PEMBERVILLE — Communities along the Portage River in Wood, Ottawa and Sandusky counties are getting
together to create a water trail that runs from the village to Port Clinton.
A water trail is a series of safe and convenient access points to a river as designated by the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources, with parking and educational signage. Easy access encourages recreation
and also allows for trash cleanup and monitoring of the river’s health.
The public is invited to attend a public meeting to learn more about a Portage River Water Trail and to
be part of creating a new recreational and tourism asset in the region.
A local meeting will be held May 23 from 7-8 p.m. at the Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St.
Organizers are interested in birdwatching, fishing, access sites, river conditions and paddlers.
Local government officials will answer questions and share information. Scheduled to be at the forum are
officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources – division of State Parks and Watercraft, Toledo
Metropolitan Area Council of Governments and the Portage River Basin Council (a committee of TMACOG).

Some designated water trails in the area include East Sandusky Bay Water Trail sponsored by Erie
Metroparks, and the Maumee River Trail with a trail guide from Metroparks Toledo. ODNR has more
information about water trails at http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/watertrails
For more information about the proposed Portage Water Trail project, contact Sara Guiher, TMACOG water
quality planner at .419-241-9155 ext. 1147 or [email protected].