Ohio Mixed Bag: Feds Announce Major Expansion Of Hunting, Fishing Opportunities

Washington, D.C. — The Department of the Interior recently announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

With this action, more than 92 million acres, or more than 95% of National Wildlife Refuge System lands, are available for hunting.

In total, the final rule will deliver 1,488 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 32 states. An “opportunity” is defined as the ability to hunt or fish a specific species at a specific location, providing a clear measure of expanded access across the system.

The final rule will increase access at 111 field stations, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries. It also includes first-ever hunting or sport fishing opportunities at 14 refuges and three hatcheries, reflecting continued progress toward maximizing access where compatible with conservation goals.

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MWCD’s Butler Named To Board

New Philadelphia, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Executive Director Craig Butler to the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), further extending Butler’s leadership in water quality, natural resource stewardship, and collaboration throughout the Ohio River Basin.

Butler’s term began Aug. 7 and will continue through June 29, 2032.

ORSANCO is an interstate commission that works with member states and federal partners to protect and improve water quality throughout the Ohio River Basin. The commission coordinates efforts to control pollution, conducts water quality monitoring and assessments, and supports programs designed to protect the Ohio River as a resource for drinking water, recreation, industry, and aquatic life.

Butler has served as executive director and secretary of MWCD since 2020, overseeing the organization responsible for managing Ohio’s largest watershed. MWCD’s mission of responsible flood reduction, conservation and recreation encompasses an 18-county region covering approximately 20% of the state.

The Muskingum River watershed is part of the larger Ohio River Basin, connecting MWCD’s work in eastern Ohio to water quality and resource management efforts occurring across state lines.

Improvements Made At Charles Mill

Mansfield, Ohio — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) celebrated major new upgrades at Charles Mill Lake following $8.7 million in improvements to the beach, beach campground, and houseboat access at the marina.

“Charles Mill has long been one of Ohio’s favorite places to camp, boat, and spend time outdoors, and these improvements ensure it will remain a destination for families for years to come,” said Pete Novotny, chief of recreation for MWCD. “We’ve created a better experience from the moment visitors arrive. Whether you’re pulling into a campsite, boating at marina, enjoying the beach or watching your kids explore the new playground, you’ll see the difference these investments have made. This project reflects our commitment to continually improving our parks while making them more welcoming, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone.”

The improvements include a fully renovated beach-area campground featuring 30 RV sites with concrete pads, 50-amp electric, and full hook-up connections. The project also added a new restroom and shower house, a picnic shelter, renovations to the existing beach restroom and concession building, a destination playground, pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball courts, and utility hookups for food trucks during special events and busy weekends.

The celebration also marked the completion of a new ADA-accessible connection at Charles Mill Marina. Improvements included a paved accessible walking path, upgraded dock infrastructure with new electrical and water service, expanded parking and green infrastructure improvements to enhance stormwater management while minimizing environmental impacts.

The marina improvements were supported in part by a $910,000 One-Time Strategic Community Investments Fund.

The nearly $8.7 million investment modernized the recreation areas while expanding camping opportunities, improving accessibility for visitors of all abilities and adding new amenities that enhance the overall visitor experience. Together, the improvements strengthen Charles Mill Lake’s position as one of Ohio’s premier destinations for camping, boating, fishing, and family recreation.

New Nature Center Opens At Mosquito

Cortland, Ohio — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) welcomed community members, partners, and supporters recently at Mosquito Lake State Park for the official ribbon cutting of the park’s new nature center complex. ODNR Director Mary Mertz joined local leaders and the Friends of Mosquito Lake State Park to celebrate this major investment in outdoor education and community engagement.

The project began in 2024 through the early efforts and vision of the Friends of Mosquito Lake State Park, with remaining funding provided by Ohio State Parks and support secured through the Ohio Legislature.