OHIO WATERS

I've lived in Ohio all my life and have truly enjoyed living in this state! Having said that, I must confess I have never been a fan of the Ohio Department of Natural resources! I live in the Northeastern part of the state and have seen very little done in this area to entice or reward the sportsmen of the area! Most of the improvements have been aimed at the larger populated areas such as Columbus and the southwestern portion of the state! There are some beautiful lakes and reservoirs in these areas. In Columbiana County, where I live, there are three lakes and two major hunting areas plus the Ohio River and Beaver Creek Wildlife area. Guilford Lake is the largest water area with 360+ water acres followed by Highlandtown with 160+ acres. There is "NO" fish stocking done at either lake, like at some of the bigger areas in the state. Very little is done for fish management unless it is done by private fishing clubs and organizations. I haven't heard of any creel census being taken and I never see or hear of a fishing report from these lakes! The state stopped stocking anything but catfish and saugeye and has given up on Bass, which is the one fish most anglers are after! I realize it is very tough on the state, due to econmic problems, to maintain their wildlife areas but I still feel there are ways to improve the fishing without much expence! Our state government has been looking at ways they can take money from our O.D.N.R. and transfer it to the general fund. If that happens, our sportsman dollars will be useless to the future of our wildlife habitat and fisheries! I would like to see a push from this area's outdoorsmen to work with our D.N.R. to better this area and even be able to bring people into the area for its fishing and outdoor activities!