other partners who also share a mutual interest in restoring and enhancing native habitats in this area.