Community makes Holmes H2Ohio project come to life

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio wetland initiative was celebrated recently in Holmes County, where many of the partnering entities involved in an exciting wetland improvement project gathered near the Walmart parking entry to the Holmes County Rails to Trails to celebrate a monumental accomplishment.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jen Halverson, executive director of the Holmes County Park District, spoke glowingly about the county receiving H2Ohio funding to initiate its own wetland improvement project, praising the people and groups that made it happen and the importance of taking positive steps toward improving the wetland and wildlife in Holmes County.

The H2Ohio project took place in the areas of the Killbuck Creek and Sand Run waterways near Millersburg and should provide a beautiful public area of tranquility while improving water quality.

“It’s going to build a nice natural corridor with the trail,” Halverson said of the property.

Halverson said that a group of concerned citizens sat down together to discuss how the area wetlands and waterway could be positively impacted in ways that could improve the natural habitat for all creatures living in the wetlands.

There was a great deal of discussion before they eventually settled on the area along the trail in Millersburg.

“This checked a big box for us as a park district that we are preserving more of the natural corridor along the Holmes County Trail, and that has always been important to us,” Halverson said. “Being able to acquire this property and make sure it is preserved in perpetuity is a great accomplishment for all of us.”

Finding funding became the initial concern and that came available through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which provided $500,000 in grant funding.

Halverson said the funding was made possible through an effort from DeWine’s initiative, where he has set millions of dollars aside for such projects to help communities develop cleaner water and improve wetland prosperity.

Halverson said there are many different groups that played integral roles in the project, beginning with the park district board. She went on to thank the Holmes County commissioners and especially the members of the Holmes County Soil & Water Conservation District.

“They brought all of the technical insight to me that made this possible,” Halverson said of SWCD. “They helped us write the grant. They helped figure out what we wanted to do here and why we wanted to do this, and we are very grateful for all they did.”

She went on to thank the Holmes County engineer’s office and the staff there, as well as ODNR, where John Navarro spoke about their role in seeing the project become a reality.

Navarro said it was an honor to team up with the group on DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, noting that it takes many concerned and dedicated people to make something like this a reality.

“This initiative is about putting Ohio wetlands back on the landscape,” Navarro said. “That’s what this land is supposed to be in perpetuity. You have a real gem here that is very special, and you should be pleased with all of these folks and how much they care.”

Navarro went on to say there are more than 170 projects like this taking place across the state, with more than $100 million being invested in wetlands.

Halverson also praised landowners Tom and Cheryl Bird for their willingness to get involved.

“They saw the vision of what we were talking about doing and gave us the opportunity to acquire the property,” Halverson said. “We’re so grateful when landowners are willing to take the time to work with us and see the benefit of what we’re trying to accomplish.”

The project took the effort, funding and hands from many different entities.

“We could not have done this type of project alone; I don’t have the wherewithal in my toolbox to do that,” Halverson said. “Everyone was ready and able to help, and that’s the neat thing about Holmes County. People step up whenever there’s a need.”

For land that will now be a natural wetland forever thanks to this effort, it is an exciting step toward preserving the natural wetlands for future generations to enjoy.