Hocking River waiting to be discovered -- January 8, 2001

The Hocking River may be one of Southeastern Ohio's best-kept secrets. So says Mike Greenlee, a fisheries biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Greenlee spoke at a public meeting yesterday about the recreational uses and economic importance of the river. He says various activities on the river such as canoeing and fishing can help make up for the lack of industry in the area.

Greenlee says, "We have tremendous natural resources--the Hocking River is an example of it and I think that we show that there is some economic value to recreation--whether it be angling, canoeing, or kayaking."

A survey shows most people want to see more Hocking River public access points, especially parking areas. Hocking Hills Canoe Livery owner Aaron Fox says the lack of access poses a threat to the river's protection.

"I feel a lot of people don't use the river because there is no access," Fox says. "It's not listed on any maps as having public access. I feel that's the biggest concern with the river--if people don't use it then it will never be protected."

Martin Hammar is secretary of the group Friends of the Hocking River. He says increased access will improve the community's appreciation of wildlife.

"We think that people will appreciate it more than if it's just something that's driven past," Hammar says. "You might see it, you might be amazed when it's flooding and so forth, but it's when people are actually on there that people can more appreciate what's going on."

Although they're in the minority, others who responded to a survey were opposed to additional Hocking River access to prevent overcrowding.