“The Division of Watercraft is providing the initial commitment of $4 million,” said project planning administrator Phil Miller at Tuesday’s open house at the lake. “We’re looking to develop a public-private partnership. We hope that by developing a long-term relationship with the private sector they are going to be willing to invest $2-3 million in the marina project. Watercraft is committed to investing an additional $9-10 million.”
The marina concept has changed. Instead of a land-based marina, most of the buildings and docks will be floating. Even the break wall will be floating in the form of a “wave attenuation structure” that will also serve as a fishing pier.
The location, just east of the Ohio 73 bridge, is the same as announced for earlier plans. But because that area is naturally sheltered, a large seawall has been deemed unnecessary. The attenuator will be low enough for people sitting in docked boats to see over, but will keep water inside it calm.
“What’s nice about this concept is the entire marina operation, including the administrative building, floats,” Miller said. “Even in times of high water, the marina should be accessible to boaters.”
The only land-based structure is likely to be a sales and service building. Future plans also call for several dockside floating cottages for overnight or longer term stays.
There is no timetable at this point. As in the past, it will be determined by the flow of money.
For more information, visit ohiodnr.com/watercraft.
Carp aplenty
Anglers took more than six tons of carp out of Grand Lake St. Marys during last weekend’s second annual “Get the Carp Outta Here” tournament.
This year participants took 1,974 carp weighing 12,831 pounds. Last year the weight was 8,142 pounds.
The winners were: Brian Moorman of St. Marys with 168 fish. He won $500, the same amount won by Christopher Law for biggest fish, a 19.4 pounder.
All fish were put in barrels and hauled away to make fertilizer.
Short shots
Wildlife Camp: The deadline is June 2 for teens to sign up for The Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp which will be held June 10-15 at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carroll County. Programs include tree identification, ecology, wildlife management, forest management, wildlife tracking, maple syrup production, forest industries and arborist work. The cost is $325 per student and is open to all youth who have completed the eighth grade and are at least 15 years of age. For information, call (888)-38-TREES or visit ohioforest.org.
Winner: The Larry A. Hart Memorial Scholarship winner is Samuel Angle of Covington. He is a student at Hocking College, majoring in Natural Resources and Law Enforcement. He graduated from Covington High School in 2011.
Contact outdoors columnist Jim Morris at sports@coxohio.com.
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