3 



CO 



O OHIO 



^ General description: Ohio lies in a transitional region between the Appalachian 



Plateau and the Interior Lowlands. Within this varied topography, five wetland 

 regions have been recognized by the Fish and Wildlife Service (USDI 1958). 

 These may be summarized as follows: 



A. Lake Erie marshes of lacustrine origin restricted to the southwest shoreline. Por- 

 tions of shoreline developed for tourist trade and urban and industrial facilities. 



B. Level to rolling-glaciated topography in western part of the state. Intensively farmed 

 wood lots are common. Considerable agricultural drainage. 



C. The "wetland region" of Ohio. Situated in the northeastern part of the state, the 

 region is well supplied with wetlands. Soils are naturally poorly drained. 



D. Skirting northern Ohio along much of Lake Erie and continuing westward. Of 

 lacustrine origin. Glacial Lake Maumee occupied the region during the glaciation. 

 Topography flat, sloping gently toward the lake. Highly industrial. Most of the 

 wetlands have been destroyed. 



E. West-central section of the Appalachian Plateau situated in southeastern part 

 of the state. Considerable relief reaching over 1200 ft. . Agricultural land scattered 

 in a well-forested region. 



Within the state three major wetland types occur — marshes, swamps, and 

 bogs. Of the ten areas reported in this study it will be noted that seven occur in 

 Region C, that part of the state noted for its wetlands. 



Status of the wetlands: As an important industrial and agricultural state, many 

 of the wetlands have been drained or otherwise destroyed. Most of the original 

 wetlands in Region D have been drained. Among the wetlands reported, drain- 

 ing is still a continuing threat, as well as industrial and housing developments. 



Source of data: Dr. J. Arthur Herrick at Kent State University has provided 

 most of the data reported. 



Recommendations: Four Registered Natural Landmarks have already been 

 designated in Ohio. These are Brown's Lake Bog, Cedar Swamp, Cranberry 

 Bog, and Mentor Marsh. These preserve three wetland types: acid bogs, a cal- 

 careous northern white cedar swamp, and an extensive freshwater marsh. 

 Although two bogs have already been given national recognition, a third, Cedar 

 Bog, owned by The Nature Conservancy and located in the western part of the 

 state, is also recommended. Its geographical location is more westward than the 

 other bogs and under Nature Conservancy ownership future encroachment ap- 

 pears unlikely. 



Since no hardwood swamp type has been yet designated, Mantua Swamp, an 

 8000-acre tract including marsh, bog, and swamp forest, should be given serious 

 consideration. Still Fork Swamp is another sizeable area (600 acres) including 

 an alder shrub swamp and marsh habitats. Although some drainage attempts 

 have been made, they have not seriously altered the vegetation. Here The Na- 

 ture Conservancy already owns 62 acres, which makes this an especially attrac- 

 tive candidate for landmark status if the privately owned sector can be com- 

 mitted to preservation. Watercress Marsh, comprising an estimated 100 acres, 

 includes a wide range of habitats, with a glacial pond in the middle of the area. 

 It is considered one of Ohio's choicest natural areas. Privately owned, this tract 

 is highly recommended for Natural Landmark status if protection from future 

 encroachment can be assured. Frame Glacial Bog is of special botanical interest, 

 with its characteristic bog flora. However, national recognition would be depen- 

 dent upon assurance of its protection from future encroachment. The Lake 



