Conservation
Waterways – are natural or constructed channels, shaped and graded to required dimensions, and seeded with suitable vegetation for stable conveyance of runoff.
The grass-lined waterway is one of the most commonly used conservation practices.
When rainfall exceeds the infiltration rate or available water-holding capacity of the soil, surplus water will run off over the land.
The success of any soil conservation effort depends on the removal of this surplus water without undue erosion.
Ponds - are not just a hole in the ground.
Proper planning and construction are key to building a pond that will meet your needs, whether they are primarily agricultural, recreational, or aesthetic.
Prospective pond owners should obtain technical information, from their local Soil and Water Conservation District office, on pond size, depth, location, dam and spillway construction, soils and watershed information.
Local zoning regulations need to be considered as well when planning a pond.
Pond Management Handbook (PDF, external site) - If you're a pond owner, you're not alone. There are more than 60,000 ponds throughout Ohio, offering countless recreational opportunities, from fishing, swimming, or paddling to simply relaxing while perhaps viewing wildlife. Ponds can be a great asset, however there are times periodically when a problem may be encountered with pond management, be it weed related or maybe fish and other aquatic issues.
To assist landowners with the proper management of their pond, the ODNR Division of Wildlife, in cooperation with several other agencies, has compiled a very resourceful publication, the Ohio Pond Management Handbook (PDF, external site). This 55-page manual offers recommendations to landowners who want to better manage their ponds and attract wildlife. You can view or download as little or as much as you like by clicking on the website.
Wetlands - are unique environments. Shallow or fluctuating water levels and an abundance of aquatic and marsh plants usually characterize them.
Agrichemical Containment Facilities - are a permanent structure providing an environmentally safe area for storage, handling and mixing of on-farm liquid agrichemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides.
All agrichemical-handling facilities need to meet current Ohio Department of Agriculture and federal requirements.
Animal Waste Storage Facilities – are made by constructing an embankment and/or excavating a pit, or by fabricating a manmade structure.
The agricultural by-products are then stored in order to maximize their use as soil amendments in an environmentally safe manner.
(The site shown in this photo is currently under construction.)
Riparian Buffers and Filter Strips – help to reduce sedimentation and nutrient runoff into the Lake Erie watershed.
Areas adjacent to streams and ditches are planted to grass or trees.
Aquatic and upland wildlife habitats are improved as well.
These are just a few of the reasons to consider putting buffers along streams. Of course, every buffer needs to be designed to meet the particular objectives of the property owner and the unique qualities of the associated site.
Farm Bill Programs - The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is the heart of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s conservation programs.
EQIP is the primary tool for private landowners who want to put soil and water conservation on the ground.
EQIP addresses natural resource issues associated with livestock operations and agricultural production.
Funds are directed toward operations and projects that offer the greatest environmental benefit.
