OHIO CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Ohio’s outdoor heritage, wildlife, water, and habitat need effective conservation leadership.
While there are many groups doing good work in the state, the Ohio Conservation Federation is the coalition of national, regional, and statewide sportsman’s-leaning conservation organizations.
Collectively, the power and effectiveness of our member organizations have the clout and influence necessary for effective communication, education, and advocacy with decision makers in our state capital and across the nation.

2025 OCF Priorities

Ohio Conservation Federation’s initiatives are varied and vast. Here are a few of the priorities we’ve set for 2025.

Promote Habitat Conservation

Support efforts to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act through Congress in 2025, as well as a strong and enhanced Farm Bill that includes robust funding for the Conservation Title and the expansion of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program into the Miami River watershed. Support continued funding and implementation of H2Ohio.

Fight Chronic Wasting Disease

Support aggressive management, research, and funding strategies to curtail the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in Ohio, including implementation of the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act.

Fight Invasive Species

Partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies to stop further expansion of invasive carps into the Great Lakes and eradicate Grass carp from Lake Erie.

Increase Access & Opportunity

Support capital dollars and other funding for maintenance and improvement of property open to and for public recreational use such as ranges, dams, impoundments, and access points, and conservation and habitat protection measures that increase opportunities for hunting, fishing, and trapping.

View all 2025 Initiatives

2025 OCF Initiatives

Ohio Conservation Federation’s initiatives are varied and vast. Here’s a few of the priorities we’ve set for 2025.

Fight Invasive Species

Partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies to support efforts to eradicate Grass carp in Lake Erie and build support for the Brandon Road Plan to prevent further spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.

Restore the Division of Wildlife

Support long-term sustainable funding for the Ohio Division of Wildlife and capitol dollars and other funding for maintenance and improvement of property open to and for public recreational use such as ranges, dams, impoundments and access points.

Increase Access and Opportunity

Encourage the State of Ohio, the Department of Natural Resources, and other entities in support of additional acquisition of AEP ReCreation Land available for hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Promote Habitat Conservation Programs

Secure state match for Scioto and Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and other Farm Bill conservation funding. Support implementation and continuation of H2Ohio.

Fight Invasive Species

Partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to develop an eradication strategy for Grass Carp in Lake Erie and build support for the Brandon Road Plan to prevent the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.

Restore the Division of Wildlife

Support a license fee increase to provide sustaining funding for the Ohio Division of Wildlife and capitol dollars for maintenance and improvement of property open to and for public recreational use such as ranges, dams and impoundments.

Increase Access and Opportunity

Encourage the State of Ohio, the Department of Natural Resources, and other entities in support of additional acquisition of AEP ReCreation Land available for hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Promote Habitat Conservation Programs

Secure state match for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to target high-priority conservation concerns in the Scioto and Lake Erie Watersheds through establishing resource conserving upland and riparian habitat.

OCF In Action

Great LakesInvasive Carp
May 27, 2025

Land Deal Clears Major Hurdle for Brandon Road

Land Deal Clears Major Hurdle for Brandon Road Contact: Anna Marie Zorn, ZornA@nwf.org, 734-887-7136 May 23, 2025 CHICAGO — With Illinois securing this land parcel, the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project can move forward, marking…
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Public Lands
May 22, 2025

Removal of Public Lands Transfer Provision a Testament to Zinke, Public Input

From our colleagues at the National Wildlife Federation: Removal of Public Lands Transfer Provision a Testament to Zinke, Public Input Mary Jo Brooks May 21, 2025 DENVER — Congress’ decision to remove a problematic public-lands sell-off…
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State ParksTestimonyWildlife
May 14, 2025

Budget Testimony for Wildlife and Parks

On May 14th, 2025 I joined colleagues from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Buckeye Big Buck Club, Ducks Unlimited, League of Ohio Sportsmen, National Wildlife Federation, Pheasants Forever, and Sportsmen's Alliance to provide a time-limited three minutes…
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Great LakesInvasive Carp
May 10, 2025

Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp

Date: May 9th. The Trump Administration announces its support of the Brandon Rd project. The text of that announcement is below. MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE THE SECRETARY OF THE…
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Great LakesWater Quality
February 7, 2024

New Bill Boosts Great Lakes Investment

Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition Contact: Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113 Bipartisan legislation from Great Lakes congressional leaders sets stage for accelerated progress to protect drinking water, public health, and Great Lakes. ANN ARBOR, MICH. (February…
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EducationHunting
September 17, 2023

Conservation Groups Urge Support of Bipartisan Solution to Hunter Education Funding

Conservation Groups Urge Support of Bipartisan Solution to Hunter Education Funding Mary Jo Brooks Sep 13, 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation and more than 30 of its affiliates urged Congress to swiftly enact…
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