Senator Larry Mumper

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, schools have closed for the summer, and with all these events, the yearly family vacation is sure to be on everyone's minds.  While in the past, an ideal vacation might have included a cross-country drive to visit famous national landmarks or a flight to the coast to spend a few lazy days on the beach, the current high cost of fuel is changing many Ohioans' travel plans.

Of course we might see these conditions as restricting our summer vacations, but at the same time, they present a number of opportunities for us to experience the enriching family vacation fun that is available in our own backyards.  In particular, more than 74 state parks, which are only a short drive for many Ohioans, are venues for a myriad of outdoor activities.  In light of June having been designated Ohio Great Outdoors Month and with new legislation providing improved park safety, now is the perfect time to take advantage of one of Ohio's own vacation destinations.

Two years ago, President Bush declared that June would be Great Outdoors Month, a time in which Americans can focus on volunteerism and environmental conservation, as well as honor those who keep the nation's natural places beautiful.  Since that time, 28 states including Ohio not only have adopted Great Outdoors Month, but also have created other notable days that promote environmental awareness.  For example, the month of June includes National Trails Day, National Fishing and Boating Week, Get Outdoors Day and the Great American Backyard Campout, which is coming up on June 28.

To recognize Ohio Great Outdoors Month, Ohioans can visit one of the many state parks that the Ohio Division of Parks and Recreation, a part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), maintains and operates.  Each year, nearly 55 million people from all over the country travel to and around Ohio to camp in these parks.  In fact, one of Ohio's most famous and frequented state parks is located in the 26^th Senate District.  Logan County's Indian Lake State Park houses a 5,800 acre lake, as well as furnished cabins and miles of hiking trails.

And, throughout the year, the General Assembly has been working to ensure Ohioans' safety during their summer campouts or days at the lake.  For example, I sponsored legislation, which was recently signed by Governor Strickland, to enhance boating safety.  Senate Bill 271 makes a number of changes in Ohio's boating laws, including a "failure to control" provision, which aims to decrease the number of boating accidents and injuries that result from inexperienced or unruly boaters.  In addition, S.B. 271 creates a "no wake zone" that requires boaters to reduce their speed when passing a boat that provides a public service, such as a fireboat, law enforcement or search and rescue teams.  It also permits boat operators to "slow tow" ski tubes and other towable items in no wake zones.

Ohioans are fortunate to live in an area that, despite difficult economic times, provides many local, fun and enriching vacation activities.  Moreover, because of legislation that aims to improve park-goers' and boaters' safety, you can enjoy these outdoor activities with more peace of mind.

I encourage you to visit one of the many beautiful Ohio parks this summer.  If you would like more information on the park nearest you, visit the ODNR website at http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/ or contact this agency by phone at 1-866-644-6727.  To learn more about S.B. 271 and other legislation, go to the Ohio General Assembly's website:  http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/.