Public Comment Invited On Scenic River Designation Proposal

May 5 Open House first of several to be held

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Watercraft invites the public to attend a special Open House community meeting to share information on a proposed designation of a portion of the Vermilion River as an Ohio State Scenic River. The first in a series of open houses will be held on Wednesday, May 5 from 7-9 p.m. at the Vermilion-on-the-Lake Community Center Clubhouse, located at 3780 Edgewater Boulevard in Vermilion.

Topics to be covered include landowner property rights, provisions of the state scenic rivers law, results of an ODNR scenic river designation study, resolutions of support and benefits of scenic river designation. Staff from the Division of Watercraft, which manages the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program, will be on-hand to answer questions and share information about the program.

The Division of Watercraft plans to hold additional open houses to address interests associated with various sections of the Vermilion River included in the proposed scenic river designation. 

Additionally, ODNR will continue to accept written comments from the public on the proposed scenic river designation of the Vermilion River in Erie and Lorain and counties. Written comments may be sent to: Chief, ODNR Division of Watercraft, 2045 Morse Rd., Building A-3, Columbus, OH 43229 or by email at: watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us

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 atwww.ohiodnr.com.

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For more information, contact:
Tim Kwiatkowski, ODNR Division of Watercraft
440. 949. 9132
Bob Gable, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6814
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6695
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860