Lakefront Preserve a gem for Port Clinton

On November 18th, officials from Port Clinton will proudly cut the ribbon celebrating the acquisition of 25 parcels along the Lake Erie shore. Known as the Lakefront preserve, the land includes over 12 acres of coastal wetlands, a marsh and a small beach. The land is located on a stretch of highway known as the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail of the National Scenic Byways Program. The city of Port Clinton had financial help from many sources, including the Ohio Office of the Trust for Public Land, Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund, and the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program--part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Coastal Management. The Black Swamp Conservancy will hold a conservation easement over the preserve. Local politicians devoted three years to planning and working out the details.

The Lakefront Preserve will fulfill a number of functions. Marshland acts as a natural flood zone as well as habitats for many wildlife species. The preserve is located in both the Atlantic and Mississippi flyover migratory bird routes. And hopefully the new preserve will bring in eco-tourists. Plans are underway for the construction of boardwalks and removal of Phragmites australis, an invasive plant that chokes off native species.

Ohio and Ottawa County play a significant role in conservation. Lake Erie has over 855 miles of shoreline, with 260 miles bordering Ohio and 100 miles in Ottawa county. Only 48.9 miles (16%) of Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline are accessible to the public. Port Clinton is bordered by both Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay. Port Clinton is also promoting Clearwater Preserve. Located on Sandusky Bay just south of the Lakefront Preserve, Clearwater Preserve has 700 acres primed for development, including marinas, golf courses, hotels, shops and restaurants.