Operation Dry Water

The ODNR Division of Watercraft is among a number of enforcement agencies that will participate June 26-28 in a special nationwide crackdown on drunk boating known as Operation Dry Water.   » read more

Work Continues at Middle Bass Island Marina

The welcome sign is almost lit for boaters wishing to use the new docks at Middle Bass Island State Park Marina on Lake Erie’s western basin. The primitive campground is opening June 26, and overnight and transient dockage will be available any day now. Call the Middle Bass Island Park Office at 419-285-0311 for details before scheduling a trip. Electric and water services planned for these new docks will not be available this summer as construction continues on the marina.

State Fair Plans

A larger and improved kayak pond with kayaks made of recycled materials will return for a second year to the Ohio State Fair which runs Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 9. Aimed at introducing youth to the excitement of paddle sports, the kayak pond will once again be the centerpiece of the 8-acre Natural Resources Park.   » read more

Scenic Rivers Program Update

Included (as of June 26) in the proposed state budget -- which must still be approved by lawmakers and the Governor -- are provisions that will allow for transfer of Ohio’s Scenic Rivers Program within ODNR from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to the Division of Watercraft.   » read more

Extreme Water Sports: Opportunities in Ohio

The invention of ESPN’s X-Games in the mid 90s started the craze of extreme sports that has taken the world by storm. These extreme sports have offered youth the chance to participate in more than just the traditional sports that many of us grew up with.  » read more

Grant Recipients in the Spotlight

This month we feature two recipients from two of our grant programs: Lake County Metropark Education Grant and Five Rivers Metropark Marine Patrol.

Education Grant Application Workshop September 16, 2009

If your organization is thinking of applying for a 2010 Boating Safety Education Grant, you'll want to send someone to the applicant meeting in Columbus on September 16. Contact Mary Hughes for more information (614-265-6674, mary.hughes@dnr.state.oh.us).

Education Certificates on the Upswing

The Division of Watercraft reports the number of boating education course certificates issued this year January through June is up from the same period a year ago. A total of 6,441 certificates have been issued through the first six months of 2009 compared to 6,262 certificates issued during the same period in 2008. Approximately 12,000 Ohioans successfully complete an approved boating safety education course each year and more than half of those are required to do so by state law. Ohio law requires any person born on or after January 1, 1982, to have proof of successfully completing an approved boating education course if they operate a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower.

New Boat Launch Map Available

ODNR Watercraft finished publication of a new Ohio Boat Launch Map and Guide in early June. The publication is available by request. The new map includes facility locations, amenities and phone numbers grouped by waterways based upon their horsepower rating and regional location such as Lake Erie and the Ohio River.

Catfish a Potential State Record

Clermont County boater and angler Chris Rolph had a nice surprise while fishing June 11 on the Ohio River near downtown Cincinnati. The “big one” did not get away and he will see his name officially credited with catching a new state record blue catfish. The potential record fish was just certified as a new state record by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio. Rolph’s blue catfish measured 54.5 inches long and weighed in at a whopping 96 pounds. The catch took about 30 minutes to reel in and get aboard Rolph’s boat prior to it being weighed on a certified scale back on shore.

More Events On Tap This Summer

More than 1500 paddlers are expected to participate at Paddlefest June 26-27 in Downtown Cincinnati. The Division’s “Wear It Ohio!” campaign continues until July 11 at Buck Creek State Park and July 19 at Portage Lakes, Caesar Creek and Buckeye Lake state parks. Gander Mountain’s Paddle Quest 2009 series has five events scheduled for July and August. See a complete list of events on the Watercraft web site.

Boat Thefts

It’s no surprise that the summer boating season represents the peak period for boat-related thefts. Florida, California, Texas, Michigan and North Carolina are the top five states for the number of thefts. Ohio ranked 17th nationally. Aside from securing your boat and trailer the Division of Watercraft advises that prospective boat buyers ensure they have the proper sales and ownership transfer documentation before purchasing any used boat. Find more information on how to reduce the likelihood of boating-related thefts on our Safety Tips web page.