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Operating Rules Changing on Some Inland Lakes

Ohio State Parks and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) are adjusting the operating rules at some lakes. Ohio State Parks has already changed the rule for Burr Oak State Park in southeast Ohio. MWCD has altered the shore zones at Seneca and Tappan lakes and is seeking public comment about making horsepower changes at Piedmont and Clendening lakes.

Burr Oak Lake Horsepower Upped to Increase Fishing Access

In order to allow greater fishing access without altering the quiet recreational nature of Burr Oak Lake in Morgan County, Ohio State Parks has modified the lake's horsepower regulation. With the change, boat motors greater than 10 horsepower are now allowed to operate on the lake, but only at "no wake" speeds. Ohio law classifies "no wake" as the slowest possible speed needed to maintain steerage and maneuverability of a boat.

Previously, only motors less than 10 horsepower were permitted on Burr Oak Lake. Boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less can continue to operate on the lake as usual. The use of PWC (such as WaveRunner, Jet Ski, etc.) or jet boats continues to be prohibited.

This horsepower limit change is part of a pilot program examining the use of this southeastern Ohio state park lake during 2009 and 2010. Burr Oak Lake was selected because of its size -- 664 acres -- and ability to accommodate boats with larger motors. Ohio State Parks will work with the Division of Watercraft and others to make sure the new regulations are strictly enforced.

See "Related Links" to visit the text of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC 1501:41-11-22).

Management Plans Presented in Open Houses on May 3 for Seneca and Tappan Lakes

ODNR Division of Watercraft and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) will be presenting the lake management plans for Seneca and Tappan lakes in two open house meetings on Sunday, May 3. The highlights are new shore zones at both lakes, channel markers at marinas, and expanded boat-swim areas.

The Seneca meeting is scheduled for Seneca Lake from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Secrest Senior Center located at 201 High Street, Senecaville. The Tappan Lake meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Activity Center at Tappan Lake Park located at 84000 Mallernee Road, Deersville.

The lake plans will be presented in an "open house" format with representatives from both agencies available to answer questions and respond to concerns. Both Seneca and Tappan Lakes are MWCD lakes managed in partnership with the ODNR. The agencies have conducted several public meetings over the past year to discuss options for each lake to seek input from boaters and others who utilize the lakes before the lake management plans were developed. Public comments and recommendations were carefully balanced with public safety concerns and resource protection issues in the crafting of these management plans.

Public Meetings Scheduled for Clendening and Piedmont Lakes Horsepower Increase Proposal

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft will conduct public meetings at Clendening and Piedmont Lakes regarding a petition that was received from the public that proposes to increase the horsepower limit from 9.9 horsepower to 25 horsepower.

Piedmont Public Meeting
Saturday May 16, 2–4pm
Camp Piedmont Lodge
344221 4-H Club Road
Piedmont, OH 43983

Clendening Public Meeting
Saturday May 16, 7–9pm
Camp Tippecanoe Lodge
81300 YMCA Road
Tippecanoe, OH 44699