Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC)

In 2000, Ohio voters approved the Clean Ohio Fund to return tax dollars to local communities for the protection of the environment. These funds have been used for open space acquisition, and to protect and enhance riparian corridors and watersheds. Since 2000, there have been four rounds of grants. In 2009, the sixth round was announced. Each county has a committee that evaluates local applications for the Clean Ohio grants. In Lucas County, TMACOG manages that committee: the Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC).

Applications are now being accepted for a new round of grants. In 2009, the Clean Ohio Fund has allocated $1,355,700 for nonprofit organizations that will use the funds for open space preservation. For any project approved, a 25 percent minimum local match is required.

Key dates:

·         NRAC meeting to discuss the Clean Ohio Fund grants and answer questions from potential applicants. September 11, 2009 at 2:00 PM, TMACOG Board Room, 300 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, in Toledo

·         Proposals due: Novemebr 20, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at TMACOG

NRAC Application Documents:

·         NRAC District 12 Applicant Information

·         NRAC District 12 Fact Sheet

·        Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Application and Instructions for Financial Assistance

·         District 12 Natural Resources Assistance Council Scoring Methodology

NRAC in Lucas County

Clean Ohio funds have returned more than $6 million dollars to Lucas County for protecting more than 1800 acres of open spaces and wetlands.

Photos from the Lake Erie marshes show the desired outcome for the Howard Farms property.

The Olander Park System used Clean Ohio funds for the Herr Road oak savanna and wetland.

About the NRAC Committee
Each Ohio district has an 11-member Natural Resources Assistance Council. Members of the district NRAC were chosen from among organizations with expertise in conservation, natural resource protection, parks and recreation, real estate development, and environmental protection. The NRAC is responsible for receiving applications and deciding how to allocate grants from the Clean Ohio Fund, based on uniform statewide criteria.

Natural Resources Assistance Council
DISTRICT 12 - LUCAS COUNTY, OHIO

Contact:
Kurt Erichsen, P.E.
Vice President of Environmental Planning
District 12 NRAC Liaison
300 Dr Martin Luther King Dr
Toledo, OH 43604
419-241-9155

Rick Bryan, Chairman
Lucas SWCD
130-A W Dudley St
Maumee, OH 43537