|
ODNR DIVISION OF WILDLIFE SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT COLUMBUS, OH -- Proposed changes to Lake Erie fishing regulations
are expected to draw the most attention at a series of open houses that will
be hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of
Wildlife.
"Many of our constituents are aware of the Lake Erie fishing
proposals regarding walleye and bass fishing," said Steve Gray, chief of the
Division of Wildlife. "However, we also welcome comments on several other
proposed rules that will be presented at the open houses."
A wide range of topics will be open for discussion, including a
proposal to lower the age for hunter education instructors from 21 to 18; a
prohibition on possession of filleted or cleaned fish at lakes with a size
limit; establishing a six-fish bag limit for channel catfish in lakes with
less than 700 surface acres; changing the expiration date for ginseng dealer
registration permits from August 14 to August 31; instituting a
non-refundable $3 fee to register for the Castalia Fish Hatchery Fishing
Lottery; and establishing a regulation to permit the use of single hooks
only during March and April in the Sandusky and Maumee bays of Lake Erie.
Proposals to prohibit possession of bass in Lake Erie from May 1
until the last Saturday in June; a reduced daily bag limit for walleye in
March and April on Lake Erie; and implementation of a 15-inch minimum size
limit for walleye on Lake Erie were announced earlier this month.
Six open houses will be held around the state on Thursday, August
14, 2003 from 7 to 9 p.m. The locations are the Division of Wildlife's
District One Office in Columbus, District Two Office in Findlay, District
Three Office in Akron, District Four Office in Athens, District Five Office
in Xenia, and the Sandusky Fish Research Office.
The Division of Wildlife has used this format to solicit public
comment on hunting season proposals each winter. For the upcoming August
meetings, state wildlife administrators and biologists will be available to
talk with constituents. Charts, graphs, and videos will also be displayed
to help illustrate some of the proposed changes.
Source: OODNR
|