Clean Ohio Fund Recommendations

The Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) has completed evaluations and will make recommendations for funding two projects through the Clean Ohio Fund that will preserve about 230 acres of open space in Lucas County. If approved as expected, state funding of $1,246,000 will return to Lucas County.

Both recommended projects are part of the Metroparks of the Toledo Area. The first priority is a project at Raab and Frankfort roads that would protect 133 acres with the purchase of four separate parcels. The properties are between Kitty Todd Preserve and the Irwin Prairie in western Lucas County. The land is part of the greater Oak Openings region and the acquisition contributes to a plan to connect the Oak Openings Preserve and Secor Metropark. Future plans call for the area to be restored as wet prairie which is habitat for Kirtland’s Warbler, the Least Bittern, and Blanding’s Turtle.

The second priority project in the Blue Creek area would protect 97 acres through the acquisition of four contiguous vacant parcels that abut the existing Blue Creek Metropark south of the Village of Whitehouse. The project area includes a wet woods classified as a category II wetland. The acquisition will double the length of protected corridor of Blue Creek and improve aquatic habitat. The Metroparks will provide significant local matching funds for both projects.

 Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org