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Regional news

H2Ohio Initiative sees 32% increase in enrolled acres

Northwest Ohio farmers enroll more than 1.8 Million acres of cropland

COLUMBUS__On March 28, Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced more than 1.8 million acres are now enrolled into H2Ohio, a comprehensive water quality plan designed to address complex issues affecting Lake Erie. The results of the most recent signup period show a 32 percent increase in enrolled acres when compared to previous sign ups.

ODA recently completed an open enrollment period for 14 counties in northwest Ohio within the Maumee River Watershed. Farmers in this area were eligible to re-enroll acres into Best Management Practices (BMPs) that were nearing the end of their original contract term, which began in 2020. Additionally, farmers could use this opportunity to enroll new acres. Of the total number of producers currently enrolled, 90 percent of producers who signed up originally decided to re-enroll. Approximately 25 percent of all producers in the new Maumee enrollment are new to H2Ohio.

April 2024 calendar for Wings Support and Recovery

April  2024 events  have been announced by Wings Support and Recovery center, 111 E. Columbus St., Kenton. See the full calendar HERE.

Indian Lake State Park Set to Reopen on March 29

Fox Island to remain closed; additional no-wake buoys added for safety

COLUMBUS__Governor Mike DeWine announced that Indian Lake State Park will re-open on Friday, March 29 following damage from the tornado and severe storms that struck Logan County on March 14. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of ODNR staff, local community members, and volunteer groups from across Ohio, this beloved recreation destination is ready to welcome back visitors well ahead of start of the summer season.

American Red Cross providing individual financial assistance in communities affected by tornadoes

Red Cross volunteers and staff have been on the ground since deadly tornadoes struck Ohio on March 14. Anyone  affected by the Central Ohio tornadoes, and needing assistance, should call 1-800-RedCross. 

The Red Cross has begun to distribute individual financial assistance to those who qualify. The Red Cross works with  community partners and agencies to identify households whose homes were destroyed or sustained eligible damage.

This financial assistance can help pay for a deposit on a new apartment, replace lost clothing or other belongings, cover  transportation expenses or other urgent needs. Anyone who would like to apply for assistance should meet with the Red  Cross at one of Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) listed below. For those unable to travel to the Assistance  Centers should call 1-800-RedCross. 

New Ohio Wildlife Officer assigned to Northwest Ohio

FINDLAY__Ohio Wildlife Officer Nolan Johnson, of Marblehead, has been assigned at-large in northwest Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Officer Johnson, 21, graduated from Danbury High School and then Hocking College in 2022 with a degree in natural resources law enforcement. During his downtime, Officer Johnson enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and woodworking. Prior to becoming a wildlife officer, Johnson worked for the Division of Wildlife’s Sandusky Fisheries Research Station as a wildlife technician.

Officer Johnson is one of 13 Ohio wildlife officer cadets who completed the 32nd Wildlife Officer Training Academy and was sworn in as a commissioned wildlife officer during a graduation ceremony on Friday, March 15.

March 19 field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
In February, State Wildlife Office Ryan Burke, assigned to Hancock County, was on patrol at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area. He was approached by two birders from Wooster who were unfamiliar with the area and seeking guidance. Officer Burke pointed out the portions of Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area open to walk-in access and gave the birders directions to good viewing locations for swans, ducks and short-eared owls. He also showed them the local bald eagle nest.

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