The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has announced that District 17 is seeking candidates to fill two vacancies on the Natural Resource Assistance Council’s board. This council evaluates local conservation project funding, as said in a press release dated March 31, 2025.
According to the announcement, the Natural Resource Assistance Council’s District 17 is looking for nominations to fill these board vacancies. The positions offer individuals or organizations passionate about conservation an opportunity to influence green space and waterway initiatives across six Ohio counties. The council is responsible for reviewing and selecting projects for funding under the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program, with applications evaluated based on land and water conservation goals. Eligible candidates may come from various sectors, including local governments, conservation organizations, and agriculture or forestry industries.
Nominees must represent an organization or entity from the categories defined in R.C. 164.21(A) and submit the necessary documentation. Nominations should be emailed to the district integrating committee’s liaison, with a copy sent to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) program representative for eligibility confirmation. The respective committee will meet to consider and vote on nominations in a public meeting. Terms of office last three years, with reappointment possible. Vacancies are filled through the same process, and members may be removed for misconduct. Serving on the council does not constitute holding a public office nor does it provide compensation.
The OPWC offers grants through the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program, which allocates $37.5 million annually for environmental conservation projects. These grants support local governments, parks districts, conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations focusing on open space acquisition, protection and improvement of parks, forests, natural areas, as well as riparian corridor enhancements for water bodies.
MORPC is a regional council dedicated to transportation planning and development in Central Ohio. It provides research, policy guidance, funding facilitation, and coordination among local governments to support infrastructure development, mobility improvements, land use planning, environmental sustainability efforts, and housing stability.
