ConServe Ohio recognizes first state parks to be certified under initiative.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft are blazing the trail to sustainability by following the mission of ConServe Ohio. ODNR’s new initiative lays out goals for parks to reduce environmental impact through the Ohio State Parks’ Sustainability Plan.
“Sustainability is a balancing act of meeting the needs of people today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “How we treat the world around us will have an impact on our children, our grandchildren, and generations to come.”
Actions listed in the sustainability plan include conserving water and limiting waste to help protect natural resources for future use. The parks that achieve these sustainable practices can receive recognition as a bronze, silver, gold, or platinum level ConServe Ohio Certified State Park.
Eleven state parks have already been certified under the inaugural ConServe Ohio report. These are parks that exemplified ConServe Ohio’s mission to be as environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable as possible.
The following parks received ConServe Ohio certification honors:
- Lake Milton State Park (Gold certified)
- Sycamore State Park (Gold certified)
- Hueston Woods State Park (Gold certified)
- West Branch State Park (Silver certified)
- Kelley’s Island State Park (Silver certified)
- Paint Creek State Park (Silver certified)
- Rocky Fork State Park (Silver certified)
- Blue Rock State Park (Bronze certified)
- Dillon State Park (Bronze certified)
- East Fork State Park (Bronze certified)
- Grand Lake State Park (Bronze certified)
“These parks have gone above and beyond to answer the call for a sustainable future,” Director Mertz said. “While there is still more work to do, I applaud all of our parks for taking meaningful steps to achieve the ConServe Ohio mission.”
Those steps include 53 parks that installed LED lights in high traffic areas, 58 parks that recycle used tires, oil, and other recyclable fluids from vehicles, and 57 parks with sustainability committees.
In addition to making changes in park operations, the ODNR Division of State Parks and Watercraft staff will educate visitors about how they can practice sustainability at parks and at home. Together, we can preserve and protect the beauty and health of our natural environment for generations to come. To learn more about Ohio State Parks’ sustainability efforts, visit ohiodnr.gov/conserveohio.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 75 state parks and waterways.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
