News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2002

OHIO WATERCRAFT REGISTRATIONS SURPASS
400,000 FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

COLUMBUS, OH - Franklin County remains the top county in Ohio in the number of registered watercraft last year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Franklin County has 27,810 registered watercraft, followed by Cuyahoga, Summit, Hamilton, Montgomery, Stark, Lucas, Butler, Lorain and Trumbull counties.

Ohio registered 417,204 watercraft last year, just short of the record high number of 418,701 registered in 2000. Ohio remains eighth nationally in watercraft registrations. Last year, marked the fourth consecutive year Ohio had more than 400,000 registered watercraft.

“Boating continues to be one of Ohio's most popular recreational activities,” said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. “Our scenic lakes and streams are places that attract families and provide endless hours of enjoyment.

Watercraft registrations increased in 46 counties, including Delaware, Ashtabula, Clermont, Warren and Licking.

Recreational boating contributes an estimated $1.4 billion annually to the state's economy and supports 19,500 Ohio jobs.

Boating statistics also revealed that approximately 3.5 million Ohioans participate in boating each year. Typical boat owners take 18 boating trips each year and spend about 50 percent of their time on the water fishing.

The Division of Watercraft reminds boaters whose registrations are due to expire March 1 that they may renew their registrations online through the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com if they have no changes to make on their renewal forms.

Ohio is currently participating in a five-year national campaign to promote recreational boating and fishing. National Fishing and Boating Week is scheduled for June 1-8. Ohio also joins with the U.S. Coast Guard and National Safe Boating Council to promote boating safety awareness during National Safe Boating Week, May 18-25.

The ODNR Division of Watercraft administers Ohio’s boating program. The division oversees boat registration and titling operations; enforces boating laws on Ohio’s waterways; educates the public; and provides funding to local communities for education, enforcement and boating facilities. These programs are user-funded through boat registration fees and through a portion of state and federal motor fuel taxes.

-30-

For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at www.ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882