|
April 21, 2006
ODNR DIRECTOR SPECK LOOKS TO FUTURE CONSERVATION EFFORTS,
EXPANDING RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THIS EARTH DAY
Designation of new scenic river, acquisition of additional forest land, dedication of Malabar Farm Visitor and Education Center planned for 2006
 COLUMBUS, OH This Earth Day, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sam Speck looks with enthusiasm to the many projects and efforts the conservation and recreation agency has on its agenda this year, including the designation of a new state scenic river, the dedication of a second Ohio Water Trail, and the acquisition of additional state forest land.
“Earth Day is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements of the last year, but also look to the future,” Speck said. “We have an aggressive plan for the months ahead that includes a continued effort to seek conservation opportunities and create new recreational experiences for Ohioans.”
The following are some of the items on Speck’s agenda for the coming year:
CONSERVATION
- Obtain additional conservation easements in environmentally sensitive areas, promoting cleaner, healthier water, protecting stream corridors and preserving wildlife and plant habitat.
- Acquire an additional several thousand acres of forest land in southern Ohio to maintain it as a managed woodland, as well as provide public access for wildlife research and recreational purposes, such as hunting, hiking, and bird watching.
- Add another river segment to the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program, which already contains 12 Ohio river systems. The Conneaut Creek in Ashtabula County was the most recent to be designated last fall. Scenic rivers possess outstanding biological and environmental qualities, and an official designation to help ensure its protection.
- Support continued public access to Ohio’s Lake Erie shore while recognizing the rights of coastal landowners.
- Extend the Lake Erie and Scioto River Conservation Reserve Enhancement Programs, through which farmers/landowners are given incentive payments for creating filter strips, riparian buffers, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and tree plantings, thus reducing sediment and nutrient runoff in the watershed.
- Protect Lake Erie through the Great Lakes Annex Compact, which will prevent potential water diversion from the Great Lakes basin.
RECREATION
- Add more miles of biking, hiking, ATV, and other recreational trails across the state, including the newest segment of the Little Miami Scenic Trail this spring in Terrace Park near Cincinnati.
- Designate the state’s second water trail. The state’s first water trail, the Kokosing State Scenic River, was dedicated last summer as part of a new Ohio Water Trails initiative, aimed at promoting and providing access to streams and rivers that offer excellent opportunities for canoers, kayakers, anglers and nature enthusiasts.
- Further development of the Lake Erie Islands region parks and recreation Plan, including preparation for an expanded harbor/marina area at Middle Bass Island State Park and creation of a master plan for state property on North Bass Island.
- Provide additional boating and fishing access at many Ohio State Parks and state wildlife areas, including a nearly $2 million dock and boat ramp project at Buck Creek State Park in Clark County.
EDUCATION
- Complete the Louis Bromfield Visitor Education Center at Malabar Farm State Park this fall. The “green” building will reflect the philosophies of Bromfield, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, who passionately promoted the use of conservation and sustainability in agriculture. The center will become a focal point for conservation education.
- Continue commitment to advancing environmental education through grants, courses and educational programs such as Project WILD, Project Learning Tree and Project WET.
|