Lorain County Campaign Urges Residents to Use Winter Salt Sparingly

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Lorain County Metro Parks is launching an educational campaign to encourage residents to use winter salt and deicers more sparingly. The park system warns that excess salt can harm local plants, wildlife, and waterways, and emphasizes that a little salt goes a long way in keeping surfaces safe. The campaign provides practical tips like shoveling early, applying salt judiciously, and considering alternative products to help protect the environment.

Why it matters

While winter safety is crucial, the overuse of salt and deicers can have long-lasting environmental consequences. The salt that accumulates in soil and washes into streams, wetlands, and other waterways can damage ecosystems and even affect drinking water sources. By promoting more mindful winter habits, the Metro Parks aims to help residents find a balance between convenience and environmental protection.

The details

Lorain County Metro Parks has released a short educational video explaining the environmental impact of excess winter salt use. The video emphasizes that unused salt does not simply disappear once the snow melts, but rather builds up in the soil and waterways, harming plants, fish, and aquatic life. Officials say applying more salt than necessary does not make ice melt faster, it just increases the amount that eventually ends up in local creeks and wetlands.

• The educational campaign was launched in February 2026.

What’s next

The Metro Parks plans to continue sharing educational content and tips throughout the winter season to encourage residents to use winter salt and deicers more responsibly.