The ODNR proposed an expansion of the Middle Bass Island State Park marina and has applied for a Clean Water Act Section 401 certification for the project. The public hearing was held October 11. The applicant’s Non-Degradation alternative would have no impacts on the waters of the state. The existing marina would continue to operate as is with the 26 transient docks (approximately 50 boats) in the southern basin and the seasonal docks and Middle Bass Yacht Club as is in the north basin. Their current preferred minimal degradation alternative includes marina expansion to 360 boat slips with under an acre of impacts to Category 3 wetlands, the removal of the peninsula (Category 1 wetland) separating the two marina basins, and moving the marina entrance to the north (closer to the Category 3 wetland.) Mitigation for the Category 3 wetlands includes a constructed wetland on the outside of the marina break wall and for the Category 1 peninsula, a project at East Harbor State Park. Final categorization of wetlands in the area is still in review. Copies of the application for the certification and technical support information including the conceptual mitigation plan may be made available by calling the OEPA at 614-644-2001. Written comments must be received by the Ohio EPA-DSW, Attention: Permits Processing Unit, P. O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 by Tuesday, October 25, 2005.

       I urge you to write in support of the Non-Degradation alternative until a suitable minimal degradation alternative can be proposed that would allow fixing the existing outer breakwaters and marina walls in the south basin for expansion of docks but still keep and enhance the center peninsula (Category 1 wetland.) There is no need currently for a 360 boat marina, a smaller marina would be sufficient without the negative wetland and water quality impacts and impacts on the community of marina closure for two years during construction. If the proposed project goes forward, the mitigation should all be done on Middle Bass Island and the entrance kept in the current location although repaired and modified. Middle Bass wetlands have been impacted by other projects and we do not need to lose anymore, Enhancement, protection by deed restriction, and mitigation offsite still do not keep Middle Bass Island from a net loss of wetlands, important migratory bird and Lake Erie water snake habitat.

Lisa Brohl, 419-285-5811 lkbrohl@thirdplanet.net

During testimony at a public hearing on October 11 on Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie, Audubon Ohio advised the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) that it opposes granting a permit to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for a proposed project on the island. The ODNR project, which would expand an existing state-owned marina and construct campground facilities on Middle Bass Island, would destroy critical wetlands - the most threatened ecosystem in Ohio - in a rare Lake Erie island habitat.

"We are disappointed that a state agency normally charged with protecting natural resources is actively seeking to destroy them," said Audubon Ohio Executive director Jerry Tinianow. "We hope the ODNR will reconsider this ill-advised project."

Middle Bass Island's wetlands are designated as Category 3, which the Ohio EPA identifies as the highest and most ecologically significant category of wetland subject to state regulation. The wetlands have a high level of biodiversity, containing mostly native species, and supporting superior habitat, flood water storage, water quality, and recreational functions.

In addition, the marina on Middle Bass Island sits within the territory of the Lake Erie Water Snake, a federally-listed threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. "While we understand that ODNR believes its proposed expansion of the marina will improve habitat for the snake, we are skeptical of this claim and believe that far more rigorous supporting evidence must be supplied," said Tinianow.

A full text of written testimony by Tinianow submitted to the Ohio EPA, underscoring Audubon Ohio's opposition to the project, can be found on the Audubon Ohio website.  

Middlebass Island Marina Public Notice (PDF)

Marina Mitigation and Enhancement Plan (PDF

Proposed Marina Diagram (JPEG)