Page 13 - Mid America Boating - August 2024 issue

meals, a t-shirt, transportation between venues, through H2Ohio, and this wetland restoration ing to improve water quality, habitat for wild-
and evening activities. With only 100 spots is a great addition to the projects that protect life, shoreline protection and resiliency in the
available, early registration is encouraged. our waterways and Lake Erie,” ODNR Director face of climate change.”
Registration opens for first-time partici- Mary Mertz said. “Building a wetland in the bay H2Ohio is Governor DeWine’s statewide
pants on Tuesday, July 9 at 10 a.m., and for will maintain water connectivity with the lake, water quality initiative designed to address
past participants the following Tuesday, July which is vital to supporting fish spawning and complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters.
16 at 10 a.m. nursery habitat and reducing wave energy that Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a compre-
For a complete listing of sessions and regis- reaches the shore and leads to erosion.” hensive approach guided by science and
tration details, please visit ohiodnr.gov/owoa. To visitors, a nature-based barrier wetland data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollu-
a welcoming, pressure-free environment to will look like islands that are several feet tion, and improve access to clean drinking
explore new outdoor activities. offshore. It prevents shoreline erosion and water by supporting best farming practices,
“This event provides a fantastic opportu- New H2Ohio coastal helps with nutrient reduction, while providing road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup,
nity for women to build their outdoor recre- wetland project under a habitat for wildlife and plants. dam removal, land conservation, and water 13 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] JUNE 2024
ation skills, forge new friendships, and simply “The ODNR Division of Wildlife is proud to infrastructure revitalization. For more infor-
have fun,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. way in Sandusky Bay collaborate with partners such as The Nature mation visit h2.ohio.gov.
“Women of all ages will enjoy a weekend filled Conservancy to restore valuable wetland
with discovering new outdoor pursuits.” As part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s habitats,” ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Put-In-Bay Aquatic Visitor
The event involves several of ODNR’s divi- H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Kendra Wecker said. “Wetlands are vital to
sions including, Parks & Watercraft, Forest- Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wild- hundreds of wildlife species, so projects such Center project begins
ry, Natural Areas & Preserves, Wildlife, and life and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) began as this one in Sandusky Bay will benefit our
Geological Survey. This ensures a diverse construction of a unique barrier wetland in natural world.” The Ohio Department of Natural Resourc-
range of activities and programs, as well as Sandusky Bay. The project site is located just This project is the second to break ground es (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has started
expert guidance. offshore of Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area in as part of a long-term effort to improve water renovations to the Put-In-Bay Aquatic
Participants will have the opportunity to Sandusky County. quality and wildlife habitat in Sandusky Bay. Visitor Center to provide an educational
engage in a variety of sessions, such as kayak- Sandusky Bay is a protected embayment The first project was completed in 2023, when experience that highlights fishing and the
ing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, between the mouth of the Sandusky River and 44 acres of wetland were restored to recon- rich Lake Erie ecosystem.
shotgun and rifle basics, stream quality Lake Erie. It is a prominent tributary to Lake nect Pickerel Creek with its floodplain, allow- “Lake Erie is Ohio’s crown jewel, where
monitoring, wild edibles, sustainable living, Erie and a valuable resource for recreational ing more natural water exchange between the people can relax, boat, swim, and enjoy
and more. and commercial activities. stream and adjacent land during storms. top-tier fishing,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Accommodations for the weekend will be “This is only the beginning of the H2Ohio “Water quality and aquatic life in Sandusky said. “This new aquatic visitor center will be
at the Mohican State Park Lodge & Confer- wetland restoration work planned for Bay have been compromised over time due a go-to destination for people to learn about
ence Center, located in Perrysville (Ashland Sandusky Bay,” said Governor Mike DeWine. to a variety of factors including agricultural everything Lake Erie has to offer and all of the
County). Situated on thousands of wooded “This barrier wetland highlights our commit- drainage, development, and shoreline hard- work that goes into protecting it.”
acres, Mohican State Park is a must-see for ment to preserving habitat and improving ening. This project may serve as a proof-of- The Put-In-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center lies
adventurers and nature lovers. Attendees will water quality for Ohioans and wildlife alike.” concept in utilizing a nature-based solution on South Bass Island in Lake Erie’s western
enjoy a fun weekend while staying in newly Construction of the nature-based barrier to restore vital coastal wetlands and stabilize basin. The facility and dock will be closed in
updated, comfortable lodge rooms. wetland began in April and is anticipated to the shoreline,” said Alexis McCarter, natural 2024 to public access while work is ongoing
The cost for the weekend is $395 per person, last through June, with revegetation efforts infrastructure director for The Nature Conser- and is expected to reopen in 2025.
with two participants sharing a room. This fee continuing throughout the summer. vancy in Ohio. “Coastal wetlands provide “This is an exciting project that will tell
includes lodging, four activity sessions, five “We have made water quality a priority myriad benefits, including nutrient process- See News from ODNR page 15

Life is good

on a boat.

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