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Currently, we are all facing challenges like never before, and I am grateful to each Ohioan doing their part to better our communities. During the coronavirus pandemic it is especially important to take care of ourselves and those around us. As the state is gradually opening back up, there are many opportunities to both enjoy new experiences outdoors and make special memories at home.
Ohio’s public lands, as well as other types of protected and private lands, offer folks of all ages the chance to get outdoors. Regardless of your zip code or access to transportation, I believe everyone should have the same opportunity to experience these wonders. That’s why I introduced the Transit to Trails Act, to remove these barriers by funding accessible and affordable transportation systems in underserved communities. This legislation builds on the Natural Resources Land Management Act that I was proud to support last year. This bill, among other things, reauthorizes the Every Kid Outdoors Act to ensure children across the country can experience our national parks with their family.
Additionally, the Great American Outdoors Act takes steps to address the $20 billion maintenance backlog for our national parks so that the U.S. Forest Service can dedicate work on restoring and maintaining visitor centers and trails like the Wayne National Forest. This bill also permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to protect our lands and ensure that future generations get the chance to access them. This legislation had a huge win last month, when it passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. As one of the original cosponsors in the House, I’m working hard to get this bill passed and sent to the President’s desk.
I’m proud to support legislation that promotes conservation and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Outdoor trips and experiences have so many benefits and have the power to bring people together and grow our local economies. Right in our backyards, Ohio’s 15th District is home to Hocking Hills State Park, Vinton Furnace State Forest, and the Wayne National Forest. Ohio's state parks are open for recreational hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. Hocking Hills State Park is now open, including the campground, cabins, and Old Man’s Cave.
Trails now open:
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Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve - Fairfield County
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Rising Park – Fairfield County
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Goodale Park – Franklin County
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A.W. Marion State Park - Pickaway County
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Deer Creek State Park - Pickaway County
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Slate Run Farm – Pickaway County
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Stages Pond Nature Preserve - Pickaway County
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Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve - Hocking County
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Lake Hope State Park - Vinton County
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Fruit Picking in Pickaway County and Ross County, Fairfield County and Hocking County, and Athens County
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Goodale Park – Franklin County
Other opportunities to get outdoors include:
- Camping
- Hiking
- Canoeing or Kayaking
- You can rent a pontoon or fishing boat at some of Ohio’s State Parks
- Ziplining
- Grow herbs or flowers: Plant different herbs or flowers and track the progress with your family.
- Virtual tours: Discover our U.S. Parks HERE.
- Take part in your local library summer reading program and read outside.
As an Eagle Scout, I learned just how impactful time spent outside can be, and it is important to me to help all constituents get the same opportunities to experience the great outdoors. If you would like to learn more about the Transit to Trails Act and the Great American Outdoors Act, or other opportunities to get outdoors, please call my Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968.
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