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Join the H2Ohio Initiative - Open Enrollment for Water Quality Improvement

Join the H2Ohio Initiative - Open Enrollment for Water Quality Improvement


Join the H2Ohio Initiative - Open Enrollment for Water Quality Improvement
Ohio Ag Connection - 09/11/2023

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is extending an invitation to producers in the Maumee River Watershed project area, comprising 14 counties, to join the H2Ohio initiative. This initiative offers incentives for implementing practices that contribute to the improvement of water quality.

ODA Director Brian Baldridge emphasized the importance of Ohio's agricultural community taking action to safeguard the state's water resources. While 2,400 farmers are already engaged in H2Ohio, collective efforts are needed to ensure water quality improvements that benefit generations to come.

Producers in the following counties are eligible to enroll or re-enroll acreage into proven, science-based, best management practices (BMPs) aimed at enhancing water quality in Lake Erie and other water bodies:

  • Allen
  • Auglaize
  • Defiance
  • Fulton
  • Hancock
  • Hardin
  • Henry
  • Lucas
  • Mercer
  • Paulding
  • Putnam
  • Van Wert
  • Williams
  • Wood

Governor DeWine initiated H2Ohio in 2019 to assist producers in managing the financial risks associated with adopting new conservation practices. This year, ODA has streamlined BMPs and updated incentives to better align with producers' needs for implementing conservation practices on their farms.

To enroll in other BMPs offered in 2024 and 2025, producers must develop an approved Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan (VNMP). Available BMPs include Overwintering Cover, Subsurface Phosphorus Placement, and Manure Incorporation and Utilization.

Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) collaborate directly with producers to review and approve VNMPs, assess the compatibility of additional BMP implementation, and provide conservation education.

SWCDs are currently hosting informational sessions for producers to learn more and sign up. Producers are encouraged to reach out to their local SWCD with any questions and to submit program applications.

H2Ohio is Governor DeWine's comprehensive initiative to ensure the safety and cleanliness of Ohio's water. It employs a data-driven approach to long-term water quality improvement, focusing on encouraging agricultural best management practices, restoring wetlands, and upgrading home septic systems to reduce nutrient contributions to harmful algal blooms. For additional information on the H2Ohio initiative, please visit h2.ohio.gov.

 

Photo Credit: H2Ohio

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