Hunting denied at new wetlands

The Hancock Park District Board of Park Commissioners on Tuesday denied a request to hunt waterfowl in the Wetland Restoration Area at Oakwoods Nature Preserve. Todd Richard had approached the park commissioners in July to request that hunting be allowed at the wetlands. The park commissioners tabled the proposal in September after further discussion. While the staff report indicated that Richard had requested to hunt waterfowl there, Richard corrected at Tuesday's board meeting that he had been speaking on behalf of multiple hunters. In summarizing the staff report, park district Director Gary Pruitt said it comes down to "compatibility" for that space. "It just doesn't seem appropriate," he said. A staff report advised that the Hancock Park District "should be satisfied with the designation of the south side of Litzenberg Memorial Woods as the only area in the Hancock Park System where hunting is permitted for the general public," noting that a hunting program has existed at that location for nearly three decades. "Anticipation of the Wetland Restoration Area transforming Oakwoods Nature Preserve into something quite wonderful because of interest in the wetlands (local and perhaps regional interest), nature-based outdoor recreation (such as hiking, photography and wildlife observation) and public programs and educational opportunities (on a year-round basis) is exciting and inspiring," the written report continues. "The Wetland Restoration Area is an accomplishment to be celebrated and an area to be proud of. The thought of closing the area for hunting and all that that entails may change the perspective." Two park district staff members who are themselves hunters provided input for Pruitt's written report. They also confirmed during the meeting that they feel hunting is not appropriate at Oakwoods. Pruitt said the recommendation from staff was unanimous. He also contacted other park districts to ask about their hunting policies. Park Commissioner Scott Younger said he was concerned that there are many children's programs at Oakwoods and it could be "unnerving" to hear a gunshot, even if it wasn't nearby. "It's designed to be a preserve," he said. "A nature preserve, not a hunting preserve." Park Commissioner Ed Ingold, however, said that he serves on some other boards that had received requests to hunt on their land and decided to turn it into a fundraiser, where they auctioned off permission to hunt there for only a few specific days. He said there might be such an opportunity for waterfowl hunting at Oakwoods. Richard said the hunters could be out of the area by 10 a.m. or noon, without the rest of the public knowing they were there. He questioned why the wetlands would be exclusively used by birdwatchers and hikers, and why hunting was not "appropriate." The commissioners voted not to permit hunting or trapping at the wetlands. Board members then voted to affirm that the park district's policy is to restrict public hunting and trapping solely to the south side of Litzenberg. Both votes were 2-1, with Ingold opposed. Natural Resource Manager Chad Carroll reported that the park district issued 40 permits for its "Hunting with Permission" game management program, but only 18 were used. Of these, 10 people harvested at least one animal, Carroll said, including six deer, 14 squirrels and one mallard duck. Park improvements The park commissioners also voted to authorize submitting a Clean Ohio Green Space Program grant application for the acquisition and development of land southwest of, and adjacent to, Blue Rock Nature Preserve at Park Street and Oakland Avenue. Pruitt said he expects such a grant application to be successful. The Hancock Park District would have to pay 25% of the cost, he said. Grant applications are due in January 2023. The park commissioners also voted to authorize an application to request funds from the state capital improvement budget for major renovations at Litzenberg Memorial Woods. The renovations would include the reconstruction of the entrance drive, parking lot, accessible trail in the woods, internal walkways and site amenities. The probable cost for design and development is approximately $1 million, and the Hancock Park District would have to pay for a portion of the project. Pruitt told staff he has been attending the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association conference and trade show and the sessions have been "relevant and thought-provoking." Among the topics discussed were the idea of expanding programming for preschoolers with the intent of building a lifelong love of parks. Arthurs: 419-427-8494