Securing Clean Water for Ohio

How We're Improving Water Quality in Ohio

Various land use practices have altered and degraded Ohio’s waters and beyond, and it’s vital to reverse course. Learn more about ways The Nature Conservancy is helping to restore clean water for people and nature. 

Wetlands and headwater streams are biological powerhouses, providing homes and breeding grounds for birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and so much more. Protecting these freshwater ecosystems is critical for safeguarding biodiversity in Ohio.

These places provide important stopover habitat for migratory birds like threatened sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) as they make their journey south for the winter and return home again in the spring. Ephemeral vernal pools provide critical habitat for amphibians like the four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum), a species of concern in Ohio that migrates to vernal pools and sphagnum bogs each spring to reproduce. Our wet prairies are essential for endangered reptiles like the Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) and Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) and a variety of rare and endangered mussels rely on our headwater streams and rivers for survival. 

Our work in protecting and restoring wetlands, streams, rivers and other waterways helps support the wildlife we know and love. Learn more about the importance of wetlands and how TNC is protecting these critical wildlife habitats throughout the Midwest.

Ohio Mitigation Program

Founded on federal and state laws that require developers to avoid and minimize harm to wetlands and streams, the Ohio Mitigation Program (OMP) is also helping protect and restore stream and wetland habitat throughout the state. The overall goal of the OMP is to ensure that there is no net loss of existing wetland acreage or stream footage and the ecological functions they provide. To date, the program hasrestored and protected 100,673 linear feet of streams and 392 acres of wetlands.

Farmer Advocates for Conservation

Funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Farmer Advocates for Conservation program aims to reduce nutrient run-off from agricultural fields while building sustainability of farms in the Maumee River Watershed. The program accomplishes these goals by elevating farmers who are actively employing nature-friendly farm practices and providing opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and mentorships.

4R Nutrient Stewardship

TNC has also been instrumental in supporting the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program by serving on the board and advisory committee, supporting the launch of a data management platform and resource website and creating learning modules for the program. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program encourages agricultural retailers and independent crop consultants to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs, which refers to using the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place to help reduce nutrient run-off that contributes to harmful algal blooms. As of 2042, the program supports 56 retail facilities, 5,000 farmers and 2.5 million acres in Ohio and the Western Lake Erie Basin. 

Advocating for Water Policy

Launched by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in 2019 in response to increasing water quality issues across the state, the H2Ohio Program has led to significant results since its passage. TNC helped design the concept for H2Ohio and mobilize support from a broad constituency that includes agriculture, healthcare, small government, environmental groups, tourism and other businesses.

The Future of H2Ohio

H2Ohio's funding relies on appropriations every two years through the state’s biennial budgeting process. To help secure long-term funding solutions for water quality in Ohio, TNC is working alongside partner agencies through public advocacy and direct coordination to create a bond to ensure adequate funding the H2Ohio Programming over a longer period.