 An Interview with Chief Dillon
Pamela S. Dillon, an avid boater since the early 1970s, returned to the ODNR Division of Watercraft in October 2007 as Chief. Buckeye Boater recently sat down with the new Chief to ask her a few questions about the future of boating in Ohio. » read more
Dredging Projects Receive Over $878,000 from Ohio Waterways Safety Fund
Recreational boaters will notice improved waterway navigation at four Lake Erie sites thanks to more than $878,000 in Recreation Harbor Evaluation Program grants awarded by the ODNR Division of Watercraft. » read more
Boater Survey Underway
Approximately 2,500 Ohio boat owners were contacted randomly in October and invited to complete the Division’s customer satisfaction survey. We send the survey every three years, and the results help us determine boaters’ perception of safety on the water as well as approval ratings for our boating education programs. The survey also collects information about Ohio’s boaters, their boats, and their use. If you were one of the lucky boaters to receive this survey, please fill it out and return it to the Division of Watercraft. We want to know what you think. Results of the survey will be shared in a future edition of this newsletter.
 First Lady Takes to the Water
First Lady Frances Strickland visited a "Women in the Outdoors" program in October and topped off her visit with a game of canoe polo.
New Ohio River Launch Facility
Boaters and anglers along the Ohio River in eastern Ohio now can enjoy a new boat launch facility in Bellaire, behind the city’s Water Department just off of Ohio Route 7. The launch ramp, which was completed and opened in September, is fully accessible to persons with disabilities and has two lanes that provide direct access to the Ohio River. There are four courtesy docks and parking for 35 vehicles and trailers. A portion of the project funding came from a $297,855 Cooperative Boating Facilities Access Grant from the Division of Watercraft. Additional funding was provided by the Division of Wildlife and City of Bellaire. While Belmont County had 3,056 registered watercraft in 2006, Bellaire and vicinity is part of the greater Wheeling metropolitan area. The new public launch facility is open year round, free of charge.
Confluence 2007 Nears
Confluence 2007: Ohio’s Boating Conference will take place November 7-9 at Maumee Bay State Park. This event brings together recreational boating leaders throughout Ohio to explore the issues, trends, and forecasts that shape boating, outdoor recreation, resource management, and public safety. A general session kicks-off the conference on Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday's events include workshops with topics pertinent to our boating partners. Friday morning offers certified training opportunities for law enforcement and education attendees. » Agenda and Schedule
Time to Winterize Your Boat!
It's time to pull in the docks, rafts, lifts, and boats for another season. But there is more to it than just taking boats out of the water. Whether you choose to do it yourself or have your marina or storage facility do it for you, winterizing your boat and motor is the most important maintenance you can perform to help ensure safe boating next spring. Regardless of where your boat is stored (inside or outside), much care is needed to protect your boat engine. » Winterizing Your Boat
 Lifejackets for Duck Hunters
Float coats are a great lifejacket for duck hunters: they are warm, camouflaged, and inherantly buoyant (which means they float). There's no better choice if you are on the water in cold weather. » read more
Education Updates: Partner Meetings and Annual OBEC Instructor Recertifications
Agencies that offer boating education programs as well as the instructors of those programs are invited to attend one of the Division’s15 Education Partner Meetings being held in the coming months. The annual education update is required for all Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) Instructors, but anyone who teaches boating skills or boating safety is invited to attend. The first update will be held at Confluence 2007 (see article, above) followed by local sessions around the state, hosted by Division of Watercraft field offices. » Schedule of Updates
Gifts for the Holiday Season – The Latest Gadgets!
This time of year, boating safety might not be at the front of everyone’s minds, but if you plan to give your loved ones a personal watercraft, water skis, wakeboard, or any water-related gift for the holidays, be sure to include a life jacket. Also make sure that the boats you buy for them include the proper required safety equipment. Keeping your friends, family and loved ones safe from harm is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Here are some more great gift-giving ideas! » read more |