Gas-powered boats won’t be allowed at Lake Hope State Park after a proposal to permit them on the tranquil lake faced a mountain of criticism.
The change would have allowed gas-powered boats on the lake at no-wake or idle speed, according to a July 15 Facebook post from Lake Hope State Park. The lake is currently restricted to electric motors only.
“After reviewing public feedback, (the Ohio Department of Natural Resources) ODNR has decided to not proceed with amending the rules related to the electric motor-only restriction,” ODNR spokesperson Andy Chow said.
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The idea faced strong opposition online and in letters to ODNR. Opponents questioned how the no-wake speed would be enforced. Within days, ODNR announced it wouldn’t move forward with the proposed change.
Lake Hope is a 2,983-acre state park in southeastern Ohio’s Vinton County. It’s located within the Zaleski State Forest and described as “a truly relaxing, yet rustic getaway from the high speed of modern life.”
State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@usatodayco.com or @jbalmert on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: After criticism, Ohio won’t allow gas-powered boats at state park
