Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal 
By Dan Armitage
If you’ve done much fishing or cruising on Lake Erie’s western basin, you are likely familiar with the most remote and undeveloped of the three islands in the Bass Island chain: North Bass. With popular South Bass and Middle Bass islands to the south, North Bass has one of the richest and least disturbed cultural landscapes on Lake Erie. Archaeological evidence indicates human presence in the region as early as 17,000 years ago. Multiple Native Nations, including the Ottawa, Shawnee, Wyandot, and others, lived, traveled, and fished throughout the islands.
During the 1800s, North Bass played a role in border disputes following the War of 1812, before the island was officially placed within United States boundaries in 1913. The community flourished throughout the late 19th century as part of the renowned “Wine Islands,” producing grapes and wine that were shipped across the region. Historic homes, vineyards, fisheries, and community buildings once supported a population of nearly 200 residents.
ODNR purchased roughly 600 acres of the island in 2004, protecting two and a half miles of shoreline, coastal wetlands, and historic structures — many tied to Ohio’s grape‑growing heritage and early island settlement. The former North Bass School, the state’s last one‑room public schoolhouse, operated until 2005 and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
Up until recently not accessible to the public, today North Bass Island State Park preserves the remote, historically significant landscape while offering limited, low‑impact recreational opportunities. There are also two state wildlife areas on the island, a historicWelcome Center, and most recently, three historic island homes including the Ellington, Fox and Lake house that are now available for overnight stays.
For more information about the rentals call 419-609-4124. Due to the island’s remote setting, access is limited to private boat, charter service, or aircraft.
Forest comments welcomed
The Ohio Division of Forestry is holding three in-person open houses Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at three district offices. The Division’s forestry managers and foresters develop an annual work plan to guide specific management activities for 24 state forests in Ohio, encompassing more than 200,000 acres combined. The open house events provide opportunities for the public to ask questions and comment on Ohio’s plans for sustainable forestry, which include recreation, aesthetic value, treating invasive species, prescribed burning, and timber cruising and harvesting.
“Our state forests provide life-sustaining benefits to all Ohioans, and we value the opportunity to hear directly from the public,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “These open houses are a chance for people to learn about planned management activities, talk with forestry professionals, and provide feedback that helps shape the future of Ohio’s state forests.”
The open house events are as follows:
- Southeastern District, Athens Headquarters:
Monday, August 31, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
360 E. State St., Athens, 45701
For more information, call 740-272-8519 - Southern District, Chillicothe Headquarters:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
345 Allen Ave., Chillicothe, 45601
For more information, call 740-774-1596 - Northern District, Findlay Headquarters:
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
952 Lima Ave., Findlay, 45840
For more information, call 419-424-5004
Additional open house information and the 2026-2027 draft Annual Work Plan for State Forests are posted on the Division of Forestry’s State Forest Plans webpage.
If you would like to submit written comments, send an email with your name to: DNR-stateforestworkplancomments@dnr.ohio.gov.
Ohio boating topics discussed virtually
Speaking of open houses, the Ohio Waterways Safety Council is inviting the public to attend its next quarterly virtual meeting on Aug. 19 from 9-11:30 a.m. online. The WSC, a citizen advisory council, provides crucial input on boating issues to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft will brief council members on ongoing projects and current issues affecting recreational boating in Ohio, and the public is encouraged to join the conversation by logging on to Microsoft Teams Live at: rebrand.ly/wscouncil. For further information, contact Pat Brown 614-265-6352.
Report grouse and gobbler sightings
The public is encouraged to report sightings of wild turkeys and ruffed grouse as part of its annual population surveys. Anyone can submit observations on the Wildlife Reporting System webpage at wildohio.gov or on the HuntFish OH mobile app.
Biologists have tracked summer observations of wild turkeys since 1962 and of grouse since 1999. Wildlife biologists use public reports of wild turkeys and ruffed grouse each summer to estimate population statuses and reproductive success when most young turkeys and grouse can be distinguished from adults by size.
Observers of wild turkeys are asked to report the number of gobblers, hens, and young turkeys (poults) seen. Information collected about ruffed grouse includes the number of adults and young viewed. Community scientists are asked to record the date and county where the observation occurred and include as many details as possible with each report.
Wild turkey brood surveys in 2025 showed slightly below average results, with 2.7 poults per hen compared to the long-term average of 2.8. Wild turkey brood surveys in 2021 (3.1 poults per hen), 2022 (3.0), 2023 (2.8), and 2024 (2.9) showed strong nest productivity. The long-term average increased in 2024 because of recent turkey nest success, which is a good sign for Ohio’s turkey hunters!
