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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 3, 2006

MUSKINGUM RIVER TO BECOME OHIO’S SECOND DESIGNATED
WATER TRAIL ON SATURDAY, JULY 8 

COLUMBUS, OH  – The 112-mile Muskingum River will become Ohio’s second designated water trail during ceremonies scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 8 at Malta Park in Morgan County.

Staff of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), as well as officials from Morgan, Muskingum, Washington and Coshocton counties, will participate in the designation ceremony. The designation will coincide with the Muskingum Riverfest, an annual celebration of boating, music and folk arts on the river.

WHAT: Designation of the Muskingum River as an Ohio water trail
WHEN: 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 8
WHERE: Malta Park in Morgan County, in conjunction with the annual Muskingum Riverfest
WHO: Staff from the ODNR divisions of Parks & Recreation, Watercraft and Wildlife; officials from Morgan, Coshocton, Washington and Muskingum counties; representatives of commercial marinas and campgrounds on the river; local boating club members.



The Ohio Water Trails initiative serves to increase accessibility to rivers and streams for Ohio’s paddlesport and boating enthusiasts through proper design and siting of launch ramps and up-to-date navigational information. The Kokosing State Scenic River was designated Ohio’s first water trail last year.

The Muskingum River flows through four counties and some of Ohio’s most beautiful natural scenery. It remains an important link to the state’s heritage, with its 10 hand-operated wooden locks, developed in the early 1800s, still in service today. The unique lock and dam system has been designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

For Further Information Contact:
Mike Jarvis, Muskingum River State Parkway
(614) 265-6571
Kim Baker, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6672