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 Wetlands continue to be one of the most misunderstood and abused ecosystems in Ohio. Over the past 200 years, Ohio has lost over 90 percent of its original wetlands. The majority of which has occurred on private land. Landowners can provide the greatest impact on reversing this trend by considering the restoration of prior converted wetlands on their land.
These areas provide essential habitat for wildlife and are a crucial part of the water cycle because of their ability to absorb and filter run-off from farm fields and urban areas.
Sites suitable for restoration include:
1. Presence of hydric soils capable of holding water. This usually indicates the presence of a remnant wetland that has been altered by the installation of tile or a ditch.
2. Typically, 4-5 acres of watershed per acre of wetland restored should be adequate. Smaller watersheds may not adequately recharge the site and larger watersheds require extensive engineering.
3. The presence of hydric or wetland vegetation requires less time for restoration.
4. Gradual side slopes of 10:1 or greater will create more depth variation and plant diversity.
Restoring these sites usually requires only a tile cut or the construction of a small low-level dike. ODNR Division of Wildlife Private Lands Biologists are available to assist you with identifying suitable sites and providing technical assistance for proper restoration. The Division of Wildlife also offers financial assistance to landowners, corporations, and organizations who are interested in reestablishing wetlands.
Funding is available to cover 50 percent of restoration costs, up to $750 per acre restored, for landowners willing maintain the site for up to 10 years. A longer maintenance agreement of 20 years will pay 100 percent of costs, up to $1,500 per acre restored. In some cases, this program may be used in conjunction with federal conservation programs offered through the USDA Farm Bill. This program is financed from money received from the sale of Ohio Wetland Stamps and Ducks Unlimited MARSH funds.
Contact the Private Lands Biologist located at your local Wildlife District office for more information concerning these programs.
Ohio's Private Lands Biologists
Widlife District One, Dan Crusey, (614) 644-3925
Wildlife District Two, Jeff Burris, (419) 429-8367 and Mark Witt, (419) 429-8362 Wildlife District Three, Dan McMillen, (330) 644-2293
Wildlife District Four, Lloyd Culbertson, (740) 589-9957
Wildlife District Five, Heidi Devine and Diana Malas, (937) 372-9261
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