Scenic Rivers Transfer

The proposed state budget, which was made public by Governor Strickland February 2, includes a provision for transfering Ohio’s Scenic Rivers Program within ODNR from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to the Division of Watercraft. Without the transfer, the Scenic Rivers Program would receive no funding from general revenue. » read more

How's Mandatory Education Going?

It's been 8 years since the implementation of Ohio's Mandatory Boater Education Law. Are Ohio boaters smarter yet? Is it helping keep everyone safer? » read more

Skill Development: The Next Step in Education

Once the basic level of boater education has been achieved, what's next? Boaters and service providers are stepping up to the next level of education: on-the-water skills to help you be a better boater. » read more

Do You Need to Renew Your Registration This Year?

About a third of all boats renew in any given year. Your registration is up for renewal this year if it is a blue decal that says “EXPIRES MARCH 1 2009” (or any color decal displaying a year previous to 2009). You are not required to renew your registration by March 1, but you do need to renew before you put your boat in the water.

Paddle Quest 2009 Dates and Locations

Gander Mountain is partnering with Ohio Department of Natural Resources again to bring you this popular paddling series exploring Ohio's state parks. » read more

Boating Destination: CJ Brown Reservoir

Unlimited horsepower, large area, and known for its wind... all reasons to explore a variety of boating opportunities at this lake found in Buck Creek State Park. » read more

Highlight on Grants: City of Mentor

What do you do after you have a great park with Lake Erie access? Expand your boating education program to meet the need. » read more

Wear It Ohio! Campaign Offered for 2nd Year

The Division's marketing campaign to increase life jacket wear rates is embarking on its sophomore season. » read more

Rich Cates Honored for Distinguished Service

Regional Manager Rich Cates retired at the end of January as the first recipient of the Distinguished Service award from ODNR Watercraft. » read more

New Supervisor for Alum Creek Office

Morrow County resident Rodger Norcross, who has served since 2000 as a staff law enforcement officer with the ODNR Office of Law Enforcement, rejoined the Division of Watercraft February 22 following his appointment as watercraft area supervisor of the Alum Creek office in Delaware County. He previously served as a watercraft officer, as area supervisor in the Division’s Sandusky office, and as a law enforcement administrator before transferring to the ODNR Office of Law Enforcement. In addition to his public service with ODNR, Norcross also serves as assistant fire chief for the Big Walnut Joint Fire District Fire Department in central Ohio.

Sandusky Watercraft Office Has Moved

The Division of Watercraft office in Sandusky has moved from Sycamore Line to 1407 Cleveland Road. Boater services at the new location began February 6. Phone and email remain the same (sandusky.watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us; 419-621-1302).

4th Water Trail Added

The Lake Erie watershed has a new Ohio Water Trail with the designation for portions of the Vermilion and Black rivers. The 27-mile Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail offers recreational users the opportunity to paddle portions of both rivers and a section of  the Lake Erie shoreline within the scenic Lorain County Metroparks. The Division of Watercraft is partnering with the Division of Wildlife to fund the installation of public signage and informational brochures. Look for more details, including a trail map, in the coming months.

"Clean Marinas" Now Total 40

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program granted 4 new certifications in January, bringing the total number of certified clean marinas across Ohio’s Lake Erie region to 40. Catawba Landing and Port Clinton Yacht Club of Port Clinton, Castaway Bay Marina of Sandusky, and Valley Harbor Marina of Vermilion received their program certifications during a special ceremony held January 21 during the Cleveland Boat and Waterfront Lifestyle Expo.  See "Ohio Clean Marinas" in Related Links.

Ballast Issue Resolved

Ohio EPA has issued its final state certification to accompany a federal draft discharge permit that regulates discharges, including ballast water, from vessels. Ohio's additional conditions address concerns about invasive species while also protecting Ohio's Great Lakes commerce. After January 1, 2016, new laker vessels will be required to meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) treatment standards. For more information, see "Ohio EPA" in Related Links

Exploration Workshop

Teachers and informal educators interested in learning more about Great Lakes and marine science education are invited to apply to be a part of the 2009 Lake Erie Exploration Workshop, to be held July 18-24, 2009. Sponsored by the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Great Lakes, the workshop will begin at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, PA, and then travel along the coast, ending at Ohio State University’s F.T. Stone Laboratory in Put-in-Bay, OH. Hands-on experiences and inquiry-based learning will occur as educators study a diversity of Lake Erie ecosystem topics. 15 teachers will be selected to receive a $500 stipend upon completion of workshop requirements. Deadline for application is April 10, 2009. See "COSEE Great Lakes" in Related Links.