Ohioans are reminded that Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) typically affects some white-tailed deer in the late summer, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.  This is not unusual, as EHD is the most common ailment affecting deer in the eastern U.S and the disease occurs annually in the late summer and fall in deer herds across North America.  Ohio has documented some cases of EHD this summer, mostly in northwest Ohio.  The EHD virus is not infectious to people and is not spread from animal to animal.  It is transmitted by the bite of small insects called midges, so EHD-associated deaths in deer can occur until the first frost of the year causes a decline in midge activity.  Once infected, deer show symptoms within five to 10 days, and many deer die within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms.  There is little that can be done to protect deer from the virus.  Outbreaks of EHD can result in high deer mortality in some areas but populations typically increase within a few years.  

White-tailed deer, along with mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope are susceptible to the disease.  Deer infected with the virus may show symptoms including lethargy, head hung down, loss of fear of humans, swelling of the tongue and head and neck, difficulty breathing, and excess salivation.  Affected deer are often found in or near bodies of water, likely because of fever and dehydration.  

People should always avoid touching or handling sick or dead wild animals. Sightings of sick or dead deer should be reported to your local Ohio wildlife officer, or wildlife district office.
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​The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.

Save our Soils - Did you know?
Soil erosion involves the breakdown, detachment, transport and redistribution of soil particles by forces of water, wind or gravity.  Good soil quality improves crop productivity, water quality, air quality and biological activity.  Good soil quality leads to a healthier and better looking garden.  

What can you do?  Till your ground as little as possible.  Keep living plants in your soil as long as possible.  Grow a variety of plant species in your field or garden.  Keep soil surface covered with residue.

Protect our Pollinators - Did you know?
Pollinators are insects and other animals that aid in the pollination of plants during their feeding process.  Monarch butterflies have seen a 90% population decline over the past two decades. Pollinators are essential for the health and success of flowers, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural crops. 

What can you do?  Provide food and habitat for your pollinators by planting wildflowers and other native species, such as milkweed.  Limit your pesticide use.  Provide clean water for your local pollinators.  Leave dead tree trunks in your landscape for wood-nesting pollinators.  

Watch our Waters - Did you know?
Improper use and storage of fertilizers, pesticides and animal manure can pollute our local streams, rivers and lakes. Increased nutrients in still water promotes algal growth.  Practicing good water quality habits can save you money and time. 
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What can you do?  Follow all regulations when storing, handling and using fertilizers and pesticides. Store any animal manure in a dry area.  Reduce soil erosion.  If you suspect poor water quality in your area, request water quality testing.  

Conservation Client Gateway is USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Services'  secure online web application that gives landowners and land managers, operating as individuals, the ability to:  

•  request technical assistance
•  apply for financial assistance through the Farm Bill's conservation programs
•  review, sign and submit conservation plans and other documents
•  document completed practices and request practice certification
•  request and track payments for completed contract items
•  store and retrieve conservation files, including documents and photographs

Conservation Client Gateway is available to agricultural producers.  In the future, it will be available to business entities and on mobile devices.  Using Conservation Client Gateway isn't required. You are free to continue working with NRCS as you always have.  Now, you simply have more options.  You can drive to or call the field office for assistance, or log onto the Conservation Client Gateway.  Choose what is most convenient for you.
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Conservation Client Gateway provides users the flexibility to determine when they want to engage with NRCS online and when they prefer in-person conservation planning assistance.  The website provides 4 videos of farmers who are now using Conservation Client Gateway.  Visit the following link to connect to Conservation Client Gateway.  Step by step instructions are available online.  If you need additional help, personal assistance is available at (970) 372-4200.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/cgate/