The project reconnects 57 acres with Sandusky Bay coast

As part of Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio Initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Erie Conservation District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed wetland project at Moxley Wildlife Area in Erie County along Sandusky Bay. The H2Ohio Moxley Wildlife Area Wetland Reconnection project reconnects 57 acres of wetlands in the Western Lake Erie Basin to the Sandusky Bay, which will improve the quality of the water flowing in and out of Sandusky Bay.

“H2Ohio is specifically designed to identify and complete high-quality wetland projects like this one,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Improving the water flowing through Sandusky Bay will ultimately improve water quality in Lake Erie, which is exactly what we set out to do when creating H2Ohio nearly six years ago.”

The H2Ohio Moxley Wetland project is unique because it can filter sediments and nutrients in two ways. A new water control structure built into the wetland can hold water that overflows from Lake Erie’s bay during high wind and wave events and filter out nutrients naturally before the water flows back into the lake. Additionally, the wetland will hold water from high rainfall and storm events, creating a place nutrients can be taken up instead of flowing downstream. Nearly 300 pounds of phosphorus is estimated to be filtered through the wetland per year.

“Sandusky Bay has historically been a place that experienced harmful algal blooms and this H2Ohio project plays an important role for improving water quality for people who enjoy the bay as well as the wildlife that call this area home,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “It’s projects like this that will have benefits for years to come.”

The water control structure also allows native fish species to enter and exit the wetland, while keeping adult common carp out. Carp are disruptive in wetlands, ultimately reducing the nutrient filtering process. Carp eat wetland plants, which are needed to absorb nutrients, and can stir up sediment which releases nutrients into the water increasing the formation of harmful algal blooms.

“Our coastal wetlands are fragile habitats that provide vital ecosystem services to our local community and wildlife,” said Erie Conservation District Director Breann Hohman. “Through the support of H2Ohio, the reconnection of this wetland to the Sandusky Bay will help to support clean water for residents and visitors of our area.”

"This is another wildlife area that has benefited from H2Ohio and is part of a long-term effort to improve wildlife habitat around Sandusky Bay," said ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. "Projects at nearby Pickerel Creek Wildlife area in Sandusky County restored 44 acres of wetlands and created a barrier which prevents shoreline erosion and filters nutrients.”

H2Ohio is Governor 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 by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation, and water infrastructure revitalization. For more information visit h2.ohio.gov.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.