FY2026 Clean Ohio Fund Green Space Conservation Program

FY2026 Clean Ohio Fund Green Space Conservation Program

The purpose of this program is to support environmental conservation efforts, including acquisition of green space and the protection and enhancement of river and stream corridors. Proposed properties must be predominantly open space and be maintained in perpetuity to be enjoyed and cherished for future generations.

Funding will support projects that fall under one of the following categories:

Open space: acquisition only, acquisition and related improvements, or improvements only projects on properties previously acquired in fee through Clean Ohio, including:
Acquisition of land or rights in land for parks; forests; wetlands; natural areas that protect an endangered plant or animal population; other natural areas; and connecting corridors for natural areas
Construction or enhancement of facilities that are necessary to make the acquired open space area accessible and usable by the general public, including trails, pedestrian bridges, observation decks, kiosks/signs, benches, trash receptacles, one-time invasive species removal, parking lots, restoration, and fencing
Riparian corridor: protection and enhancement of riparian corridors or watersheds, such as streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, including:
Reforestation of land or planting of vegetation for filtration
Fee-simple acquisition or acquisition of easements for providing access or for protection and enhancement
Eligible improvements for fee-simple acquisition include:

Parking
Boat ramps
Fencing (property perimeter only)
Trash cans
Benches/picnic tables
Bike racks
Kiosks/signs
Portable restroom enclosures
Observation decks
Hiking/biking trails
Refer to pages 3-4 of the NOFA file for information regarding additional eligible improvements. Improvements to easements are eligible if both the easement holder and landowner are eligible applicants.

All proposed improvements must provide access with minimal impact to conservation values.

Funds are allocated by the state to the 19 NRACs in Ohio. The district NRAC with geographical jurisdiction over the proposed project area will coordinate project applications and have an NRAC-specific application process, including deadlines. Information regarding district NRACs can be found online at publicworks.ohio.gov/districts.

Details

• Agency: Public Works Commission
• Opportunity #: PWC-FY26-CO
• Matching Required: Yes
• Financial Details: An unspecified amount of funding is available to support awards through this program. Available state funding each year is allocated by each district Natural Resource Assistance Council (NRAC). Districts may also have funds carried over from previous years available for distribution. Information regarding district NRACs can be found online at publicworks.ohio.gov/districts.

The funding agency may pay contractors directly for eligible invoices, or funds may be provided to the award recipient on a reimbursement basis. The full award amount may only be disbursed after the total project costs reach the total estimated project costs listed in the project agreement.

Acquisition activities must take place within one year of the project agreement date, and improvement activities must be completed within two years from acquisition. Award recipients may request a schedule extension.

Costs for the following activities/improvements may be allowable at the district NRAC's discretion:

Mountain biking
Primitive camping
Equestrian trails
Dam removal
Demolition of structures
Disc golf activities
In general, funds may not be used for items that do not lend themselves to conservation.

Funds may not be used for administrative and monitoring costs. including stewardship costs; however, costs for stewardship plans are allowable.

Funds may not be used for the following improvements; however, projects may include such improvements if specified in the deed restrictions:

Restrooms
Pavilions/picnic shelters/shelter houses
Dog parks that have a small footprint and include fencing and waste disposal
Playground and work out stations that have a small footprint
Rental spaces if already in existence
Council circles/natural amphitheaters
Fountains
Statues
Solar panels on buildings/for lights
Improvements to existing buildings or reasonable additions to buildings upon identification and approval by the appropriate district NRAC
Funds may not be used for:

New buildings, including new rental spaces
Disc golf improvements
Wind turbines
Manicured flower beds
Sports fields
Water degradation projects
Solar fields
Maintenance items
Seller paid items/seller settlements costs
Taxes
Refer to pages 4-5 of the NOFA file for information regarding additional ineligible costs.