Latest news with #MaryMertz
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Muskingum River reopens to navigation; May 31 celebration includes free rides, family fun
COLUMBUS — The Muskingum River Parkway is set to fully reopen for navigation for the first time since 2020. According to an announcement from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the reopening of Rokeby Lock No. 8 will restore full navigational access from Marietta to Zanesville. A celebration is planned for 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31 at McConnelsville Lock No. 7, 698 E. Riverside Drive, McConnelsville. The event will feature free pontoon boat rides, offered by ODNR's Division of Parks and Watercraft staff. Pontoon boat rides are weather and water-level dependent. In the event of high river levels due to recent rainfall, rides may be canceled for safety. 'Restoring navigation to the entire length of the Muskingum is about more than boats on the water,' said ODNR Director Mary Mertz in the release. 'It's about preserving a remarkable piece of our heritage and celebrating the communities and families who've cherished this river for generations.' The Muskingum River State Park is home to one of the nation's last remaining systems of hand-operated locks, according to the announcement. Ten of the 11 original locks remain in operation, allowing recreational boaters to travel from Marietta to Zanesville. The locks and dams were constructed in the 1800s under the direction of West Point graduate Major Samuel Curtis. By 1841, the system connected to the Ohio and Erie Canal, ushering in an era of prosperity for towns along the waterway. Stockport Lock #6 is another stop along the Muskingum River that is open to boaters. In 2001, the system was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, placing it alongside American engineering marvels like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building and Hoover Dam, according to the announcement. With navigation from the Ohio River through Zanesville Lock #10 restored, ODNR invites Ohioans to rediscover this historic waterway and experience the same scenic beauty and cultural richness that once drew settlers, traders and riverboat pilots to its banks nearly two centuries ago. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Restoration of lock will allow boaters to travel Muskingum River again
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
ODNR creates tools to track water facilities
(WKBN) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) released on Wednesday new online tools to track water withdrawal facilities across the state. The Water Withdrawal Facility Locator Tool shows the locations and high-capacity water use data of water withdrawal facilities in Ohio. It includes historical trend data, including when the location last released an annual report, how many wells are at the facility, and what the groundwater is used for. 'Access to accurate water use data is essential for informed decision-making and resource management,' said ODNR Director Mary Mertz in a news release. 'This tool will empower Ohioans and professionals alike to gain deeper insights into our state's water resources, promoting transparency and collaboration in addressing our water future.' A separate interactive map was also created to track the rates at which groundwater is pumped at facilities across the state and how the water moves. ODNR says the maps and datasets can be used for modeling groundwater flow, predicting how contaminants might move through an aquifer, calculating irrigation rates and other applications important to land-use development that can be used by drillers, homeowners, municipalities, industries, and agricultural operations. 'The goal with these maps is to deliver a statewide, data-driven assessment of Ohio's aquifer resources in a way that can inform responsible development and guide site-specific investigations,' said Craig Nelson, lead hydrogeologist on the mapping project. 'The yield component will be useful for water-well drillers and developers, while researchers, modelers, and engineers will appreciate the hydraulic conductivity component.' The Aquifer Yield and Hydraulic Conductivity maps were funded in part by an Ohio Water Development Authority Research & Development Grant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Data shows growing trend for overnight stays at Ohio state parks
(WKBN) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is celebrating its second record-breaking year in a row for overnight stays in state parks. The overall trend over the last five years shows increasing visitation and outdoor activity, as Ohioans and visitors from across the country continue to explore the Buckeye State's collection of 76 state parks. In 2024, Ohio's state parks recorded 1,112,179 overnight stays, surpassing the previous record-holding year 2023, which tallied 1,098,932 overnight reservations. 'The numbers reflect a continued growing trend of people discovering the joy of outdoor adventure and relaxation,' said Glen Cobb, Chief of the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. 'Whether it's a weekend camping trip, a peaceful paddle on one of our scenic lakes, or simply enjoying a day hike, Ohio State Parks offer something for everyone.' Not only do these parks offer sanctuary for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it also contributes millions back into Ohio's economy. According to an Ohio-specific study by Tourism Economics, overnight park visitors spend $392 million annually — more than $1 million every day — on retail, food and beverages, entertainment, lodging and transportation while visiting. 'Ohio's state parks are a cornerstone of our state's identity, and we are thrilled to see so many families and adventurers embracing all the natural beauty and great outdoor opportunities our parks have to offer,' said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. 'From camping under the stars to boating on our beautiful lakes, people are connecting with nature in new and meaningful ways.' Of the overnight stays, more than 919,600 were at state-operated campsites, cabins, camper cabins and yurts, while approximately 192,500 nights were booked in one of Ohio's 10 state park lodges and the accompanying lodge cabins. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
