TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Our District can assist Erie County land users to help them solve natural resource concerns and improve habitats. Technical assistance may include site investigations, recommendations, and identification of potential funding. Depending on the need, our district may also coordinate with partner agencies to provide the best service for managing our natural resources
Drainage
Agricultural producers and landowners who are concerned with the need to dispose of excess water can initiate a group drainage project as well as a petitioned drainage project through our office.
Drainage processes follow the Ohio Revised Code, Sections 6131 or 940.
The disposal of excess water continues to be very important from an economic standpoint.
Water rights laws as they relate to the disposal of excess water in rural and urban areas are very complex.
Existing laws have been under development for a long period of time and continue to be reviewed and updated.
Ten things to know about drainage.
Habitat Management/WILDLIFE
There are several species of wildlife native to our area that pose the potential of becoming a nuisance or could create other concerns, such as property, garden, or landscape damage. Among the common species we could encounter in rural and urban settings that may be “uninvited guests” raccoons, rabbits, woodchucks, squirrels, geese, blackbirds, bats, moles, skunks, snakes, and beaver on occasion. There are numerous tips and recommendations available to help guide you with the direction you might chose to take. Contact us at the District office if you have questions or would like further assistance. You can also check out the “Nuisance Wildlife” web page for species-specific fact sheets or a list of individuals who conduct nuisance trapping services. Erie Conservation District also has a few live traps that can be loaned out to those wanting to try to trap a nuisance animal on their own before contacting other individuals who specialize in such matters. Keep in mind that even on private property trapping regulations must still be adhered to. For questions or to check on the availability of a live trap, call the District office
Link to Tim’s Wildlife page
Pollution Complaints
- The Erie Conservation District is not a regulatory agency, but can assist with investigations of potential pollutants that could affect our natural resources. If a complaint is deemed a potential violation, our office will coordinate with the appropriate agencies to resolve the issue.
- Common complaints
-
- Manure/fertilizer run-off (link to APAP)
- Erosion/sedimentation from construction sites
- Sewage discharge
- Disposal of material in storm drains
- Filling in wetlands or floodplains
- Unknown substance in ditch/stream
- Fish kills
-
- Links:
Rain Gardens & Pollinator Gardens
RAIN GARDENS
Rain gardens are beautiful landscaped beds that help to capture stormwater and allow it to soak into the ground. The garden is a shallow bowl planted with plants that don’t mind to get wet feet and help to filter out pollutants.
POLLINATOR GARDENS
Stream/Shoreline Erosion
- Ice, storm flows, and wave action can result in erosion of our stream banks and shorelines. Although erosion is a natural process, it may become more severe when vegetation is removed or the bank is disturbed.
- We can assist with evaluating the erosion and cause(s), provide recommendations for stabilizing the slope, and identify potential permits that may need to be acquired to complete your project.
- Links
