Complete report - Partners for Clean Streams

Issue 13 - Recreational Usage and Public Access
Cooley Canal Master Plan and Facility Improvements
1998-2000
Description:
In 1998, Lucas County received a grant from the Ohio Coastal Management Program
to complete a master plan for the County's Cooley Canal property in Jerusalem
Township. Poggemeyer prepared the master plan after meeting with county and
township residents. Some of the ideas included developing camping areas, better
lighting, paving of all parking areas, a new building for Sheriff's Harbor Patrol, and
docks. The plan was adopted by the commissioners and a few of the
recommendations have been implemented.
Lucas County also received a grant from Ohio DNR's NatureWorks program in 1998.
This grant was to be used to replace the launch ramps at the facility, along with
paving the south side of the parking lot. The old ramps were very steep and many
boaters lost their cars into the water because of the steep angle. New metal ramps
were installed and, after some initial difficulties, the new ramps have proven to be very
popular. Lucas County also resurfaced the access road to the canal.
After several years of research and planning (dating back to the early 1970s) Lucas
County, Ohio DNR and ACOE teamed up to make major navigational improvements
to the Cooley Canal Harbor. Dedication for this project took place in the spring of
2000. The project included dredging, new break walls and a straightening of the
channel approach. The state, through a NatureWorks grant, covered a large portion
of the local share.
Additionally, because the project came in under estimate, the State and County
redirected a portion of their match dollars to help pay for the dredging of the Cooley
Canal channel, an important project because of the low lake levels.
Lead Organization:
Lucas County (funds provided by the US ACOE, Ohio DNR, Lucas County)
Rossford Maumee River Boat Access Facility Improvements
Early 1990s, ongoing
Description:
Lead Organization:
The City of Rossford created approximately 25-30 new truck/trailer parking lots in the
early 1990s to supplement their existing parking spaces for their boat access area.
Since 1998, they have also installed steel floating docks on the north and east walls
and have annually replaced new wood docks.
City of Rossford
Farnsworth Metropark Boat Access Facility Improvements
1987, 1990 – Present
Description:
The Toledo Area Metroparks built a new launch and floatable docks at the Maumee
River access area. The Metroparks also redesigned the launch area, allowing more
room for boat turnarounds and protection against the currents. The two floatable
docks are handicapped accessible and serve as prime fishing areas. The Metroparks
Activities and Accomplishments
in the Maumee Area of Concern
204
Issue 13: Recreational Usage
and Public Access