COLUMBUS — Millions in new funding is available for Ohio landowners who want to create grassland habitats that support native wildlife.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has $9 million in grants for landowners interested in restoring grasslands for species like the northern bobwhite quail and other grassland-nesting birds, according to a community announcement. The program is designed to help reverse population declines in grassland birds, which have suffered from habitat loss across Ohio and the nation.
Ohio landowners can enhance their land with an initiative to restore grassland habitat for birds like the northern bobwhite quail.
Grant awards are available for both cropland and non-cropland, and landowners can receive funding on a per-acre basis or by the number of projects. Contract agreements are planned to last from one to four years.
The Division of Wildlife and the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Foundation are partnering to provide free, hands-on technical assistance to landowners. Interested participants are encouraged to contact a wildlife management consultant to start planning conservation efforts with expert guidance.
“This grassland habitat program is a win-win for landowners and wildlife,” John Kaiser, private lands program manager for ODNR Division of Wildlife, said in the announcement. “Healthy native grasslands support pollinators, improve soil health and create vital cover for birds and other wildlife. With the right guidance and support, landowners can make a big difference.”
The program is expected to evaluate long-term impacts on habitat improvements, bird populations and broader social and economic benefits, according to the announcement. Projects are customized to align with each landowner’s goals, such as improving soil health, increasing recreation value, supporting livestock or enriching wildlife diversity.
“This partnership is more than just funding; it’s about bringing together people who care about working lands, biodiversity, and long-term stewardship,” Matt Gardner, state regional Conservation Partnership Program coordinator for the National Bobwhite and Grasslands Initiative Foundation, said.
Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program as part of a multi-state initiative to restore native grasslands.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: ODNR offers funding for Ohio wildlife habitat restoration
