Old Woman Creek supporters fear federal budget cuts

BERLIN TWP. — Those representing the Friends of Old Woman Creek are asking supporters to head off possible looming big budget cuts. The Trump administration wants to chop federal funding for the facility. And the local nonprofit supporting Old Woman Creek-related activities wants people to lobby in hopes of preserving funding in the next federal budget, the 2025-26 budget, said Sandy Wright, president of Friends of Old Woman Creek. Old Woman Creek is both a state nature preserve and part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. It's along U.S. 6 between Huron and Vermilion in Erie County. Deep cuts proposed The Trump administration, in a leaked budget document, has called for the complete elimination of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System among other proposed deep cuts in environmental programs, according to a press release issued by U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, a California Democrat. He is a member of the House's Natural Resources Committee. The proposed cut is not part of the recent budget bill that the U.S. House just passed and which is awaiting Senate action, said Ben Kamens, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo. "It is a proposed cut in the Trump budget. Congress would still need to approve any such cut, and for now it remains just a proposal by the administration," Kamens said. Old Woman Creek is in Kaptur's district, and Kaptur opposes cutting its funding, Kamens said. "Any item that is part of a presidential budget would still need Congressional approval to make such a change. Congresswoman Kaptur will always fight for the health and vibrance of the Great Lakes Region, Lake Erie, and our abundant Freshwater Kingdom in Northwest Ohio," Kamens said. Wright said Old Woman Creek is heavily dependent on federal funding. "Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve receives 70% of its funding from the federal government and 30% from the state," Wright said. "The money for all of the National Estuarine Research Reserves comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget. The proposed (administration) budget for (fiscal year) 2026 has eliminated funding for all 30 of the (National Estuarine Research Reserves) programs." Taking action Those with Friends of Old Woman Creek have been sending out sample letters to supporters, asking them to contact members of Congress and ask them to support funding for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. According to an Ohio Department of Natural Resources website, Old Woman Creek, which welcomes visitors, is "one of Ohio's best remaining examples of a natural estuary." "An estuary is traditionally defined as a place where the land's fresh waters meet and mix with the saltwater of the sea, forming brackish water," the website explains. "These waters are also affected by tides. Old Woman Creek Reserve is a different kind of estuary: the fresh waters of both Lake Erie and Old Woman Creek combine in the estuary zone, forming a third type of water, chemically distinct from that of either the creek or lake." Bio blast The friends group represents a nonprofit that promotes public awareness and appreciation for the uniqueness of Old Woman Creek Estuary in Erie County. Among the services it provides include: • Funding for research, education, stewardship and training programs at the reserve, including summer internships • Travel assistance grants for K-12 classrooms to attend programs at the reserve • Programs to support watershed improvement efforts locally • Any help staff needs with field trips, seminars, cultural events, newsletters and special projects • Volunteer activities • The operation of a nature shop that sells items • The participation of regional birding events The group does rely on donations. People can learn more by visiting friendsowc.org/about. People can also follow the link to find out how to support friends-related activities.