1. Inventory potential riparian restoration projects and prioritize. 2. Develop GIS-based map showing hypothetical riparian buffer widths and locations based on existing model riparian setback ordinance widths. 3. Pursue Ohio EPA Section 319(h) Non-point Source Program Grants, Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) grants, and other grants for potential restoration projects. 4. Work with NRCS to implement cost share program for filter strips in priority areas. 5. Conduct meetings with County Commissioners, local Farm Bureau offices, extension offices, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts to discuss a strategy for creation/expansion of riparian buffer programs. 6. Meet with communities with existing riparian setback codes and determine level and method of enforcement. Discuss remedial measures necessary to achieve full compliance with applicable codes and a strategy for reporting and tracking progress. 7. Review existing zoning regulations, provide educational meetings with partners, and develop strategies for adoption of codes within communities where they do not exist. Develop a reporting and tracking strategy for adopted codes. Objective 4: Preserve 25% of existing open space with emphasis on streams, wetlands, and riparian areas. Action Items: 1. Pursue grant programs for the acquisition and/or preservation of existing areas. 2. Work with the County Auditor to record protective instruments. 3. Develop education and outreach materials for communities and the general public outlining benefits of setting aside natural areas for preservation. 4. Work with local park districts, land trusts, arboretums, communities and SWCDs on acquisition of easements on riparian corridors and wetlands. Goal 2: Reduce TSS loads (9 tons/yr) resulting from urban runoff. Objective 1: Construct stormwater retrofits and/or stormwater BMPs to store and treat the applicable water quality volume for 20 acres at identified priority locations, resulting in a TSS load reduction of 9 tons/yr. Action Items: 1. Create an inventory of priority locations for stormwater retrofits and stormwater BMPs. 2. Pursue Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF) grants, stormwater district funds, and other funding sources for potential stormwater projects. 3. Meet with communities with existing stormwater codes and erosion/sediment control codes (including Phase II MS4) and determine level and method of enforcement. Discuss remedial measures/updates necessary to achieve full compliance with applicable codes and a strategy for reporting and tracking progress. 4. Review existing zoning regulations, provide educational meetings with partners, and develop strategies for adoption of codes within communities where they do not exist. Develop a reporting and tracking strategy for adopted codes. Goal 3: Reduce TSS loads (96.7 tons/yr) resulting from agricultural runoff. Objective 1: Restore 0.6 miles of riparian buffers (including wetlands and floodplains) with emphasis on nonattaining streams, resulting in a TSS load reduction of 56 tons/yr. Action Items: 1. Inventory potential riparian restoration projects and prioritize.
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