BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — The Crawford Park District is reminding visitors to follow its 18 property regulations to protect wildlife, preserve natural habitats and ensure public safety as the winter season approaches.
During a recent “Community Spotlight” interview, district representative Lori Morey outlined key rules enforced across park properties. Parks are open exclusively from sunrise to sunset unless visitors are attending a staff-led program. Guests must remain on official trails to prevent soil erosion, carry out all trash and refrain from removing rocks, plants, nuts, mushrooms or historical artifacts.
Additional regulations include:
- Pets: Dogs must be kept on leashes 8 feet or shorter. Pets are strictly prohibited at Sears Woods and Daughmer Savannah State Nature Preserves under Ohio Department of Natural Resources rules.
- Bikes and Vehicles: Bicycles are permitted only on the Unger Park multi-use trail; e-bikes, motorized vehicles and drones are banned across all trails. Overnight parking is prohibited.
- Water and Ice: Catch-and-release fishing without a license is permitted in the ponds at Lowe-Volk and Unger parks, while river fishing requires an Ohio license. Swimming, wading, ice skating and ice fishing are prohibited on all park ponds.
- Hunting: Hunting is restricted to Crawford County residents at the Sandusky Wildlife Area or to permit winners of the Sears Woods lottery.
Alongside the rule reminders, Morey announced the district’s winter schedule running from December through February. Upcoming events include December’s Holiday Decoration Workshop, “Face to Face: Snakes” and a Madagascar hissing cockroach giveaway. January features the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a photography exhibit by Megan Brown and “Viewing the Night Sky.” February rounds out the season with bird feeder painting, a “Visions of Nature” art history presentation, nature doodling and the annual late-February Skunk Cabbage Hike.
Full rules and event schedules are available at crawfordparkdistrict.org.