Mallard Club wetland project latest in H2Ohio jobs

Toledo, Ohio — As part of Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio DNR (ODNR) recently celebrated the completion of the H2Ohio Mallard Club Wildlife Area Wetland Connection and Restoration project. The project enhances 43 acres of coastal marsh into high-quality wetlands that will treat nutrient run-off.

“H2Ohio is continuing to build upon the progress we have made over the last seven years,” said DeWine. “Wetland projects like this one are essential for improving water quality right here in Maumee Bay and in Lake Erie.”

The H2Ohio Mallard Club Wildlife Area project, completed in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, will divert nutrient runoff into a wetland, where natural processes will ostensibly reduce sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen before the water returns to nearby ditches and ultimately flows to Lake Erie. The completed wetland also connects to four existing wetlands located nearby, using a pump system, allowing the water to flow through all the wetlands for maximum filtration of nutrients and sediment.

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Through H2Ohio, ODNR has 499 wetlands either complete or in progress across the state.

The completed wetland project connects to four existing wetlands by using a pump system, which allows for maximum water filtration.

“The Mallard Club Wildlife Area is located in the Maumee Bay of Lake Erie and has a role to play in improving water quality for people who enjoy this part of the coast as well as the wildlife that call this area home,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “It’s thanks to our partners that we continue this important work on Lake Erie’s coastline.”

“Ducks Unlimited appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Division of Wildlife to implement this critical wetland conservation and water quality improvement project directly on Lake Erie,” said Jamie Rader, director of Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Region. “This project checks all of the boxes for our organization. It restored a 43-acre managed coastal wetland at an important public use area that will deliver significant water quality benefits to western Lake Erie.”