Ag briefs

Lucas SWCD accepting
bids for ditch maintenance

The Lucas County Soil and Water District has issued a call for equipment bids for the 2023/2024 ditch maintenance program.
The bids should include the hourly rate for each piece of equipment, including the operator. Personnel from the district office will inspect the work and pay for it. The district is not required to pay the prevailing wage for projects under a certain dollar threshold.
A work survey is available on the district website and should be returned to the district office by Aug. 21 at 8:30 a.m.
The office is located at 3350 Hill Ave., Suite K, Toledo, O.
For more information call 419-344-2371.

Ottawa SWCD preps for Packer Creek projects

The Ottawa Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting proposals for wetland and stream restoration projects along Packer Creek.
Proposals can be submitted for one, two, or all three projects but each project proposal should be submitted separately with separate projects.
The submission deadline is Aug. 18 at noon.
Project A involves wetland restoration at the Hirzel and nearby properties that are about 2.5 miles west of the Village of Genoa. The 19-acre area will be restored to a higher quality wetland with a restored hydrological connection to Packer Creek.
Project B is the installation of a two-stage ditch and riparian restoration on the Zeller property – a 40-acre farm field adjacent to the creek west of Genoa and north of State Rt. 163. Approximately 1,300 feet of two-stage ditch will be installed along with a 60-foot riparian border protected by a low-level dike.
A concept design has been developed by the Ottawa SWCD for the project but the final design will be the responsibility of the contractor.
Project C is the restoration of a stream bank and instream habitat on the east shoreline of the creek within the village.
The project will involve enhancing a wooded riparian buffer with plantings and management of invasive species. About 0.75 acre of riparian wetland will also be restored.
The contractor should assume an authorized start date of Sept. 1.
Proposals should be submitted to the SWCD office at 240 W. Lake St., Oak Harbor, O. or to mike.libben@Ottawaswcd.com.