COLUMBUS, OH - A recreational boating plan suggesting ways to improve boating opportunities and amenities in Ohio recently was completed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. The plan will serve as a guide for future development of the state's waterways.
"Ohio boaters deserve superior customer service from the state, which merits high-value, watercraft-related recreational experiences," said Ken Alvey, chief of the Division of Watercraft. "With this plan, we took the concerns of our customers and made them our No. 1 priority. We hope to maintain the standard of excellence that Ohio's boaters have come to expect."
The Boating on Ohio Waterways (BOW) Plan offers recommendations to improve the boating experience on Lake Erie and Ohio's inland lakes, rivers and streams. Some highlights of the plan include:
- Lake Erie: Develop transient facilities on Lake Erie's western basin islands and on the coasts of gateway cities such as Sandusky, Port Clinton and Cleveland. As a secondary focus, develop transient facilities along the coasts of Toledo, Lorain, Fairport Harbor, and Ashtabula or Conneaut. Provide additional security, ample dock size and nearby parking and restrooms. Launch ramps should be accessible to a variety of watercraft and large enough to accommodate boats longer than 18 feet.
- Inland lakes: Increase boating related activities on inland lakes. Improved launch ramp access is needed for unlimited horsepower on inland lakes in central and southeast Ohio, as is access for medium horsepower lakes in the northeast region. Improved amenities are needed at ramp sites, including convenient parking, restrooms and lighting. Improve amenities at marinas and add more dock areas.
- Rivers and streams: Improved launch ramp access is needed on the Ohio River, as are additional overnight accommodations with short-term dock rental and nearby restaurants. Strategically located small tie-up facilities are needed adjacent to state tourist sites, such as Shawnee State Park and Forest, Forked Run State Park and Shade River State Forest.
Some improvements already have begun, including the development of a marina on Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie. The plan for the marina is in the engineering and design phase and currently includes plans for 300 slips - 200 transient and 100 seasonal. The Division of Watercraft is working with the City of Port Clinton on conceptual plans for a transient harbor at the mouth of the Portage River. The facility likely would include a harbormaster, restrooms and showers.
Inland, the division is in the process of evaluating all of its recreational boating access sites to determine what areas need improvements.
Additional information on the BOW Plan can be obtained on the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com.