The state's population density is 267 people per square mile. The overall risk to ecosystems is high. Population density has increased 2 percent since 1982. The amount of developed land increased 15 percent between 1982 and 1992. Almost all of the state's prairies and 90 percent of its wetlands have been lost. The state has 18 federally listed threatened and endangered species.
Biological Diversity Policy
Ohio does not have a formal biodiversity policy. A Biodiversity Working Group, composed of personnel from the Department of Natural Resources, attempted to draft a biodiversity policy for the agency. The policy was an attempt to focus on the identification and protection of biodiversity in Ohio. However, the committee is no longer functioning. By statute, it is the general policy of the state to protect unique natural, historical, scientific and cultural resources. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1517.01 et seq.)
Status of Biodiversity Science
Ohio does not have a coordinated assessment system in place. The state utilizes the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Heritage Database. The database provides comprehensive information on rare and endangered animals and plants, exemplary natural communities, and special geologic features. In addition, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has an Ecos Database that contains information about fishing, shorelines, islands, macrovertebrates, habitat, sediment and fish tissue. The state has no GAP, and has no funding for the implementation of GAP in the foreseeable future.
Endangered Species
Ohio has separate endangered species laws to protect animals and plants. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1531.25, .26; 1531.99) Under both laws, listings are based on scientific criteria. Neither law requires recovery plans, critical habitat designation or agency consultation. Penalties range from $1,000 to $5,000 for the first offense and from $2,000 to $10,000 for each subsequent offense. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1518.99)
State Agency Management for Biodiversity
State-owned Lands
No requirements for Ohio agencies to plan and manage their lands to promote biological sustainability were identified.
Cooperative Efforts
Ohio engages in some cooperative efforts. The Division of Wildlife and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation coordinate efforts to develop habitat, conserve stream banks and deal with aquatic soil erosion problems. The Fish Creek Project is another example in which the state cooperates with Indiana and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, focusing on water quality and land use in the watershed. The Division of Natural Areas and Preserves has management plans for the more than 85 preserves it manages. Many of these plans identify preservation of a diversity of flora and fauna as the primary management goal.
State Agency Training
Agency personnel training is primarily accomplished through in-service workshops, and touches on biodiversity issues.
Impact Assessment
Ohio does not have specific requirements for agencies to assess proposed actions for their impact on biological resources.
Habitat Acquisition
Ohio has land acquisition programs designed to protect natural areas and wildlife. For example, the Division of Wildlife and Division of Natural Areas and Preserves have land acquisition programs. Funding comes from general tax revenues and contributions from the state tax checkoff. The Ohio River Management Fund provides monies for the purpose of acquiring critical habitat areas of the Ohio River. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1531.31) Monies for this fund came from the settlement of a major pollution case on the river. The Parks and Natural Resources Assistance Grant Program provides grants to local government entities to acquire land for public recreation and the preservation of wetlands or unique habitats. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1557.06) Funds for the program are allocated by the legislature and currently stand at $50 million. Ohio also has a Wetland Habitat Stamp program that divides funds between acquisition, development, management and preservation of water-fowl areas in the state. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1533.112)
Private Land Conservation
Ohio has some private land conservation programs. For example, lands that are dedicated to the state as nature preserves receive a 100 percent deduction in property taxes. Lands devoted exclusively to forestry may also be exempt from taxation. (Ohio Const. art. 2, 36) Ohio also has special programs for farmers and developers that create cost-share incentives and low-interest loans. Conservation easements are authorized by statute. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 5301.67-69)
Exotic Species
Ohio has few provisions designed to control the introduction and spread of exotic species. For animals, the state regulates the introduction of wild animals into thc state, as well as the shipping of such animals within the state. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1533.31) For plants, noxious weeds are required to be removed on lands owned by a municipal corporation. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 731.51)
Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities
Ohio has an animal damage control program that is operated primarily by the state. The federal agency concentrates on migratory bird problems, and the state acts as the primary regulatory agency for all other problems. Additionally, the state allows license holders to take predatory birds or animals that are destroying game birds or fur bearing animals. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. 1533.78)
Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity
No constitutional or common law protections were identified by the research.
Related Issues
Ohio does not have identified programs of public education about biodiversity, although the state does participate in Project WILD. The state is expected to publish a wildlife viewing guide in 1996. A "School Days" program invites school children to state parks to visit with resource personnel.
Ohio does not currently have a takings law. Takings bill were not introduced in 1995.
Contacts:
Department of Agriculture
65 S. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-2732
Department of Natural Resources
Fountain Square
Columbus, OH 43224
614-265-6565
State Extension Services
Ohio State University
2120 Fyffe Rd.
Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-4067
Ohio ADC State Director
Federal Building, Room 622
200 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-469-5681
New Mexico Center for Wildlife Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-5006
lprovenc@unm.edu