The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) a $2,884,871 Project Grant under the Geographic Programs - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) to address agricultural runoff that contributes to harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. This funding will support two restoration projects in the Western Lake Erie Basin: The first project in Allen County will relocate a 2,200-linear foot ditch and add 2,400-linear feet of a 2-stage ditch, as well as restore 371 linear feet of a tributary, totaling 6.5 acres of riparian habitat. The second project along the Auglaize River will establish a 45.5-acre conservation easement to restore cropland with forested and shrub wetlands, riparian and floodplain habitat, and riparian buffers. ODNR is partnering with the non-profit organization Rural Action to provide on-the-ground project management and oversight for these initiatives, which are expected to be completed by January 31, 2026. The projects aim to reduce phosphorus loading by 1,450 lbs/year while restoring a total of 52 acres of riparian and floodplain habitat along 1.8 miles of stream.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $2.1m | 2/6/24 |