ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources - About Us: Merger Information

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Recycling and
Litter Prevention

Divisions Merge and Conservation Partnership Established

   The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently merged the Division of Soil and Water Conservation and the Division of Water into the Division of Soil and Water Resources.  In addition, the Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention is now aligned with the new Division of Soil and Water Resources; however, it continues to be a separate division.  David Hanselmann, a 33-year ODNR employee and previous Chief of the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, now serves as Chief of both the Division of Soil and Water Resources and Recycling and Litter Prevention.

   The consolidated operations interface closely with Ohio’s 88 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) creating a "community conservation" partnership. SWCDs have increased access to a broad range of soil, water, and land resource information and services allowing SWCD boards and staff to better assist local residents and communities because of this merger. This partnership helps address important sustainability needs relating to recycling and conservation of water, energy, soils, and land. Also, this partnership helps strengthen efforts to manage water and related land resources on a watershed basis which help to form a community conservation effort.