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On July 31, 2008, the Citizens for a Clean Ohio hosted its campaign kick-off. Speakers at the event included Governor Strickland, Lieutenant Governor Fisher, Speaker Husted, and Senate President Harris. Officially Issue 2, a continuation of Clean Ohio will build on the success of the original program and will not raise taxes.
The Nature Conservancy is honored to chair the executive campaign committee and, in partnership with the Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio League of Conservation Voters and National Brownfield Association Ohio Chapter, will work for a successful outcome on November 4th.
If passed, Ohioans will see an increase in natural areas, protected family farms, recreation opportunities, and renovated industrial sites, which will work to attract jobs and make Ohio a better place to live.
With all four rounds in the books, the Clean Ohio Fund has built an impressive portfolio of results, including the protection of over 26,000 acres of wildlife habitat.
Designed as a comprehensive environmental protection and restoration tool for local communities, Clean Ohio has gone way beyond protecting publicly accessible natural areas. It is helping neighborhoods renovate and reuse brownfields – which not only creates new jobs, but also puts them back on the local tax rolls to help fund schools and police protection.
While redeveloping brownfields, which helps relieve some pressure to develop natural and agricultural areas, Clean Ohio also has protected 20,000 acres of family farms, ensuring that some of the state’s best productive lands continue to provide crops.
Finally, Clean Ohio is providing thousands of Ohioans better access to recreational opportunities through the creation of over 210 miles of multi-purpose trails. Here, hikers, bikers, runners, and rollerbladers can take alternative work commutes or enjoy a different perspective of the landscape while building a healthy lifestyle.
Due to the high demand for these kinds of projects throughout Ohio, the state is reaping incredible returns on its investment. Clean Ohio has leveraged $2.6 billion in private investment across the state.
To see the latest news and events on the Clean Ohio campaign visit cleanohio.org.
The Clean Ohio Fund has funded so many projects, there is likely one to visit near your neighborhood. Here are some of our favorties:
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © TNC (With Clean Ohio Fund grants, Grand River Partners, Inc. was able to protect 325 acres of old growth forest in the Grand River watershed); Photo © TNC (The Conservancy with Ohio legislators at the Phillips Hellbranch project).