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Jul
15
Written by:
news editor
7/15/2009 12:00 AM
07/15/09 Ohio's First Lady Frances Strickland spent Monday morning fishing on Lake Erie during the 31st annual Fish Ohio Day.
Ohio's First Lady Touts Value of Lake Erie Tourism, Sport Fishing at Annual Fish Ohio Day
PORT CLINTON, OH - Ohio's First Lady Frances Strickland spent Monday morning fishing on Lake Erie during the 31st annual Fish Ohio Day. The outing highlights the excellent outdoor recreation opportunities that Lake Erie provides, which make it one of the Midwest's premier tourism destinations.
Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Fish Ohio Day celebrates Lake Erie as a destination for countless natural resource-based activities, including fishing and boating.
Fifteen charter captains volunteered their boats so that state leaders, members of the media, representatives of the tourism industry and conservation leaders had an opportunity to fish the lake's Western Basin. Mrs. Strickland's walleye and perch catches added to the day's total fish catch of 482 pounds.
Mrs. Strickland remarked that in the clean waters of Ohio's Great Lake is one of the nation's best freshwater fisheries. She went on to underscore the importance of promoting fishing as a wholesome family activity that helps generate funds for important conservation efforts.
ODNR Director Sean Logan noted that fishing license sales in the state are on the rise, up 15 percent.
"During a period of tough economic times, Ohioans are enjoying the affordable outdoor opportunities ODNR offers, including fishing," said Logan.
Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher reeled in walleye during Fish Ohio Day, as well. As he proudly spoke of his catch, he explained that fishing is one component that makes Lake Erie a vital tourist attraction. Recreational tourism along Lake Erie is a major use of the lake. More than 119,000 northern Ohio jobs are directly linked to Lake Erie-region visitors who spend more than $10.7 billion annually generating $430 million in state taxes and $320 million in local taxes.
Lake Erie is a magnificent recreation area and the resource is vital to economic development. Years of water quality restoration and wise use management are paying off for Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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Caption: Ohio's First Lady Francis Strickland with her Lake Erie walleye.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For a high-resolution image of Mrs. Strickland with her walleye, email beth.ruth@dnr.state.oh.us.
For additional information, contact:
Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 309. 5889
Jim Marshall, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614. 265. 6302
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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