The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft, will soon be on the moving its regional office from Sandusky into Ottawa County. Officials and watercraft officers were on hand Saturday at Catawba Island State Park showing residents there what they can expect.
The plan is to tear down one of the current ODNR buildings at the park and replace it with a larger, more modern facility — all without distrupting ramp usage.
“Footprint-wise it will take up the same amount of space,” said Jeff Nehls, supervisor of the Sandusky office.  “We are not looking to take away any parking spaces.”
According to Nehls, the current office on Cleveland Road, is a rented space and was never meant to be a permanent facility. The move, he said, puts the office on the water which will improve response time and accessibility for boaters. Services offered on site will include vessel safety checks and check-in for large, documented boats. Also in the plans is a 50-person conference room that can be used for a variety of purposes, including boater education classes.
The open house gave time for public comment on the project. So far, Nehl’s said the response has been positive.
“So far we are cautiously delighted,” said Lynne Bennett, a local resident who came out Saturday to see the plan. “They’ve done a nice job of minimizing the impact on houses.”
Resident Ric Michaels said he is happy to see the convenience the office will bring for the boaters.
“I think it’s a major improvement over this cinder block building,” he said.
The nine-month project work will start in the spring and wrap up in fall.  The building will house the Division of Watercraft as well as park staff.

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