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Feb
19
Written by:
news editor
2/19/2009 1:00 AM
02/19/09 The number of registered canoes and kayaks in Ohio has increased 34 percent since 2003, according to the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
Canoe, Kayak Registrations Jump 34 Percent in Ohio
COLUMBUS, OH - Keeping fun on the water an affordable and family-friendly activity may be one reason the number of registered canoes and kayaks in Ohio has increased 34 percent since 2003, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.
Watercraft registration statistics show a total of 60,065 canoes and kayaks were Ohio-registered in 2003 compared to a total of 80,640 registered in 2008.
"Recreational paddlesports are among the most popular and fastest growing of all outdoors recreation activities, which we certainly are experiencing in Ohio, "said Pamela Dillon, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
Dillon explained that a greater attention to family-oriented activities which are affordable, healthy and environmentally low impact have led to an increase in the popularity of paddlesports, which primarily include canoeing and kayaking.
The Division of Watercraft is planning to see a sustained interest and continued growth in paddlesports participation through development of its Ohio Water Trails program and a proposed acquisition of the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program from the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Transfer of management and funding of the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program within ODNR has been proposed in the state's biennial budget. If approved, the Division of Watercraft will assume administration and funding of the Ohio Scenic Rivers program beginning July 1.
In January, the Division of Watercraft announced designation of its fourth Ohio Water Trail, which includes a 27-mile section of waterway within the scenic Lorain County Metorparks along the shore of Lake Erie. The program partners with local sponsors to establish a network of waterway trails across Ohio to increase awareness and participation in paddlesports, such as canoeing and kayaking, and to improve waterway access for paddlers. The Division of Watercraft said it hopes one day to be able to work with local groups to establish an Ohio Water Trail in southwest Ohio.
Those who are interested in paddling, scenic rivers and Ohio Water Trails can visit with Division of Watercraft staff who will feature a display booth at the Adventure Summit being held February 20-21 on the campus of Wright State University. The 4th Annual Adventure Summit is hosted by Wright State University in partnership with Five Rivers MetroPark and Five Rivers Outdoors and expected to see more than 6,000 event patrons. For more information, go online at www.metroparks.org/adventuresummit or call the Wright State University Outdoor Resource Center at (937) 775-5019.
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
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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