Conservation issues are even found in urban settings
- col-conservation-corner
- March 7, 2025
- 543
As many readers of The Bargain Hunter know, the conservation articles in this column deal with all types of conservation issues: agricultural issues, forestry issues, wetland issues, riparian Issues and urban issues.
Urban issues? What kind of conservation issues are found in urban settings?
Yes, conservation is not just a rural or an agricultural issue. Towns, villages and cities all deal with various issues that are related to conservation of natural resources — issues like the effects of excess runoff from a rainstorm; issues related to soil movement, soil instability and slippage; issues of soil erosion; issues related to lack of green spaces; and issues related to urban forestry and of what trees are best for an urban setting.
There is literally no end to the types of conservation issues villages and cities deal with on a weekly if not daily basis. And to this end, your local county Soil and Water Conservation District can help.
The Tuscarawas SWCD can provide assistance with urban soil/erosion concerns and with agricultural concerns. The SWCD can provide the urban homeowner with a variety of services:
—Soils information for home site selection.
—Providing the homeowner with home site development resources.
—Information for drainage around home sites.
—Bank stabilization and erosion information for home site/lot development.
—Providing seeding/mulching rates for erosion control.
—Conducting on-site soils assessments for home sites, driveways and other drainage/soils-related problems.
This office routinely works with the Tuscarawas Regional Planning Commission in providing soils information for private drives and major and minor platted subdivisions.
Soil and water offices also can provide educational assistance and resources on water conservation, rain barrels and rain gardens. In addition, we can provide assistance and contacts related to urban pollinator plots and in educating urban residents regarding the planting of native plants and trees as opposed to foreign or invasive species that can actually harm the environment and wildlife. In addition, this office routinely participates in the MWCD debris removal program to help clear waterways from fallen trees and other debris that can affect cities and villages.
Although the SWCD is not a regulatory agency and has no enforcement powers, the SWCD can provide homeowners information about Ohio fence line laws and Ohio drainage laws.
The SWCD also works in conjunction with the Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Natural Resources in addressing issues like proper stormwater management and implementing best management practices for urban construction work/excavation sites.
The Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District can provide both on-site and over-the-phone assistance with these issues. Call 330-339-7976. Conservation and protection is for all. And we are here to help in all these areas.