H2Ohio Statewide Wetland Grant Program

The H2Ohio Statewide Wetland Grant Program is a state-funded reimbursement initiative administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It is part of the broader H2Ohio program, which focuses on enhancing water quality across the State of Ohio. This program seeks to support high-quality, natural infrastructure projects that are designed to reduce nutrient pollution and improve water quality through wetland restoration, creation, and related conservation efforts. There is no maximum or minimum funding limit per project, but all budgets must be justified in the application. Eligible projects for this program include a wide range of natural-infrastructure efforts. These include wetland creation, hydrologic restoration on hydric soils, and hydrologic enhancement of existing wetlands, floodplains, and riparian corridors. Other eligible activities encompass stream restoration, conservation channel design, reforestation of riparian buffers, acid mine drainage abatement, dam removal and related restoration, property acquisition associated with water quality efforts, and green infrastructure projects such as stormwater retention systems. The grant covers up to 100 percent of the eligible project costs, making it a significant funding source for conservation-oriented infrastructure development. Projects located in the Western Lake Erie Basin watershed are not required to go through this competitive application process. Instead, they are eligible for rolling funding through an alternative mechanism. Applicants with projects in that region must contact the program administrator at H2Ohio@dnr.ohio.gov prior to submission to determine eligibility and funding pathway based on their project’s specific location. The grant program does not currently accept applications for the 2024 cycle, as the application window is closed. However, the program is recurring and is expected to reopen in July 2025 for the next round. In contrast, the Northwest Ohio H2Ohio grant opportunity remains open on a rolling basis throughout the year, allowing eligible applicants in that geographic region to submit at any time. Supporting materials for applicants include a downloadable grant application form, sample environmental covenant, sample grant agreement, sample application, and access to online resources related to wetland design and nutrient reduction. Additionally, a grant webinar is available to guide applicants through the process. These materials are intended to help ensure that applicants understand the goals and structure of the program and can prepare complete and competitive applications. For more information, interested applicants can contact Rachel DeNoewer at (614) 705-9978 or via email at H2Ohio@dnr.ohio.gov. The H2Ohio program is based at 77 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215. For applicants considering future rounds, reviewing past materials and contacting the program office is encouraged to ensure readiness when the application period opens in July 2025.