“H2Ohio and the Value of Restoring Watersheds” report reveals economic returns for wetlands and farming investment
Some $330 million was generated by state investment in 2024, leading to benefits for residents, businesses and governments as well as nature
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Sandra Svoboda
Media Relations Manager
The Nature Conservancy
Phone: 313-574-0645
Email: Sandra.Svoboda@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and Earth Economics released the report “H2Ohio and the Value of Restoring Watersheds,” showing that the state’s water quality program for wetlands and agriculture generated more than $330 million in statewide economic benefits in 2024.
“The work that H2Ohio has funded represents a commitment to the health of people and nature in Ohio. We are excited to be able to share its economic value as well,” said Alexis McCarter, natural infrastructure director for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio.
Using a variety of methodologies reviewing statewide data for 2024, the report demonstrates the measurable benefits to Ohio’s residents, economy and environment from the H2Ohio program. The report quantifies various impacts down to the dollar in locations throughout the Buckeye State, indexed by county in the appendix, and shows that in 2024, H2Ohio generated more than $330 million in economic benefits, hundreds of jobs, and additional tax revenue to cities, counties, and the state.
Quote: Alexis McCarter
“The work that H2Ohio has funded represents a commitment to the health of people and nature in Ohio. We are excited to be able to share its economic value as well.”
“Our extensive analysis shows that H2Ohio is a wise investment where benefits outweigh the costs for people, businesses, governments and, of course, the environment,” said Glen Delaney, director of partnerships at Earth Economics.
For example:
- H2Ohio’s wetland restoration program produced nearly $300 million in economic benefits from more than 180 projects over more than 11,000 acres.
- For every $1 invested in wetland restoration through H2Ohio, residents saw a return of $8 in economic benefits.
- Each year, H2Ohio wetland restoration projects support more than 330 high-paying jobs, add more than $30 million to the state’s economy, and generate nearly $60 million in economic output.
- Restored wetlands provide $79-82 million each year in cleaner water and improved water quality because of H2Ohio projects.
- Nearly 8.9 million Ohioans benefit from improved water quality because of H2Ohio projects.
- H2Ohio’s voluntary best management practices for farmers produced $32 million in economic benefits for Ohioans and a return of $1.21 for every dollar invested.
- Farmers enrolled in H2Ohio kept 420,000 pounds of phosphorus out of Ohio’s waterways in 2024.
“H2Ohio has produced an outstanding return on investment for the people of Ohio, along with cleaner water for millions and real economic benefits for the state,” said Mary Turocy, director of policy and government relations for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. “H2Ohio’s progress toward its goals indicate that the program may not need to continue forever, but there is still much work to be done around stable and consistent funding.”
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About Earth Economics
Earth Economics is a pioneering, non-partisan nonprofit specializing in environmental economics research. We aim to prove that nature is not just an environmental asset—it's a powerful economic opportunity. By bridging science and real-world challenges, we transform nature's invisible value into compelling economic language that drives investment decisions. Our researchers and tools have assessed more than $249 trillion in natural capital assets to inform strategic investments, demonstrating that the smartest financial decisions are often the ones that work with — not against — our natural systems.
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