Division of Wildlife Moves Toward Purchase of Catalia Trout Farm--$1.35 Million Bid for Property Accepted

COLUMBUS, OH -- A proposal by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to purchase the 90-acre Castalia Trout Farm near Sandusky Bay moved one step closer Wednesday with acceptance of ODNR's $1.35 million bid for the property from First Bellevue Properties, Inc. ODNR officials say they will take their proposal to the state Controlling Board and, subject to the board's release of funds, close on the purchase in December.

"The quality and quantity of cold water available here for trout production is unmatched in Ohio, making this a much-desired addition to our sportfishing program," said Mike Budzik, chief of ODNR's Division of Wildlife.

"The Division of Wildlife has been very interested in the Castalia Trout Farm property for many years, said Budzik. "Such a cold-water hatchery will substantially increase the division's trout production program."

In addition to the $1.35 million purchase price for the hatchery and its equipment, ODNR has agreed to pay 36 cents per pound up to $100,000 for any trout inventory remaining at the time of transfer. According to Budzik, the Division of Wildlife will seek as much as 75 percent of the purchase through the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The remaining balance would come from Division of Wildlife hunting and fishing license fees.

For further information contact Gary Isbell or Ray Petering, Division of Wildlife, (614) 265-6343, or Jerry Cline, Division of Real Estate & Land Management, (614) 265-6386.