COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has collected and submitted samples from multiple dead wild birds to test for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Ohio. While awaiting test results from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory, the Division of Wildlife is considering reports of dead birds in Auglaize, Erie, Huron, Lucas, Mercer, Montgomery, Richland, Sandusky, and Warren counties as presumed positive for HPAI.
Over the last few weeks, Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and one mallard have been reported dead and are being tested.
Provided by the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission
In late December the office of Governor Mike DeWine announced that a proposed planning committee—the West Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (WORPO)—will be officially designated as its own rural planning entity under the leadership of Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission (LACRPC).
Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District is holding its annual tree sale. Species available are River Birch, Dawn Redwood, Red Oak, Swamp White Oak, Arborvitae, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce and White Pine.
These trees are offered as a low cost source of plant materials for wildlife, timber plantings, windbreaks, and other conservation uses. They are available to anyone without restriction. Because of their low cost, HSWCD cannot furnish replacements or deliver packets.
The Ohio Department of Development and Area Agency on Aging 3 want to remind older Ohioans that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household of up to seven members and 60% of State Median Income for a household of eight or more members to pay their heating bills.
State Wildlife Officer Levi Farley, assigned to Paulding County, observed an angler throwing a cast net along the Auglaize River. The individual caught a crappie with the cast net and harvested the fish. Officer Farley contacted the individual and issued a misdemeanor summons for possessing a sport fish by means other than angling. The suspect paid $150 in fines and court costs.
