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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) awarded a $125,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program (CFDA 15.631) to the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The award will fund efforts to restore wetland and upland habitats in the Lake Erie Marshes area of northwest Ohio. Specific activities include removing field tile, constructing low-level berms, and extending hydroperiod to restore wetland hydrology on sites transitioning from agricultural production, as well as enhancing existing conservation areas. The project aims to benefit migratory birds, federally threatened and endangered species, and other federal trust species. The USFWS is collaborating with the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other partners to implement these habitat restoration activities over the 3-year award period from January 2024 to January 2027.

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.