MEDIA RELEASE__The District 13 Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) has announced the opening of the FY 2027 application period for Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation funding, with approximately $6.7 million available to support the permanent protection of natural areas across west central Ohio.

Applications will be accepted from April 20 through August 13, 2026, and are open to projects in Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Mercer, Putnam, and Van Wert counties.

The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program is designed to help protect high-quality natural areas, including forests, wetlands, stream corridors and wildlife habitat. Funding supports projects that ensure these spaces are permanently conserved for their ecological value and water quality benefits.

Landowners who have natural areas on their property and are interested in long-term protection are encouraged to explore this opportunity. The West Central Ohio Land Conservancy (WCOLC) works with individuals to place conservation easements on qualifying properties, a voluntary and legally binding agreement that permanently limits development while allowing land to remain in private ownership.

Because Clean Ohio funding is awarded to public entities and qualified nonprofit organizations, individuals cannot apply directly. Instead, the Conservancy serves as a partner and applicant, working with landowners to evaluate eligibility, prepare and submit applications, and manage the funding process if a project is awarded.

“This program is a valuable tool for protecting the natural features that make our region unique,” says WCOLC. “We help landowners navigate the process and secure funding to ensure these areas are preserved for future generations.”

Landowners interested in learning more about protecting natural areas on their property are encouraged to contact the West Central Ohio Land Conservancy at www.wcolc.org or by email at [email protected].

More information about program requirements is available through the Ohio Public Works Commission, https://pwc.ohio.gov/Programs/Clean-Ohio-Application. Although District 13 includes Logan and Shelby Counties and funds a range of conservation and recreation projects, these counties are outside of the conservancy service area.

About West Central Ohio Land Conservancy
The West Central Ohio Land Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural areas and open space across the region. Through conservation easements and partnerships, the Conservancy works with landowners to ensure that ecologically important lands are permanently preserved.