In 2006, the Common Pleas Court of Ottawa County approved a petition to create Put-in-Bay Township Park District as a local government entity. The Park District is dedicated to protecting and preserving unique areas that sustain the heritage of the Lake Erie Islands.
Preserved and Protected Natural Areas:
Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve
This 8.8 acre parcel, at the end of State Route 357, is one of the last remaining natural settings for people to enjoy the Lake Erie Islands.
Jane Coates Wildflower Trail – Ladd Carr Woods
This site is a mature forested area of 10 acres which provides habitat for local species of birds and migratory species. Ladd Carr Woods and the Coates Trail are named after the families who donated funding.
The Middle Bass Island East Point Preserve
This 7.8 acre area encompasses exceptional Lake Erie Islands shoreline and interior island habitat.
Costello Tract – Middle Bass Island
The Costello Tract, 3.937 acres of unique forest land, provides natural habitat for wildlife and plants.
Schneider Tract – Middle Bass Island
The 7.33 acre property is comprised of forested wetland with successional island forest habitat.
Click on image above to view or download.
Massie Cliffside Preserve –South Bass Island
The Massie Preserve contains 11 acres with a dock for fishing and kayak access. The property boasts more than 265 feet of Lake Erie shoreline.
Middle Bass Forest Preserve
This 6 acre tract of limestone plain wetland forest habitat is characterized by its geology – a relatively thin layer of soil overlaying carbonate bedrock whose hydrology is directly influenced by Lake Erie water levels. It is the largest remaining block of unprotected forested land on Middle bass.
Petersen Woods – Middle Bass Island
Located near the Kuehnle State Wildlife Area, the 1.5 acres of woodland will add to protected wetland acreage. The woods provide habitat for the bald eagles who have nested in the area.
Lawrence Evans Property – Middle Bass Island
This .75 acre tract of emergent wetland is located between Kuehnle State Wildlife Area and Petersen Woods.
Click image above to view or download.
Prokesh Property – Middle Bass Island – Burgundy Bay
This 1 acre of wet woods offers a unique habitat for a host of animals and plants.
Funding:
The Park District has indeed been fortunate to receive grants and donations to fund its various projects. Private donations have also been important to the preservation of preserved lands. The Budget Commission of Ottawa County has approved .7 mill property tax for operations for 2017.
Donations:
Donations to Put-in-Bay Township Park District are tax deductible.
Donations are vital to the continued success of the Park District. As a local government agency, all donations to the Park District are tax deductible within the limits provided by law. Every gift helps to conserve, protect, and maintain natural areas within the Lake Erie Islands. You can be confident that your donation will be dedicated to the mission of the Park District.
Donations can be made to:
Put-in-Bay Township Park District
PO Box 177
Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
Board of Commissioners:
Three members of the Put-in-Bay Township Park District Board of Commissioners are appointed by the Ottawa County Court of Common Pleas to serve a term of three years and serve without pay. The present members of the Commission are Lisa Brohl, Kelly Faris, and Kendra Koehler. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am, Put-in-Bay Town Hall.
P.O. Box 461
Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
Advisory Council:
The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy is the Advisory Council to Put-in-Bay Township Park District. The LEIC has played and will continue to play a significant role in the maintenance and preservation of properties owned by the Park District. The Conservancy is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.