(TOLEDO, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited Toledo today to highlight H2Ohio’s work to create and restore wetlands to improve Ohio’s water quality over the long term.
Governor DeWine created H2Ohio in 2019 as a comprehensive, data-driven approach to protect and improve water quality statewide. The program focuses on improving water infrastructure and addressing the root causes of harmful algal blooms.
Wetlands absorb excess nutrients, like phosphorus, acting as natural filter to clean the water as it flows downstream into other bodies of water. Phosphorus runoff is a leading contributor to fueling harmful algal blooms, especially on Lake Erie.
“H2Ohio started right here in Northwest Ohio to address the harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie,” said Governor DeWine. “By supporting farming best practices and restoring wetlands, H2Ohio has made significant progress in improving water quality and reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the Lake.”
Governor DeWine Soundbite and Event B-Roll
Today, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) highlighted the Clark and Delaware/Horseshoe Islands wetlands project, which was completed last September through partnership with the U.S. EPA and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. These wetlands sit directly in the Maumee River, the largest tributary to Lake Erie.
H2Ohio invested more than $8.7 million to rebuild these islands. Erosion along the banks of the islands caused excess phosphorus and sediment to be carried downstream and into Lake Erie. The restoration work included installing rock and natural structures along the islands’ banks to stop erosion and capture phosphorus before it can flow downstream any further.
Beyond water quality benefits, the islands create a resilient habitat for fish and wildlife and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.
“The beauty of H2Ohio is that while we are cleaning water before it enters our watersheds, we are also creating scenic natural spaces to be enjoyed by all,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Wetlands are incredibly valuable ecosystems. Beyond improving the environment, they support migratory birds and threatened or endangered species, and they offer exceptional recreational opportunities, whether you’re a hunter, angler, birder, or simply someone who loves being outdoors.”
STATEWIDE IMPACT
ODNR has completed 400 wetland projects and has an additional 129 underway. H2Ohio wetlands have reduced nearly 78,000 pounds of source phosphorus a year. More than 52,000 pounds of that reduction is happening in the Western Lake Erie Basin every year. More than 21,000 acres of watershed and habitat have been restored through this work.
H2Ohio is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and Ohio Lake Erie Commission. Governor DeWine will continue visiting communities impacted by H2Ohio to promote the program’s work to reduce phosphorus runoff from Ohio farms.
To learn more, visit h2.ohio.gov.