By 1812Blockhouse, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The fishing is good in Richland County!
How good, you ask? Consider the fact that when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources set out to identify the top ten FishOhio locations for largemouth bass, saugeye, and crappie, two local fishing spots appeared.
Charles Mill Reservoir and Clear Fork Lake made an appearance on the top ten lists. More…
The Ohio Seismic Network (OhioSeis) continuously seeks to better serve Ohioans through seismic monitoring and risk mitigation. To that end, it is currently installing the next phase of seismic stations across Ohio. The new Gen-3 seismic stations differ from previous monitoring sites in the way they’re constructed, leading to greater sensitivity.
The first generation of Ohio’s seismic monitoring stations required the instrumentation to be placed indoors, often in areas with numerous sources of human noise, making earthquake detection difficult. In 2016, the second generation of OhioSeis saw instruments placed in remote areas of the state but just below the ground surface in shallow barrel vaults, including one in Richland County. The earthquake magnitude minimum detection threshold dropped from about M3.0 to M2.0 with the second-generation installations. However, many earthquakes in the state remained undetected. More…
The northern cardinal was adopted by the Ohio General Assembly as the state bird in 1933 and has been revered for its beauty and melodic songs for generations. Easily identifiable, the cardinal is one of Ohio’s most iconic species. All Ohioans and supporters of wildlife conservation can celebrate this colorful bird by purchasing the 12th annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“We are thrilled to feature the beautiful northern cardinal on this year’s Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “The stamp and this amazing photo will promote wildlife diversity in Ohio. Purchasing a legacy stamp gives all Ohioans a chance to directly contribute to the future of wildlife. A stamp makes a fun gift for birders and other conservation supporters and comes with the added benefit of a 25% discount at Ohio state park lodges.” More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Northwest and north central Ohio’s public lakes and reservoirs offer some of the best fishing in the Buckeye State for yellow perch, saugeye, and more, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Richland County is well represented in that list.
Ohio has 124,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie water, and 481 miles of the Ohio River. At $25 for a resident one-year fishing license, fishing is a cost-effective and accessible outdoor reactional activity.
The Division of Wildlife has numerous resources available to assist anglers, including lake maps, fishing tips by species, and fishing forecasts. Many of these resources are available right at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app. Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map can be located with ease from any mobile device. For more information on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov. Here are a few places in northwest and north central Ohio anglers may want to visit. More…
Clear Fork Reservoir, Fishing, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Pleasant Hill Lake Park
By 1812Blockhouse; Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Some weeks ago, we shared with our readers the first Spring Wildflower Bloom Report of 2021 as posted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Spring has now “sprung,” and warmer temperatures have made their way across the Buckeye State. This is evidenced in the current edition of the Report, now in its seventh week.
It’s a very good time, therefore, to check in to see what’s up across Ohio — and where you can find some beautiful wildflowers to enjoy (some right here in Richland County)!
Spring is marching right along! Wildflowers are in bloom throughout the entire state from the Ohio River to Lake Erie and not a moment too soon. Northern Ohio always has to be the most patient, but it’s paid off with lots of familiar faces to see. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz today announced the release of a new mobile and web-based resource to help outdoor enthusiasts plan for and explore thousands of trail miles crisscrossing the Buckeye State.
The new DETOUR trails app, developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), is Ohio’s new go-to source for authoritative trail information for both to beginner and expert-trail users. Trails can be searched for by region, level of difficulty, activity, type, and distance. The app offers featured routes, provides driving directions to trailheads, and includes information for trail managers.
“Ohio is a great place for families to live, work, learn, and play,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This new app will help bring friends and families together by connecting them to Ohio’s abundant trail system and natural outdoor beauty.” More…
Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Trails
New plant life blossoms each spring and paints Ohio’s stunning landscapes with lively shades of green. This flush of renewal is perfectly timed to mark the state’s second Native Plant Month beginning April 1.
“Using native trees, shrubs, and flowers in our landscaping provides an unbeatable aesthetic and connects us with the natural world on a deeper level,” said Jeff Johnson, Chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “From birds and butterflies to beetles and bees, native plants create a healthier and more biodiverse ecosystem that is often missing in urban areas.”
First celebrated last year, Ohio was one of the first states in the nation to dedicate an entire month to the celebration of native plants. This month, ODNR will highlight the importance and diversity of native plants on the agency’s website and social media channels. Watch for native wildflower features every day and special posts for Arbor Day and Earth Day. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is boasting this week about the new suspension bridge being created at Mohican State Park, and for good reason.
From the images which ODNR shared on social media, it’s well on its way to completion.
The Mohican Cable Pedestrian Bridge spans the Clear Fork tributary of the Mohican River at the Hemlock Gorge Trail. The work is being done by Righter, general contractor, and engineering firm Woolpert.
When opened later this year, it will be 120 feet in length. More…
Featured, Mohican State Park, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Attention, Richland County fishermen and women!
Thanks to a legendary run of strong walleye hatches dating back to 2015 and accelerating in 2018, there are plenty of fish in Lake Erie for anglers to catch this spring, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“Ohio’s portion of Lake Erie, better known as ‘The Walleye Capital of the World’, is one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in the world,” said Travis Hartman, Lake Erie Fisheries Program Administrator for the Division of Wildlife. “Anglers will find plenty of keeper-sized walleye, measuring at least 15 inches long, from the 2014 to 2019 hatches. Many of the 2-year-old fish will reach the minimum length by the end of the 2021 summer.” More…
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources released its weekly Wildflower Bloom Report on March 19.
Spring is springing! More and more bloomers are waking up in southern Ohio and even the central and northern counties are just beginning to get their first native species peaking above the thawed soil. Warm and wet weather the last week has accelerated things with quite a few new species to talk about in this week’s edition of the wildflower bloom report In last week’s post we talked about our daintiest and earliest blooming trillium, the snow trillium (Trillium nivale). It will be nearing peak in its southernmost populations over the next week or so. Reports from the field suggest this is an exceptional spring for the species and a “boom” year at sites like the Arc of Appalachia’s Chalet Nivale in Adams Co. More northerly populations of snow trillium like Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Stillwater Prairie Preserve in Miami Co., and Oakes Quarry Park in Greene Co. to name a few will be popping soon. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Yes, we used that “s” word — spring is coming, after all!
After a long, cold and snowy winter it’s time to start looking forward to some warmer temperatures and lengthening days. It won’t be long before Ohio is teeming with green and renewed life once more. Which means it’s time for the Wildflower Bloom Report to reappear as well! Every Friday from March through mid-May we will bring you plenty of photos and details on what wildflowers are in bloom throughout the state and the best places to seek them out. Ohio has plenty to offer in our state nature preserves, state parks, state forests etc. to see what spring’s bounty brings! More…
Featured, Flowers and Plants, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Fishing opportunities will abound this spring when rainbow trout are stocked at 67 public lakes and ponds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Beginning the week of March 12 at Adams Lake in Adams County, more than 81,000 of these cold-water fish will be stocked in 2021. Richland County fishing areas will see releases beginning the second week of April.
Rainbow trout are raised at Ohio’s state fish hatcheries and measure between 10-13 inches when they are released by the Division of Wildlife. Rainbow trout releases will take place across Ohio from early March until May as long as areas are ice-free and accessible to anglers. More…
Whether pursuing a Lake Erie walleye or a gobbling wild turkey, an Ohio fishing or hunting license opens a world of exploration. Before participating in these activities this spring, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is reminding all those who enjoy hunting and fishing to check your license expiration date.
March 1 is the traditional start of Ohio’s fishing and hunting license year. However, new license options give those who enjoy the outdoors more choices than ever before. If your hunting or fishing license has expired, you can purchase a new one online at wildohio.gov, at hundreds of participating agents throughout the state, and through the new HuntFish OH app. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
The nasally bugles of a flock of sandhill cranes passing overhead is a sound and experience not soon forgotten. Thanks to monitoring and conservation work by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and partnering organizations, cranes can be sighted at Ohio’s wetlands and are once again breeding in the state – including in Richland County.
In 1987, the first pair of sandhill cranes returned to breed in Ohio after they were extirpated from the Buckeye State. In 2020, biologists estimated 58 breeding pairs and confirmed 25, producing upwards of 28 offspring. The slowly expanding breeding population indicates the success of ongoing conservation work, but sandhills are still listed as a threatened species in Ohio. Much work remains until their awe-inducing calls are heard with regularity. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
One of Ohio’s most successful white-tailed deer hunting seasons concluded Sunday, February 7 with 197,735 deer harvested, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. That total is the highest since 218,910 deer were taken during the 2012-2013 hunting season.
Richland County’s numbers were also higher than in recent years.
The final harvest totals represent all deer taken during archery, gun, muzzleloader, and youth hunting seasons that began Sept. 26, 2020. An average of 180,921 deer were harvested during the last three years. More…
