Outdoor briefs - April 6

H2Ohio new working lands buffer program The Ohio Department of Agriculture(ODA) is offering a new program to incentivize producers to voluntarily enroll cropland prone to flooding and erosion into a working land buffer or filter strip. The H2Ohio Working Lands Buffer Program encourages producers to convert specific cropland into a buffer growing warm-season or cool-season grasses or a forage mix. Review the eligibility requirements to see if this program fits your operation. This program pays $200 per acre per year for 2 years. You DO NOT have to currently be enrolled in H2Ohio to participate in this buffer program. The last day to sign-up is April 15. Buffers must be planted by May 1. Eligibility and Specifications: * Acres converted from cropland or an existing filter strip, hay buffer, or field border with perennial vegetative cover* Along ditches, perennial streams, and rivers* An existing filter strip or hay buffer area that has expired from receiving funding through the USDA, ODA, and local grants* Buffer must be between 20 feet wide minimum and 300 feet wide maximum* Harvesting the buffer area is encouraged* Two-year contract (minimum) to maintain a buffer or filter strip for an annual $200 per acre rental payment Ineligibility: * The new buffer cannot be installed adjacent to an existing buffer or filter strip* Filter strips and field borders that were previously meadows, existing pasture, and ditch maintenance right of ways Maria Goshe, H2O technician, is here to help you complete your enrollment and answer any of your questions. Call 419-447-7073 or email mgoshe@conservesenecacounty.com. Native perennial plant sale The Sandusky River Watershed coalition is partnering with Riverside Native Perennials to help you improve pollinator habitat on your property. You can order from over 100+ different pollinators native to our area. Native perennials are a great way to improve the beauty and function of your landscape at home. Native plants provide a better source of food for pollinators and other wildlife, while also helping to improve soil health and function. A portion of the proceeds from the sale come back to the SRWC to help us in our efforts to improve and enhance the natural resources of the Sandusky River Watershed. Simply use code "SRWC" at checkout and select "Fundraisers Only" for your delivery option. A special plant pick-up event is scheduled from 9-11 a.m. May 11 at Junior Home Park. Ohio's Orphan Well Program The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management, administers a program called the Orphan Well Program (OWP). The OWP was established in 1977 to plug abandoned oil and gas wells in Ohio. There is a mechanism for landowners to report orphan gas/oil wells to the ODNR to start the process of permanently plugging the well before it can cause problems in the future. These orphan wells have a history of discharging contaminants onto the ground and into waterways long after they have been out of production. When a discharge from an orphan well occurs, the costs associated with remediating land and water from the well contaminants are extreme so it's best to remove these orphan wells from the landscape by plugging them using this program. The OWP is funded through a combination of monies provided by the state of Ohio and the federal Infrastructure Bill. Approved contractors are hired by ODNR to complete the process of properly abandoning and plugging orphan wells. If you are aware of an orphan well on your property and are interested in removing this liability, you can visit https://ohiodnr.gov/business-and-industry/energy-resources/oil-and-gas-wells/orphan-well-program%20, to report it and begin the process of abandoning it. Volunteer for Fourth Annual Sandhill Crane Count COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is seeking volunteers for the fourth annual Midwest Crane Count on the morning of April 13. The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with the International Crane Foundation and Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative to conduct the survey. This year's crane count takes place in 32 counties. These locations host habitats where sandhill cranes typically nest such as wet meadows, shallow marshes, bogs, and other wetlands. Local areas include Wyandot and Sandusky counties. Ohioans interested in volunteering should contact a county coordinator. The time commitment includes the time it takes to scout an area, a virtual training, and the morning count. Birders of all abilities who can identify a sandhill crane can participate. A vehicle is also required. Participation in pairs and some experience using the eBird community science platform is preferred. The sandhill crane is listed as threatened in Ohio, but its population has increased in recent years. Sandhills are secretive during their nesting season, and the count is an effort to better track Ohio's breeding crane population. A sandhill crane is a tall wading bird characterized by a long neck and bill. It is mostly gray in plumage with a red patch on its forehead. It is often recognized by its rolling bugle call. In 2021, the inaugural count found 160 sandhill cranes in five northeast Ohio counties. The survey has grown in each ensuing year. Last year, volunteers observed 357 sandhill cranes in 30 counties. Ohio's cranes are seasonal residents that migrate south for the winter. They feed during daylight hours on grain, insects, birds, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They migrate at high elevations in large flocks, often composed of hundreds of birds. The range of these native birds extends from Mexico and Florida into Alaska and Canada, depending on the season. Wildlife enthusiasts can support sandhill cranes by purchasing an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. All of the stamp's proceeds go to wildlife conservation, with most benefitting species of greatest conservation need through the Wildlife Diversity Fund. This fund supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of free wildlife educational materials, as well as efforts to restore and conserve endangered and threatened species. The legacy stamp can be purchased online through Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System and at any location that sells hunting and fishing licenses. 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.