Dear Friends of the Crooked River,

The Ohio Senate just passed a version of the state budget that cuts $120 million from the H2Ohio program and ties critical ODNR funding to their existing base budget, instead of giving them additional resources.

Once infamous for pollution, so severe it caught fire, the Cuyahoga River has been revitalized thanks to decades of environmental efforts, many supported by state programs like H2Ohio. Cuts threaten to reverse this hard-won progress, risking more toxic algae, loss of wildlife habitat, and impacts to outdoor recreation and local economies.

What’s at risk?

H2Ohio Program:
This initiative led by Governor Mike DeWine targets agricultural runoff reduction, wetland restoration, and preventing toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie and Ohio’s rivers, including the Cuyahoga.
— Learn more: H2Ohio I House budget calls for large cuts to Gov. DeWine's H2Ohio program | Ideastream Public Media
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR):
ODNR manages over 1.1 million acres of parks, forests, wildlife areas, and waterways across Ohio. They also provide critical services like habitat conservation, public recreation, and wildfire protection. The Senate budget ties $30+ million from fracking royalties to ODNR’s existing budget instead of providing it as new funding, limiting the agency’s ability to maintain and improve state lands.
— Learn more: ODNR Official Site | Ohio budget proposal links fracking royalties to state parks’ bottom lines | The Statehouse News Bureau

PLEASE CALL Your State Legislators TODAY
Your voice can make a real impact.

Find your reps here 👉 Ohio Legislature (https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/)

Here’s an example script you can use when you call if you need assistance:

"Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from [Your City] as a resident who’s very concerned about the cuts to the H2Ohio program and the budget changes limiting funding for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

I spend time paddling, walking, volunteering, and admiring the Cuyahoga River and I’ve seen firsthand how far we’ve come since the days when that river caught fire. Wetland restoration, runoff reduction, and water quality efforts are working. Cutting funding for organizations who dedicate their careers and souls to our beautiful rivers would set us back decades.

This isn’t just about the environment, it’s about our economy. Ohio rivers bring tourism, recreation, paddling businesses, and vibrant river communities. When we invest in clean water and public lands, we support jobs, health, and quality of life.

These investments protect our lands, our waters, and our legacy for future generations. Please speak up in budget negotiations. Ohio can’t afford to shortchange the places and resources that define who we are.”

Let’s help protect our Lake Erie and Ohio Rivers!