Ashland SWCD Partnering with H2Ohio on Locally Led Water Quality Project

Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) announced today a new county-level program to address water quality surrounding pasture and hayland.

In partnership with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and H2Ohio, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative, Ashland SWCD is launching Ashland SWCD H2Ohio Grazing Program.

Ashland SWCD was one of nine districts chosen to receive funding through the H2Ohio SWCD Conservation Pilot Program which focuses on addressing nonpoint source pollution from pasture and hayland fields.

“We are working with local partners to determine the most effective ways to address nutrient runoff from farms of varying landscapes,” said Director Baldridge. “In Ohio, we are fortunate to have great SWCDs and farmers that look for innovative ways to continue protecting water quality, and we're excited to be partnering with them on this pilot program.”

The Ashland SWCD H2Ohio Grazing Program will provide free soil testing to livestock producers for their pasture and hay ground throughout the program’s 5-year lifespan as well as a $10/acre cost share for development of a grazing management plan. Once producers have completed their grazing management plan development, they will then become eligible for up to $15,000 of 100 percent cost share for livestock stream exclusion fencing projects throughout the county.

Farmers interested in setting up a site visit, submitting soil tests or developing a grazing plan can contact Agricultural Conservation Specialist Tressie Wallace or Mohican Watershed Assistant Joe Christner at 419-281-7645 for more information.

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About H2Ohio

H2Ohio is Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohio’s waters. Launched in 2019, H2Ohio uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution, and improve access to clean drinking water. H2Ohio’s agricultural program, which initially focused solely on farms located in northwest Ohio near Lake Erie, incentivizes farmers to implement science-based, proven best management practices to prevent nutrient runoff and improve water quality.