Ways to Meet Future Needs In Addressing Habitat Issues

As with lake recreation issues, the project has never really dealt in this area. Programs being conducted have indirectly promoted or enhanced habitat issues, but never as a main goal. The project again could extend its services to ODNR Division of Wildlife which currently is conducting many efforts in the watershed region. In the following areas from the public input, the project could work in an assistance capacity. By working to develop habitat improvement issues, the project can diversify efforts to reach more of the watershed population. An informal survey of the many sportsman groups would produce a list of most-wanted species of wildlife. The professional judgment from a biologist would also be needed to assure species native and/or adaptable to the area be considered. Habitat would then need to be developed to promote the chosen wildlife. This would be a rather high-visibility project that the watershed project could use as a promotional and educational tool.  

Future Habitat Program Needs

	Develop comprehensive river maintenance program to include a snag and clear program
	Staff a River/Lake Keeper position to improve water knowledge, increase public connection with water and promote water quality improvement issues
	Develop aquatic habitat improvement practices
	Plant vegetation conducive to promote wildlife habitat
	Collaborate with ODNR, Division of Wildlife, personnel to develop a complete
	study of habitat and wildlife to determine what habitat is lacking and where improvements can be made
	Collaborate with ODNR, Division of Wildlife, personnel to develop a complete study of fish species and their habitat needs

Future Habitat Education and Public Relations Needs

	Set up a demonstration riparian corridor habitat designed to serve wildlife and produce lumber for profit and improve water quality
	Educational programs on the importance of protecting habitat for wildlife and the multiple ecosystems within the lake and watershed
	Wetlands benefits and wetland development
	Develop educational programs about wildlife habitat and importance

Future Habitat Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Needs

	Watershed stream aquatic and wildlife inventory
	Inventory and determination of endangered or threatened species in the watershed
	Species inventory and recording
	GIS Mapping of habitat areas

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