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Ohio Conservation Projects

	WETLANDS INCREASE BY 1,200 ACRES The total acreage of wetlands and marshes in Ohio recently increased by more than 1,200 acres, thanks to support from Wildlife Forever. The project took place within the Mosquito Creek and Grand River Wildlife Areas, located within an hour’s drive of half of Ohio’s population, making it one of the most visible wildlife habitat improvement projects in the region. To improve the wetlands and marshes, several water-control structures were installed in existing draining ditches. A total of nearly 250 bird species have been documented in the area, including two active bald eagle nests. Migrating waterfowl also use the area as they travel through the region. River otters can be found on the lands, as well. The wetlands are also recognized for improving water quality and increasing fish populations in the region.
	HABITAT RESTORATION BOOSTS FISHING OPPORTUNITIES Wayne National Forest is once again a favorite destination among anglers because of a fisheries enhancement program supported by Wildlife Forever. The project was designed to improve recreational fishing opportunities in the forest, and improving water quality was the first step. A group of dedicated volunteers cleaned trash from seven of the forest’s fishing ponds. Then, grass carp were released into two of the ponds to control excessive weed growth. Next, 50 directional and identification signs were installed to guide anglers to designated fishing areas. Finally, catfish, a favorite among anglers in southeastern Ohio, were stocked in several of the ponds.
	QUAIL RESTORATION IN CENTRAL OHIO Wildlife Forever teamed up with the Ohio Division of Wildlife and Quail Unlimited to reestablish wild bobwhite quail in Central Ohio. Prior to the joint effort, the project region contained suitable habitat, but no self-sustaining quail after winter blizzards in 1977 and 1978 decimated the population. Quail were successfully trapped in Southwestern Ohio and relocated to nine locations in Central Ohio. The relocation sites were parcels of excellent habitat one square mile in size. Biologists have used the project as a case study to determine the number of birds needed to establish a self-sustaining population, and to evaluate trap and transplant techniques.
	MORE UPLAND HABITAT IN THE CAMDEN AREA Your donations were used to increase access for upland bird hunting and improved habitat for quail, pheasant and wild turkey. When the Woodland Trails Wildlife Area was first acquired by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, very little wildlife existed on the 200-acre protected area. Formerly prairie, the site had been invaded by nonnative grasses, unsuitable for food or nesting cover. This project used herbicides to kill the nonnative grasses in the fall. A second round of herbicide spraying was done the following spring. Once the herbicides had done their job, the entire 200 acres were planted with warm season prairie grasses and forbs. If you live in the Camden, Ohio area or are just passing through, take a “time out for wildlife” and see the work you made possible at the Woodland Trails Wildlife Area.