landscapesOhio SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Embracing Clean Energy

The people of Ohio have spoken, and their opinion on clean energy is clear: they want more of it, they’re willing to pay extra for it, and they want their lawmakers to support policies that will encourage it.

That’s the sentiment expressed in a statewide poll of voters conducted on behalf of The Nature Conservancy last year. The poll showed overwhelming support for policies that encourage greater production of renewable energy and increase energy efficiency.

IN THIS ISSUE:

2 Message from the Executive Director

3 Faces of Conservation

4 Embracing Clean Energy, continued

6 Conservation Highlights

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Part of the Fight Against Climate ChangeWhy such widespread support? According to the poll, voters perceive the economic value of increased renewable energy. More than two-thirds said greater production of renewable energy will benefit the state economy.

Research shows they’re right.

A study commissioned by the Conservancy in 2016 predicted that the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries will create between 82,300 and 136,000 new jobs in Ohio. The same report says clean energy businesses are poised to increase Ohio’s payroll by between $4.6 and $7.6 billion by 2030.

With climate change already beginning to transform life on Earth as we know it, these results could spell good news for both people and nature.

2 OHIO LANDSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Josh KnightsExecutive Director The Nature Conservancy in Ohio

P.S. Go to nature.org/ohio/outsidevoice to learn more about the policy issues you can impact by using your outside voice and speaking up for nature.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Right now, Congress is assembling the 2018 Farm Bill, an enormous piece of legislation that governs agricultural and food programs.

When people think about the Farm Bill, they probably don’t associate it with conservation. While it’s true that the Farm Bill primarily is about food and farms, it’s also the nation’s largest investment supporting the conservation, restoration and management of private lands.

Roughly half of the land in the contiguous United States is crop, range or pasture land, and the conservation of the natural resources on that land—water and soil—is critical to all of us.

The Farm Bill helps implement many farming practices that keep more soil and nutrients on the field and out of our rivers and lakes. In Ohio, a state rich in both farmland and freshwater resources, getting this balance right is critical.

That’s why we’re especially grateful to Ohio Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge for introducing a bill in January that would strengthen the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program—two voluntary conservation programs in the Farm Bill that incentivize soil health and nutrient management practices.

Her bill would complement existing Nature Conservancy–supported efforts in Ohio, such as the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program and the Soil Health Partnership, which help to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxic zones in Lake Erie and the Ohio River Basin.

Managing nutrients more efficiently in farm fields and filtering runoff by restoring wetlands and floodplains on private lands can improve water quality and soil health in Ohio and across the country.

By giving farmers incentives, Farm Bill conservation programs can help get us there. Food for thought!

OFFICERS OF THE BOARDChair, Marianne Gabel, DelawareVice Chair, Rick Conner, CincinnatiVice Chair, Greg Cunningham, ColumbusVice Chair, Jeff Miller, ToledoFinance Officer, Sandy Doyle-Ahern, Columbus BOARD OF TRUSTEESSteve Anderson, ColumbusKate Bartter, ColumbusTucker Coombe, CincinnatiBob Eckardt, ClevelandDon Laubacher, BrecksvilleTerry McClure, Grover HillDoug Parris, DublinHank Real, Lewis CenterJeff Reutter, WestervilleCarol Scallan, CincinnatiP.G. Sittenfeld, CincinnatiSam Speck, ColumbusMarta Stone, Rock CreekJay Woodhull, Dayton EXECUTIVE STATE DIRECTORJosh E. Knights HONORARY LIFE TRUSTEESJo Ann S. Barefoot, Irvin G. Bieser, Jr., James K. Bissell, Helen C. Black, David T. Bohl, John Boorn, Frances S. Buchholzer, Catharine W. Chapman, Joan Cochran, James F. Daubel, N. William Easterly, Hamilton Emmons, Jeremy R. Felland, James P. Garland, William Ginn, Nancy Reymann-Gotfredson, Christopher Jones, Harry Kangis, Charles C. King, Barbara A. Lipscomb, C. W. Eliot Paine, Victoria W. Parlin, Jan Van der Voort Portman, Ralph E. Ramey, Jr., Karl J. Warnke, Georgia E. Welles

cover: Solar panel installation © Third Sun Solar; Ohio Statehouse © Bob Hall/flickrcreativecommons; this page: Josh Knights and Senator Sherrod Brown © Courtesy Senator Sherrod Brown

Printed on 100% PCW recycled, process chlorine-free paper, creating the following benefits:

30.8 trees preserved for the future

29,645 gallons water not produced

3,032.9 lbs. solid waste not generated

9,964.7 lbs. CO2 prevented

The Nature Conservancy is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) international membership organization. Its mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

The Nature Conservancy meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability established by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance is a national charity watchdog affiliated with the Better Business Bureau.

Executive Director Josh Knights recently spoke with Senator Sherrod Brown, who serves on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, about the Farm Bill.

NATURE.ORG/OHIO 3

Moen’s Commitment to Nature Is a Win-WinQ&A with Ray Bovaird

FACES OF CONSERVATION

Moen volunteers © Moen; Ray Bovaird © Ray Bovaird

The Nature Conservancy (TNC): Why does Moen choose to support the Conservancy?

Ray Bovaird: I think it’s a reflection of the passion of the people in this company. Because we work around water, and all of our products deliver water, we want to do that responsibly. Everyone needs water, and ensuring that it’s clean, safe, and sustainable is important to us. We wanted to connect with an organization that also respects that.

TNC: Moen’s employees have volunteered their time doing stewardship work at our Herrick Fen Preserve and helping to staff the Conservancy’s booth at Earth Day events. What type of impact do you think efforts like this have had on volunteers?

Ray: Our associates come back from volunteer events absolutely thrilled; everyone has a great time bonding and learning about the environment. In general, I think people care a lot about working for a company that’s doing social and environmental good. The

type of people that work for us seek that out, so we make sure that we’re able to provide those kinds of engagement opportunities.

TNC: Why would you encourage other companies to support the Conservancy in the ways Moen has?

Ray: This type of a partnership is beneficial not just for our associates, but also for building relationships with customers. By sharing our commitment to sustainability, we can strengthen our brand, which is great from a business perspective. When you’re improving the environment and growing your business at the same time, it’s a win-win.

Based in North Olmsted, Ohio, Moen produces a line of faucets and other fixtures. The company has been supporting The Nature Conservancy for the last five years by volunteering, making donations and providing matching gift opportunities for its employees.

We spoke with Ray Bovaird, Moen’s Design Quality Manager – Advanced Platforms, and a member of the company’s corporate citizenship group, to learn more about their commitment to the Conservancy.

In Memoriam: Lucia Nash and Brian Sherwin

We are saddened to have recently lost two long-time leaders for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio with the passing of Lucia Nash and Brian Sherwin.

Lucia joined the Ohio Board of Trustees in 1979 and became an Honorary Life Trustee in 2000. She successfully co-led the Ohio Chapter’s first fundraising campaign for conservation. She was the recipient of the Silver Oak Leaf and Silver Bowl Awards and served as a strong advocate for local and global initiatives through her leadership at The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation. We were pleased to dedicate the Lucia S. Nash Preserve in Summit County for her exceptional commitment.

Brian joined the Ohio Board of Trustees in 1986, was Board Chair from 1988-1993 and became an Honorary Life Trustee in 1998. Through The South Waite Foundation, he was a steadfast supporter of the Conservancy’s work in Northeast Ohio, especially for land acquisition, and was an ambassador for global efforts. Brian was awarded the Silver Bowl Award for his conservation leadership as Board Chair.

Lucia and Brian will be sorely missed, and we are grateful for their outstanding legacies to conservation.

4 OHIO LANDSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Earth’s temperatures in 2016 were the hottest ever recorded, and a change of even one degree Fahrenheit can upset the delicate balance of ecosystems. Rising temperatures and changing patterns of precipitation are influencing where plants grow, and as landscapes and habitats literally shift, wildlife must adjust quickly. Experts predict that one-fourth of Earth’s species will be headed for extinction by 2050 if the warming trend continues at its current rate.

The wellbeing of humankind, too, is threatened by climbing temperatures. Extreme weather conditions caused by climate change are worsening food and water shortages globally. At the national level, climate change is creating security issues by increasing risks of flooding, drought and extreme temperatures. In Ohio, changing temperatures can create health impacts for vulnerable communities in polluted urban areas, while farmers may be faced with less predictable growing seasons.

The Conservancy believes we have an opportunity right now to reinvent how we generate, transport and use our electric power. We can meet the needs of Americans and protect our environment while at the same time ensuring a clean and secure energy future.

CONTINUED FROM COVER

Wind siting © Jim Richardson; Turbines © Haviland Drainage Products

At the state policy level, we’re supporting standards that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. In 2008, Ohio policymakers introduced standards that promote a cleaner environment while encouraging economic growth. But since 2014, these standards have been under attack in the Ohio General Assembly. Fortunately, in December of 2016, Governor Kasich vetoed a bill that would have changed these standards into non-binding goals. Still, the legislature continues to threaten action aimed at diminishing progress on this front.

Similarly, the state has yet to fix the wind siting issue that is making it difficult to move forward wind energy development. In 2014, the Ohio General Assembly decided to adjust the state’s wind setback policy, requiring that a wind turbine be situated 1,125 feet, plus blade length, from the nearest property line. No large-scale wind farms have been proposed in Ohio since this excessive setback rule went into effect.

87% of Ohio voters would advise elected officials to support policies that encourage efficiency and renewables.

Do you think that, as a state, Ohio should put more emphasis, less, emphasis, or about the same emphasis as it does now on producing domestic energy from each of the following sources…

More Emphasis   Less Emphasis   Same

Vast majorities want to place more emphasis on energy efficiency, invest in solar and wind and reduce emphasis on coal.

Ohio Emphasis on Energy Sources

+79% +69% +57% +23% -33%-21%

3%

14%

82%

Energy Efficiency

8%15%

Solar Power

77%

12% 17%

Wind Power

69%

15%

45%

Natural Gas

38% 42%35%

Nuclear Power

21%

53%

26%

Coal

20%

NATURE.ORG/OHIO 5

Staff Spotlight: Leo Almeida If you’re trying to influence

legislation, it helps to know how things work inside the statehouse. With a background in politics, Leo Almeida definitely has a window. The climate

and clean energy policy associate for The Nature

Conservancy in Ohio previously worked as a senior legislative aide in the Ohio Senate, and in 2014 managed a statewide campaign for a Lt. Governor candidate.

While he’s worked on many issues, Leo says it was through his work in the Senate that he developed an appreciation for energy policies.

“I worked on a couple of environmental issues associated with oil and gas drilling during my first year at the Statehouse, and continued to pay attention even when I wasn’t actively working on them,” he says.

Then came an opportunity to work full-time on environmental issues at the Conservancy.

Solar panel inspection © Denison University; Leo Almeida © Leo Almeida

“I was excited to work somewhere nonpartisan, and that was a nonprofit,” he says. “It’s given me a chance to focus in on an important debate, and I find great value in being able to educate policymakers on issues that impact our environment.”

In his current role, Leo works with members of the Ohio General Assembly and Ohio members of Congress to advance clean energy and energy efficiency policies and regulations, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He’s also focused on building influence networks and strategic partnerships that will help promote climate and energy policy initiatives.

Sometimes, it’s an uphill battle. Roadblocks to renewable energy development, such as Ohio’s wind setback policy (see cover story), can make progress slow.

Still, Leo remains undeterred.

“Climate change is a worldwide issue, one of the most serious challenges humanity has ever faced,” he says. “I know I’m just a fraction of the solution here in Ohio, but what we’re able to accomplish will have a huge impact.”

LEARN MORE AT NATURE.ORG/OHIOCLEANENERGY AND DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION ON ISSUES THAT MATTER MOST TO YOU AT NATURE.ORG/OHIO/OUTSIDEVOICE.

The Conservancy continues to encourage lawmakers to fix the overly restrictive wind setback policy. At the same time, it’s undertaking an effort to identify areas with a low risk of conflict between wind energy development and important wildlife habitat, thereby helping to reduce potential liabilities to wind energy developers and minimize risks to wildlife. We also support action by our elected officials to assist those communities most impacted by the closing of outdated and costly coal-fired and nuclear power plants.

Just like Ohio voters demonstrated in last year’s poll, the Conservancy has faith that we can meet the growing and changing demand for energy while at the same time acting to ensure a prosperous, clean and secure energy future.

6 OHIO LANDSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2018

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS

New acquisition at Morgan Swamp © Terry Seidel / The Nature Conservancy; Native seed collection at Kitty Todd Preserve © Andy Mattimoe; Helicopter treating phragmites field with herbicides © Lake Erie CWMA

Acquisition Expands Morgan Swamp Preserve The Grand is the healthiest river in the Lake Erie watershed, partially because of the natural habitat that persists alongside its riverbanks. A recent 200-acre acquisition is a critical missing link in a corridor of habitat that stretches for approximately 10 miles along this section of the river, which runs through Morgan Swamp Preserve. Its protection represents an important opportunity to ensure the continued long-term health of the river and the surrounding landscape, which supports numerous rare and endangered species.

6,000Acres treated for the wetland weed phragmites since 2009 along Northwest Ohio’s Lake Erie coast. By knocking back the invasive phragmites, The Nature Conservancy and partners can restore native marsh vegetation that provides habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds.

7,005 Hours clocked by 260 Nature Conservancy volunteers in Ohio last year. The value of this contribution is estimated at $110,000.

Lake Erie Restoration Projects Aim to Curb Nutrients, Boost Habitat The Nature Conservancy and partners are working to restore one percent of agricultural acres to natural infrastructure in the Western Lake Erie Basin by adding wetlands, floodplains and riparian corridors. Informed by data from the Conservation Effects Assessment Project wildlife modeling project, the restoration work will address excess nutrients and sediments in the basin’s streams, which threaten water quality and fish communities. Associated mapping efforts, led by the Conservancy and supported by the Joyce Foundation, are helping to prioritize the location of restoration areas and inform agricultural best management practices. Projects are being completed with Pittman-Robertson funds—federal funds collected from the sales of guns and ammunition for use by state wildlife agencies— in cooperation with the Black Swamp Conservancy, Wood County and Sandusky County Parks, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Winous Point Shooting Club.

The Conservancy is also supporting restoration work along the 572-acre Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of Lake Erie’s last remaining natural freshwater estuaries, where invasive species continue to alter the landscape. As part of the project, the Conservancy is assisting reserve staff and the Erie Soil and Water Conservation District with invasive species removal and native tree plantings.

NATURE.ORG/OHIO 7Great Egret Marsh paddler © Eric Albrecht; Birdwatcher © Michael D-L Jordan; Allegheny woodrat © Aura Stauffer/flickrcreativecommons

Research Providing Insight into Stability of Allegheny Woodrat Population The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in southern Ohio’s Adams County may be the last holdout in the state for the endangered Allegheny woodrat, which prefers rocky areas such as cliffs, caves and rock fissures. In fact, the animal has not been observed in Ohio outside Adams County for several years.

So when the Ohio Division of Wildlife recently sought to learn more about the distribution of the Allegheny woodrat, they did so by conducting research at the Edge of Appalachia. With support from The Nature Conservancy and Cincinnati Museum Center, which co-owns the preserve, scientists safely live-trapped more than 50 of the creatures over the course of three months last fall. In addition to determining sex and weight, tissue samples were collected at the time of capture for a DNA analysis.

Results are informing the status, and likely success, of woodrat populations in Adams County, which have been on the decline in recent years due in part to a parasite carried by local raccoon populations.

Great Egret Marsh Preserve Added to Lake Erie Islands Water TrailGreat Egret Marsh Preserve is part of a new guide released last year featuring nearly 60 miles of paddling trails. The Lake Erie Islands Water Trails guide features five paddling routes and associated public access points around South Bass, Middle Bass, North Bass, Kelleys Island, and the Catawba and Marblehead peninsula area. Located in Marblehead, Great Egret Marsh Preserve features canoe/kayak access that is visible to paddlers from the water. View the guide and plan your adventure at go.osu.edu/LEwatertrails

Birding? We Can Help! Dubbed “The Warbler Capital of the World,” northwest Ohio is one of the best places to witness the spring migration of songbirds. Here, along the southern edge of Lake Erie, birds stop to rest and refuel before crossing the lake. The Conservancy-supported Biggest Week in American Birding festival celebrates this annual phenomenon, with workshops, presentations and trips—including to the Conservancy’s Great Egret Marsh preserve, located in Marblehead. Great Egret Marsh is one of seven Conservancy preserves highlighted in our new birding guide, which can be found online at nature.org/ohiobirding

The Nature Conservancy in Ohio 6375 Riverside Dr., Suite 100 Dublin, OH 43017

nature.org/ohio

NON-PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDEUREKA, MO

PERMIT NO. 40

landscapesOhio SPRING/SUMMER 2018

facebook.com/OhioNatureConservancy

twitter.com/nature_ohio

Instagram/nature_oh

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY CANNOT RENDER TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR BEFORE MAKING A GIFT. PHOVQ18FY01APGHOXX

DISCOVER WAYS TO GIVEGreat Egret Marsh Preserve © Kent Mason

Help create a sustainable world for generations to come. Contact Jules Lapp to learn how creating a donor advised fund, establishing a life-income gift such as a charitable remainder trust, or making a gift of real estate can benefit both you and the lands and waters you love.

(614) 339-8106 jlapp@tnc.org 

nature.org/legacy

Clean energy is an important part of the fight against climate change. Learn how The Nature Conservancy is making a difference.

Solar panel installation © Third Sun Solar

Inside This Issue