Mixed Bag: Youth fishing area closed for renovations

Akron, Ohio — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife youth fishing area in Portage Lakes is closed for renovations. Young anglers are encouraged to visit nearby Little Turtle Pond at Firestone Metro Park to fish this summer. Renovations to the Division of Wildlife’s youth fishing area will continue through 2025.

Firestone Metro Park is located at 2400 Harrington Road, Akron.

This location is less than four miles from the Portage Lakes youth fishing ponds. Little Turtle Pond is open for fishing year-round, with hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The pond is stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and sunfish. Only anglers 15 years old and younger may fish at this location.

This summer on select dates, Division of Wildlife staff is partnering with Summit Metro Parks to host youth fishing events, which include equipment and instruction. Visit wildohio.gov or summitmetroparks.org for more information.

All young anglers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, but adults are not required to have a fishing license. Adults are not allowed to fish in the youth area; however, they may assist young anglers. Each young angler may keep only five fish per day at the youth fishing ponds. Catching and releasing fish for the duration of the visit is welcome.

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Hamilton County Gets New Officer

Xenia, Ohio — Ohio wildlife officer Jacob Losekamp, of Oregonia, has been assigned to Hamilton County, according to the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Losekamp, 24, graduated from Middletown Christian School and then Wittenberg University in 2020 with a degree in sociology (criminology focus). During his down time, Losekamp enjoys cooking, learning about wildlife, riding dirt bikes and ATVs, hunting, sport shooting, and hiking with loved ones and his dog.

Losekamp is one of 13 Ohio wildlife officer cadets who completed the 32nd Wildlife Officer Training Academy and was sworn in as a commissioned wildlife officer during a graduation ceremony on March 15.

In addition to the 21-week Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training, the cadets completed 10 weeks of specialized wildlife officer training by the Division of Wildlife. In addition to wildlife law enforcement procedures and agency policies, the cadets received training in areas of wildlife and fisheries management, communications, outdoor education, all-terrain vehicle operation, hunter safety, and advanced firearms and self-defense topics.

Losekamp is now in the field and will continue his training by working with experienced wildlife officers during the next six months. To reach Losekamp directly, call 513-446-7028. To report suspicious activity involving wildlife, call (800) POACHER (762-2437). Reports can remain anonymous.

First ‘Bird Ohio Day’ Celebrated

Oak Harbor, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined the Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently to celebrate Bird Ohio Day at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.

“Northwest Ohio is a hot spot for migratory birds drawn here by Lake Erie and the surrounding wetland habitats,” said DeWine. “Hundreds of bird species rely on this region for migration and breeding, and by protecting and restoring places like Magee Marsh we can keep their populations strong.”

A unique blend of wetlands, lake, and forested beach ridge habitat at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is a tremendous asset to wildlife.

Birding is a top attraction at Magee, but the area is also excellent for hunting, fishing, trapping, and many other outdoor activities.

“Magee Marsh and the areas around it are world-famous birding destinations, and for good reason,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Bird Ohio Day is a terrific time to highlight this and the tremendous economic benefits that stem from thousands of birders visiting the region each spring.”

In addition to Magee Marsh, public lands at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area, Maumee Bay State Park, and Howard Marsh Metropark provide endless potential for visiting birders. These hot spots and more are top locations to enjoy migratory and resident birds, including warblers, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and shorebirds.

“Bird Ohio Day is about celebrating not just the birds that draw us here but the partnerships that make conservation happen,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “A positive example of this is the recent removal of trumpeter swans from the threatened species list, an accomplishment that would not be possible without collaboration and wetland restoration.”

ODNR Seeking Dispatcher Candidates

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) and its Office of Law Enforcement is now accepting applications to fill about half a dozen natural resources dispatchers positions.

This role is key in providing up-to-date information to all State of Ohio natural resources officers and wildlife officers. The positions are based in Franklin County and natural resources dispatchers will be expected to:

• Operate a statewide computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) to advance communication to law enforcement and administrative staff.

• Serve as a point of contact for ODNR law enforcement.