PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
FAYETTE – The 7th Anniversary of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio State Parks System, was celebrated at Harrison Lake.
The celebration took place on Saturday, June 15th. According to a press release from ODNR, the department will have events throughout the year to celebrate the occasion.
“The state of Ohio features a diverse landscape—with rolling hills, winding streams, and a Great Lake—and for 75 years the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has been charged with the protection and conservation of that landscape”, the release began.
“This year, the department will celebrate this milestone with special programming, a look back at the agency’s history, and special events.
“ODNR is dedicated to protecting all the natural wonders that make Ohio the heart of it all,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said.
“For generations, a staff of passionate people have worked at ODNR to accomplish this mission and keep Ohio beautiful for both residents and visitors.”
Throughout its history, ODNR has served to safeguard Ohio’s trees, native plants, geological features, mineral resources, wildlife, and waters.
The department has also worked to capture the joy of the great outdoors through many recreational endeavors such as blossoming our Ohio State Parks and nature preserves, growing state wildlife areas, and blazing new trails in Ohio’s forests.
PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
This feat has been accomplished through the dedication of hardworking people in the department and its many divisions: Engineering, Forestry, Geological Survey, Mineral Resources Management, Natural Areas and Preserves, Oil and Gas Resources, Parks and Watercraft, Water Resources, and Wildlife; along with ODNR’s offices of Coastal Management, Law Enforcement, and Real Estate and Land Management.
“Celebrating ODNR’s 75th anniversary means looking back at all the incredible achievements this department has made, but it’s also about looking toward the future,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.
“Just as we’ve done for 75 years, ODNR will continue to work on projects the state can be proud of.”
ODNR will host events throughout 2024 to commemorate its 75th anniversary across all the divisions. Commemorative stickers marking the milestone will be handed out at ODNR’s Winter Hike Series.
The department will also schedule tree plantings and a birthday bash for the occasion, as well as the release of a 75th anniversary book to walk people through the rich history of ODNR.
Parks Manager Donald Gurzynski explained that the park saw around 400 people throughout the day.
Events throughout the celebration included raffles and fundraisers, a local carver, Tony Burroughs, out of Morenci who put on live carvings, and cake and ice cream. The ice cream was extremely successful, with 18 gallons being served.
Gurzynski also explained that the day’s celebration represented a milestone for the park.
“It’s a milestone of families and communities getting together, coming together and staying together. It’s been 75 years.”
“We are looking forward to more and we are looking forward to improving year over year and giving people back what they asked for.”