Conservation efforts are dependent on supportive public policy.  Without a framework of legislative action, conservation efforts are destined to fail.  This entails constructive action at all levels of government.  The Nature Conservancy in Ohio is working to ensure public policies make a unique, substantial, and lasting contribution to effective conservation of globally significant biodiversity both in Ohio and worldwide. 

Public Funding

The Nature Conservancy in Ohio works with state and federal agencies in a variety of ways to create, secure, and maintain funding for conservation.  The Conservancy assists public agencies in:

• Acquiring key properties through land exchanges and purchases
• Indentifying threats such as invasive species
• Developing abatement programs to protect biodiversity

Supporting Farms and Protecting Natural Resources

In Ohio, farming and conservation go hand-in-hand to reach mutual goals.  Conservation practices help farmers continue their traditional ways of life by protecting the natural resources and habitats that are vital for productive agricultural yields.  The United States has a long tradition of supporting conservation through federal agricultural policies.  The Conservancy in Ohio continues to work with federal policy makers to ensure conservation remains prominent in future programs.

Climate Change

Conservation has a critical role to play in addressing climate change.  The Conservancy in Ohio is working to support federal climate change legislation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a cost effective manner.  The Conservancy is focused on a cap and trade market that provides credits for forest carbon and dedicates funding for wildlife adaptation. 

You can Help!

Contact you state legislator:  http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/
 
Contact your U.S. Representative:  http://www.house.gov
 
Contact your U.S. Senators:  http://www.senate.gov

View Ohio's District Maps

Ohio House Districts  (.pdf, 2.1MB)

Ohio Senate Districts  (.pdf, 1.8MB)

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © ODNR (Shawnee State Forest); Photo © Marty Sedluk (Lake Erie islands).