ABOUT
OHIO WETLANDS ASSOCIATION

The Ohio Wetlands Association is a state-wide, all-volunteer, 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting wetlands throughout Ohio. Most of Ohio’s wetlands have been lost by conversion to drained farmland, urban spaces, and development around lakes and waterways. More than 90% of Ohio’s wetlands are gone, far exceeding the 50% loss nationally. Many remaining wetlands have been degraded. Wetlands continue to be developed and impacted. The Clean Water Act provides tools to limit wetland impacts, but pressure remains. Ohio’s wetlands need a voice and a champion. OWA strives to fill that role. 

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Wetlands need to be protected and restored, not just because they rank among the most altered habitat in the state. They are important cultural and economic components of our society. They are the most biologically diverse system on the planet with the possible exception of coral reefs. They are the most productive systems, turning sunlight into living matter faster and more efficiently than anywhere else. They are critical to migratory birds for shelter and nourishment. Wetlands clean our water, recharging groundwater and filtering sediments and nutrients from waters that feed our rivers and lakes. They are important cultural and economic components of our society. They provide spawning grounds for sport and other fish supporting a multi-billion dollar recreation industry. Wetlands regulate water surges during extreme weather events, protecting our most valuable infrastructure and human lives.

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OWA was established as a formal non-profit under the name Ohio Wetlands Association in 2011.