WARREN, OH – Ultium Cells, LLC, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and The Stream + Wetlands Foundation partnered to restore a 172-acre wildlife habitat in the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area.
“The Mosquito Creek Wildlife Refuge is an important part of our Northeast Ohio communities,” said Tom Gallagher, VP Operations at Ultium Cells. “At Ultium Cells we’re focused on helping the transportation industry move closer to a world with zero emissions propulsion. Battery cells that enable electrification are an important step in this direction and away from fossil fuels but our commitment to sustainability doesn’t end there. We’re grateful for our partnerships with the ODNR, Stream + Wetlands and the state and federal agencies that helped to develop a project that will enhance and protect the environment and biodiversity of the Mosquito Creek watershed for generations to come.”
The project will help preserve the habitat for state-listed endangered and vulnerable species, while also improving water quality, habitat diversity, and ecological connectivity of imperiled birds, amphibians and other wildlife species in and around the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area.
“Creating this expansive wetland will improve and conserve water quality at Mosquito Creek Wildlife Refuge,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “Wetland habitat is vital for many Ohio wildlife species, including some that are threatened or endangered. Thanks to our partners at Ultium Cells and the Stream + Wetlands Foundation, we will preserve this beneficial habitat in perpetuity.”
Ultium engaged the Stream + Wetlands Foundation, an Ohio-based nonprofit that specializes in restoring, rehabilitating and protecting wetland and stream habitat for the project. Activities for the wetland mitigation project began in early May 2020 and planting of the project was completed in April 2021.
Ultium Cells is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution that will mass-produce Ultium battery cells to advance the push for a zero-emissions, all-electric future. Ultium Cells will provide battery cell capacity to support GM's North American electric vehicle assembly capacity of more than 1 million units by mid-decade, while supporting GM plans to supply other automotive companies and other industries including rail, aerospace, heavy trucking and marine customers. For more information about Ultium Cells, please visit www.ultiumcell.com.