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HOWLAND -- The Trumbull County MetroParks is seeking Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation funds to purchase a 117-acre property off state Route 45 in Champion for wetlands.
The metroparks board met recently to approve seeking the funds for the green space property, which abuts the bike trail and is near the dead end of Prentice Road.
The amount of the grant has not been determined.
Executive Director Zachary Svette said the area includes streams.
"We want to acquire the property and help protect it," he said.
Svette said the property has had some beaver issues near the trail.
He said acquiring the property will allow the park district to clean culverts. Now, they have to ask nearby property owners for access.
Board members said if the metroparks secures the property, a sign can be posted saying it is natural wetlands owned and managed by the park system.
In a related matter, Svette said restoration work is underway at a 196-acre wetlands property owned by the metroparks off Kinsman Nickerson Road in Kinsman.
He said some of the property is old farm fields being transitioned into wetlands.
In other business at Thursday's meeting, the metroparks board said it is seeking additional funds from the county commissioners to hire an office worker/ clerk for the metroparks because of an upcoming staff retirement.
Board member Kurt Sauer said what is being asked for -- to have an additional person working in the office with Svette -- is not unreasonable. He said the commissioners provide funds and are responsible for the metroparks, which serve the entire county.
"We deserve the courtesy of a response to this request," Sauer said.
Mitzi Sabella, who handles the meeting minutes and related metroparks matters, is retiring at the end of October after serving for more than 30 years.
FUTURE OF METROPARKS
Also, Sarah Lowery, director of Healthy Community Partnership through the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, said she hosted meetings with groups including elected officials, urban recreation, hunting, economic development / tourism, conservation and farming/ agriculture, to discuss the metroparks and the support of the park system.
Lowery said individuals in each category want to see the metroparks succeed and want to improve communication and develop collaborations about what the parks have to offer, such as walking trails, birdwatching areas and bike trails.
"There was discussion on finding ways to support the parks and to get a levy passed to help provide needed funds for the metroparks," she said.
Board Chairwoman Nicolette Darkangelo said the board has a lack of funding to help it promote the parks and reach the public with information.
"This plan helps us see where we really need to focus," she said.
Lowery said many people have asked if there is information on what is planned for metroparks properties and how levy funds will be used. Lowery plans to reach out to each board member for more input on what they want to see for the metroparks in the future.
The metroparks is having Lowery work on short-term and long-term goals for the metroparks and educating the public on the need for a levy to maintain the parks. Previous attempts to pass a 0.6-mill, 10-year levy failed in November 2020 and November 2022.
In other business at Thursday's meeting, the board:
• Heard from Svette that the terms of members Darkangelo and Kathy DiCristofaro expire at the end of the year. Both can request to serve another term;
• Heard from Svette the Young's Run project may be on hold because of funding issues. The property is located north of Champion Avenue.