Division of Wildlife Expands Wetland Habitat for Wildlife and Recreation
Partnership and federal grant aids state agency in expanding Wayne County’s Wright Marsh

AKRON, OH – A partnership between the Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ducks Unlimited, a world leader in wetlands conservation, as well as funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has facilitated an important wildlife habitat expansion project in Wayne County. A portion of the Killbuck Wildlife Area known as the “Wright Marsh”, located on State Route 226, has been expanded from 315 acres to 350 acres.  Management capabilities within this entire diked marsh were also greatly improved by the installation of an electric pumping station. These improvements will provide additional, critical habitat for waterfowl and other species while improving waterfowl hunting opportunities for Buckeye sportsmen and women.

“A $70,000 North American Wetlands Conservation Act small grant was awarded to us from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service which gave us the green light to move forward on this important project,” explained Dan Kramer, wildlife management supervisor in northeast Ohio. The Division of Wildlife matched the grant with Wetland Habitat Funds derived from the sales of state wetland stamps bringing the total cost of the project to $140,000. “Thanks to the efforts of Ducks Unlimited in expertly designing a pump station and the 35 acre expansion as well as assisting us with administrative issues, this project was incorporated seamlessly,” noted Kramer.  Quality Excavating & Construction of Perrysville, Ohio completed the project construction.

Wetlands are among the most productive and remarkable ecosystems on the planet. They are invaluable not only to waterfowl and scores of other wildlife species, but also to the very quality of life on Earth. Flood control, soil conservation, water quality improvement and crucial nesting habitat are just a few of the factors related to wetlands.

For more information on waterfowl, controlled hunting, or wetlands in Ohio go to www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).  To learn more about Ducks Unlimited visit www.ducks.org