User:Alykins12

=Grand Lake St. Marys=

>http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/grndlake/tabid/737/Default.aspx

The lake runs into Mississipi from the west and runs to Lake Erie along the east end. After the lake was finished, it suffered an odor problem for years. The constant change in water level, caused vegetaion to decay casuing a terrible smell that bothered residents. Also farmers were getting angry because they wanted paid for their parts of the land used in the lake. The farmers tried to vandalise the lake by creating a ditch through the water and land. The state decided to pay $17,000 to repair the damages and take care of the water levels.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
Today Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is widely visted and enjoyed by the people who live in St. Marys and from people all over. There are many activites and fun events to participate in at the park.

Camping

Camping is a major toutist actraction here along with boating. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park has 176 electronic campsites and 27 non- electric campsites. They also offer clean facilities that contain bathrooms, showers, laundry and dump stations. The campground contains a beach for swimmers and a boat dock and launch for registerd guest. They also provide bike rentals and a mini golf course. Recently the camp ground has added air conditioned cabins for rent.

Boating

Boating In St. Marys is also a major past time. There are eight state operated docks that are lake accessable. Also fuel boat rentals are provided. Fishing is alowed year round if you have a valid fishing license. You can fish for wall-eye, bass, blue gill, yellow perch and crappie.

The Park

At the park you can also swim at the four beaches that are around the lake. There are also swimming areas provided for boaters. The park contains many picnic shelters. Along the shleter houses runs a bike path for biking, walking, and any form of excercise. Lastlty the park offers basketball and volleyball courts, horeshoe pits, a dog park, and playground

Hunting

Hunting is a major past time in St. Marys. The state park allows you to hunt with a proper hunting license. There are also 70 availabale duck blinds.

Current Lake Health
Recently the lake is undergoing water quality problems. Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of health and Ohio Department of Natural Resources declared that the water must be sampled bi- weekly to look at fungi and algae levels. The algal toxin, Microcystin is below the worlds health organizations average level of exspectancy. Microcystin can potenially cause minor to severe heatlth problems to humans and animals if not kept under control. However the water was tested March 4, 2010 and the water is safe for the time being, however the water must remain being tested frequently. Ohio EPA is concerned with the rise of warm weather, that the Microcystin levels will rise. If this occcurs signs of advisory will be placed along the beaches and all water activities will be banned. Everything is under control at this point in time.