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ODNR
DEDICATES TWO STATE NATURE PRESERVES AT KELLEYS ISLAND
NEW ONE-MILE RECYCLED PLASTIC LUMBER BOARDWALK UNVEILED
October 2, 1999 - ODNR NEWS RELEASE
KELLEYS ISLAND,
OH -- Two new state nature preserves were dedicated today on Kelleys
Island, protecting more than 30 acres of prime habitat for birds, plants
and aquatic animals. Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director
Sam Speck joined state and local officials in dedicating North Pond and
North Shore Alvar state nature preserves. Both sites are located within
the 660-acre Kelleys Island State Park.
"These two
new state nature preserves are among the most significant natural areas in
Ohio," Speck said. "In a state as heavily populated and
industrialized as Ohio, green spaces such as these have become all the
more valuable, not only for the native plant and animal species found
here, but also as sorely needed avenues of escape for nature
enthusiasts."
During the event,
the state also unveiled a new one-mile recycled plastic lumber boardwalk
which winds through the area. The boardwalk was manufactured using five
different types of recycled plastic lumber.
"This new
recycled plastic boardwalk reemphasizes that recycling is working here in
Ohio," Speck said. "Technological advances have allowed us to
create a durable, environmentally friendly boardwalk that can provide
access to nature preserves such as these."
According to
Speck, the boardwalk will be used as a national model for similar outdoor
recreation projects. The boardwalk was created with the help of the ODNR
Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, Battelle Labs in Columbus,
the American Plastics Council and the Plastic Lumber Trade Association.
North Pond State
Nature Preserve, a 30-acre marsh that opens to Lake Erie, offers some of
the island's best birding opportunities and features several rare species
of aquatic plants. The half-acre North Shore Alvar State Nature Preserve
represents Ohio's last remaining intact alvar community. Alvars are
horizontal exposures of nearly barren limestone or dolomite which were
exposed by glaciers. The preserve is home to some unusual species of
plants such as the state-endangered northern bog violet and Kalm's
lobelia.
Ohio has 121
dedicated state nature preserves.
For Further Information Contact:
John Kopec, ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves
(614) 265-6458
-or-
Kelly Armfelt, ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention
(614) 265-6333
Natural Areas:
| Glacial
Grooves | North Shore Loop |
The
Alvar | East Quarry |
| Scheele
Preserve | North Pond Nature Preserve
| Inscription Rock | Home
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Last updated on
July 31, 2006
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