The Ohio River Basin covers 205,000 square miles, connecting drainage from fifteen states, and is home to 30 million people. This vital system provides crucial habitat for native species and is a hub for water commerce travel, provides drinking water for millions, amplifies tourism, and caters to numerous recreational opportunities. The Ohio River Basin has sustained hunters and anglers for thousands of years with many communities and cultures built around this rich watershed. Without a doubt the basin is now covered in digital waypoints identifying favored hunting and fishing locations.  

Despite the magnitude and impact of this basin, there has yet to be any federal funding dedicated to facing the serious threats that continually outpace the abilities and efforts of states and local communities trying to combat these threatening economic and ecologic issues. Thankfully, we now have bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Congress – The Ohio River Restoration Program Act (HB5966), which if passed, will provide $350 million in dedicated annual funding that will support large scale restoration throughout the basin.  

Why is this important for hunters and anglers?  

The Ohio River Basin has long suffered from a wide range of issues and the effects on outdoor opportunities continually increase due to the lack of attention. 69% of assessed stream miles and 64% of lake acres in the region do not meet state water quality standards due to pollution caused by sewage overflow, industrial activity, and agricultural runoff leading to increased nutrient loads, PCB’s, PFAS, mercury, and bacteria. Throughout the basin, these pollutants contribute to fish consumption advisories with some waterways advising a complete non-consumption level, significantly reducing angling and impacting public health. Our public waters are impacted by sedimentation carrying heavy metals, bank erosion, and invasive species degrading vital native fish and wildlife habitats continuing to limit access and opportunities for hunters and anglers. The basin also covers two major waterfowl flyways including the Mississippi flyway which supports nearly half of all migrating waterfowl which are profoundly impacted by water quality.  

BHA Involvement 

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act will invest up to $350 million per year to restore fish and wildlife habitats throughout the Ohio River Basin. BHA Chapters within the basin have experience in leading stewardship projects aligning with the restoration efforts outlined as solutions in this bill. Chapter leaders and our BHA membership are actively on the landscape addressing invasive issues and working to restore ecologically diverse native landscapes.  

To show support, BHA has joined the Healthy Waters Coalition led by the National Wildlife Federation and includes over 130 local, regional, and national organizations. BHA is also proud to serve on the newly formed Steering Committee for the Healthy Waters Coalition to provide insight into how our BHA community can lead necessary efforts that impact the interconnected waterways and landscapes of the Ohio River Basin.   

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recently participated in a Washington D.C. Fly-In led by the National Wildlife Federation and provided insight into how hunting and angling participation is impacted by water quality issues. Our representative met with elected officials from multiple states and provided details on the economic value added by hunting and angling within the Ohio River Basin and expressed how BHA members will rise with boots on the ground stewardship impact when it’s time for actionable solutions.  

There is no doubt that within the 205,000 sq miles of area, this basin supports unlimited field hours, countless wild game meals, and thousands of outdoor industry jobs that are all impacted by the water quality within the waterways. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers will continue providing the voice for our public lands and waters!