ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources unveiled a newly completed wetland project in Allen County. Area residents and partners gathered to tour the Baughman Project, which spans 19 acres in the northern part of the county near the Allen Oakwood Prison.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources unveiled a newly completed wetland project in Allen County.
Over the last year, native vegetation was planted, basins were dug, and pipes were put in place to create 3 main wetlands areas. The hope is these additions will drastically reduce flooding, which has been negatively impacting the surrounding roads, neighborhoods, and property values for around 30 years.
The hope is these additions will drastically reduce flooding.
"As the storms come, high-intensity type storms where we get one or two inches, the water will flow into the detention areas and then will be released slowly so that our systems aren't overloaded with that amount of rainfall instantly," said Brion Rhodes, Allen County Engineer.
Over the last year, native vegetation was planted, basins were dug, and pipes were put in place to create 3 main wetlands areas
The wetlands do more than just prevent floods; they create new habitats for animals like birds and amphibians and improve water quality in a much larger area than the 19 acres it covers.
"So, the runoff comes into these wetland basins. When the water is there, it settles out. Phosphorus, nitrogen, and other impurities that are in the water can settle out, and then cleaner water passes through the wetlands, eventually goes into a stream, into the Auglaize River, into Lake Erie," said Steven Gray, assistant director for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The wetlands do more than just prevent floods; they create new habitats for animals like birds and amphibians and improve water quality in a much larger area than the 19 acres it covers.
$1.4 million in funding out of the over $3 million dollar project came from Governor DeWine's H2Ohio plan. So far, 195 clean water projects across the state have been completed or are in progress thanks to the program.
September 30, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: LIMA, Ohio — As part of Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) celebrated the completion of the Baughman H2Ohio Wetland Restoration Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today.
The Baughman H2Ohio wetland project restores 19 acres of wetlands, which will filter sediment and nutrients from the water before it flows into the Maumee River Watershed. The newly completed wetland will also address significant flooding issues that previously impacted nearby neighborhoods. Reducing nutrient and sediment loads in the Maumee River Watershed is critical to addressing harmful algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
ODNR celebrated the completion of the Baughman H2Ohio Wetland Restoration Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Wetlands are vital to our overall H2Ohio plan to improve water quality in Lake Erie,” said Governor DeWine. “We are committed to completing these important projects that we know will have positive impacts on the waterways and surrounding communities.”
The Baughman H2Ohio project was completed through collaboration with several partners including Allen County Drainage Engineer’s Office, Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution, America Township Trustees and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The project was completed with the use of federal, H2Ohio funds, and local funds.
The Baughman H2Ohio Project restored 19 acres of wetland.
“Partners are key to ensuring these projects go from an idea to completion,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “It’s all about collaboration and making sure that communities know the value of wetlands. The impact can be felt in our streams and rivers, wildlife habitat, as well as local neighborhoods.”
In addition to the wetland restoration, 11,000 feet of drainage tile were installed throughout the area to capture stormwater and redirect it to the wetlands for water quality treatment. This will assist in addressing flooding, while improving water quality overall.
“By detaining storm water, the wetland provides an environmental benefit of nutrient reduction to Lake Erie, as well as reducing flooding impacts to residents,” said Teresa Seidel, Director of the EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office. “The contribution of both H2Ohio funds and GLRI funding greatly increased the affordability of this project for the community that will benefit from this work. The EPA will continue to support projects like these that reduce stormwater and nutrient runoff to prevent harmful algal blooms in the western basin of Lake Erie.”
H2Ohio is Governor DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization. For more information visit h2.ohio.gov.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
