The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has recently acknowledged the remarkable efforts of three key players in the water conservation arena. Independent crop consultant Joe Nester, the Lucas County Engineer's Office, and the Greene Soil & Water Conservation District were all recognized for their substantial contributions to the state's premier water quality program, H2Ohio. In a statement obtained by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s website, ODA Director Brian Baldridge praised these entities, saying, "We are immensely grateful to our dedicated partners who have helped make H2Ohio a success."
During the 2025 Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Annual Partnership Meeting in Columbus, these awards were presented to spotlight the significant leadership and commitment to conservation that Joe Nester, the Lucas County Engineer's Office, and the Greene Soil & Water Conservation District have demonstrated. The H2Ohio Lifetime Conservation Advocate Award seeks to honor those who have actively made a difference in water quality during their careers, showcasing thoughtful innovation, energetic partnership, and a definitive "get it done" attitude.
H2Ohio, inaugurated by Governor DeWine in 2019, operates under a comprehensive, science-based strategy to holistically tackle the multifaceted issues impacting Ohio’s waters. The initiative, which goes beyond just identifying problems, actively implements solutions such as supporting optimal farming practices, mitigating the runoff from road salt, clearing up litter, tearing down unnecessary dams, and rejuvenating crucial land and water infrastructure to ensure access to clean drinking water.
These accolades, while a nod to the past efforts of the award recipients, also symbolize the ongoing commitment required to maintain the forward momentum in water quality improvement. The ODA seeks to encourage continued engagement and innovation in preserving Ohio's waterways for future generations through recognitions such as these. As Director Baldridge mentioned in his commendations by the Ohio Department of Agriculture website, "Their efforts have been instrumental in improving water quality in our state and making a lasting impact on our communities." The collaborative approach between state entities and private consultants illustrates a promising path toward ecological sustainability in Ohio's water quality realm.
