“Wetlands act like sponges, especially areas like vernal pools,” said Cadence Richard, a seasonal naturalist with JAMPD. “If you think of swamps and other very boggy type areas, the mud and soil within those areas can help trap pollution and stop it in its tracks before it continues on down to whatever river or stream they might feed into.”
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. 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 Hancock Park District is continuing their work on the wetlands at Oakwoods Nature Preserve. The park district has completed seeding and digging for the wetlands and are now letting everything settle over the summer months.
The Baughman Ditch project was first petitioned in 1996 due to concerns of flooding and standing water in the area of Bluelick Road and West Street. Due to cost and other issues, it didn’t move forward until now. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources H-2 Ohio is providing funding for wetland retention areas to be built to enhance the county’s tile project. Commissioners and the county engineer’s office have worked out a plan to get things moving.
The Hancock County Park District has begun a major project for the year, which will improve many aspects of their rural environment. One-hundred acres of farmland just south of Liberty-Benton High School is being transformed into wetlands. The project is funded through a $1 million grant from the H2Ohio initiative and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
