Ohio Adds to Water Trail Program with New Designation

VERMILLION, OH - The Lake Erie region is adding a second Ohio Water Trail with a new designation for portions of the Vermilion and Black Rivers, according to an announcement by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. The 27-mile Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail offers recreational users the opportunity to paddle portions of both rivers and a connecting section of waterway along the Lake Erie shoreline within the scenic Lorain County Metroparks.
 
The East Sandusky Bay Water Trail received its official designation from ODNR in 2007.
 
In addition to paddling opportunities, there also are hiking and bicycling opportunities within the Lorain County Metroparks. The greater Lorain and Vermilion areas together offer historical and cultural opportunities that are enjoyed each year at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, Lakeview Rose Garden, the Black River Historical Society and Lorain Lighthouse.
 
The ODNR Division of Wildlife is partnering with the Division of Watercraft and also committing funding to the project, which will aid in the purchase and installation of public signage and development and distribution of informational brochures highlighting the newly designated water trail.
 
The Ohio Water Trails team includes representatives of ODNR, the League of Ohio Sportsmen, National Park Service, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and various local community sponsors. This team works with local partners, such as Lorain County Metroparks, to promote the awareness of public boating access and growing popularity of paddlesports by developing designated water trails on selected Ohio waterways. The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail now joins other designated water trails on portions of the Kokosing and Muskingum rivers and on Lake Erie's Sandusky Bay.
 
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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For further information, contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6695
Doug Leed, ODNR Division of Watercraft
614. 265. 6484
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860