City's Park Board Tables ODNR Proposal

Proposal would stock fish at a local pond, but with a significant catch.

The Duke Park Pond (approximately 200 feet at the widest part) is being considered by ODNR for Public Fishing

In a recent meeting of the City of Troy's Board of Park Commissioners, one of the last agenda items provided the most interesting discussion: a potential fishing agreement for the small pond at Duke Park, as part of a new initiative by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The proposal aimed to enhance public fishing opportunities at the pond with the help of the ODNR.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources had contacted the city about entering into an agreement similar to one established with a public park in Sidney. One of the central features of this agreement was the annual stocking of rainbow trout in Duke Park's pond, a commitment that could be maintained as long as the agreement was in place. However, the agreement was flexible, allowing termination by either party at any time.

As the discussion unfolded, key elements of the proposal were highlighted. One amendment suggested was aligning fishing hours with park hours for clarity. The board appreciated the willingness of the ODNR to modify the agreement according to the specific needs of the municipality.

A major shift, however, came with the realization that entering into this agreement would require anglers older than age 16 at Duke Park to possess a fishing license, a change from current regulations where city-owned ponds, including Duke Park, did not require such licenses. While this could help regulate fishing activities and prevent overfishing, concerns were raised about its impact on casual fishers, particularly families and children.

The presence of an ODNR wildlife officer assigned to Miami County to patrol the park was another aspect of the agreement. This would enhance enforcement of fishing regulations and wouldn't burden the city's departments with these responsibilities.

Amid these discussions, board members expressed various concerns and perspectives. Some saw the proposal as a valuable opportunity to bring a new fishing experience to the community and appreciated the added law enforcement presence. Others, however, were worried about the potential deterrent effect on families who enjoyed casual fishing, fearing that the requirement for a fishing license could complicate a simple, leisurely activity.

Key questions emerged: How many trout would be stocked annually? Who would bear the cost of required signage to inform the public about the new licensing requirements? Would there be a grace period for people to adapt to these changes?

As these questions remained unanswered, the board decided to table the proposal. They agreed to gather more information, particularly on the stocking details and the potential impact on park users. The decision was driven by a desire to balance the benefits of the ODNR's initiative with the interests of the local community, ensuring that Duke Park remained a welcoming and accessible place for all.

In concluding the meeting, the board agreed to revisit the topic with more information, ensuring a decision that would best serve the needs and interests of the city's residents. The meeting closed, leaving the future of fishing at Duke Park a topic for another day.

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