PAGE 8 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
Now Renting Penske Trucks!
WE SELL MOVING SUPPLIES
BATAVIA EASTFORK O D D
CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO Learn More About East Fork State Park’s Camping, Boating & Wildlife
SELF-STORAGE
S TO R E YOUR:
R . V. ’ S B O AT S
CA MP IN G SU P PL IES
P A G E S
Autumn 2014
C A MP ERS
FISHI NG SU P PL IES
JET SKI’S
OHIO - America’s Finest State Park System www.ohiostateparks.org - email: east.fork.parks@dnr.state.oh.us Park Office (513) 734-4323 Camp Office (513) 724-6521 In This Issue • Fall and Winter boating tips • Boar Report • Camping Map • Park and Hunting Maps • Trail Map • William H. Harsha Lake and East Fork State Park Event Information
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS • 24 HOUR ACCESS • FULLY FENCED/LIGHTED • KEYCODE ENTRY/EXIT
• OUTSIDE STORAGE • VARIETY OF UNIT SIZES • HIGH CEILINGS IN UNITS
2644 OLD STATE ROUTE 32, BATAVIA, OH 45103
(513) 724-7233
Sun Group
NEWSPAPERS
The East Fork State Park campground is a popular stay-over for Pumpkin Run enthusiasts.
PAGE 2 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS • PAGE 7
THE BOAR REPORT MIKE ARNOLD - The BoarsHead Bait & Carryout
Boar’s Head Report Mike Arnold, Owner 724-1211 Howdy Everyone, Fall is here and with colors in the trees and the air temp.
falls. Fishing is good and it shows with good catches of crappie. Lots of numbers, but not size - but they will get going. Also, look in the back of coves and creeks at 10 feet or less. Large mouth bass are getting caught on spinner baits, jigs and plastic baits. They had the first muskie tournament on the lake with only two fish caught at 34 inch and a 36 inch fish. They released more the week of September 25. Striper have been doing good this fall. Also look to flats by the campground beach and main beach area. Now with fall brings hunting season which starts with squirrel and dove
E AST FORK STATE PARK CAMPSITE GUIDE
East Fork Fishing & Hunting Report
and deer season opened September 27 and will run till February 1, 2015. Fox, raccoon, skunk and weasel open November 10 to January 31, 2015. And coyote season runs all year round and we need to get some of these gone. There are too many of them. There also is fall turkey season which starts October 13 to November 30 and deer gun week is December 1 to
December 7. The youth gun weekend is November 22 23, so take a youth out. It is always good to see them get their first deer. Thanks all for now! Until next time good fishing and hunting to all! Always be safe and wear that life jacket and wear hunter orange so you can be seen by other hunters.
Mike Arnold Boar’s Head Bait & Carryout 513-724-1211
Portman hosts discussion about toxic algae Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) was in Clermont County Thursday, Aug. 21 to tour Harsha Lake at East Fork State Park and host a roundtable discussion about toxic freshwater algae blooms. On June 23, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory for the campground and main beaches at Harsha Lake due to a harmful algae bloom called microcystin. The toxin has been shown to affect the liver and cause other health problems, and the advisory warned the elderly, the young, and those with compromised immune systems against swimming
or wading in the water. The advisory has since been lifted, but state and federal officials are paying increased attention to the growing problem of freshwater algae blooms. “I came to see what’s going on in terms of dealing with this increasing problem of toxic algae blooms which can be dangerous for humans,” Portman said. Portman toured Harsha Lake with East Fork State Park Manager Chad Smith, and Clermont Crew head coach Paul Schmid. Smith pointed out the areas particularly affected by the bloom, and Schmid dis-
Call Rene or Lee To Advertise In The EAST FORK STATE PARK N.E.W.S.
PHONE: (513) 732-2511 OR 1 (800) 404-3157
cussed how the blooms affect rowing teams like the Clermont Crew and others who use the lake. Rowing competitions, drawing thousands of competitors and spectators to the lake each year, have a multimillion dollar impact on the local economy. Portman is the author of legislation dealing with freshwater algae blooms which was recently signed into law by the president. The Harmful Algal blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2013 was reauthorized by the legislation, and a section dealing providing for monitoring and research efforts on the Great Lakes and other fresh water bodies was negotiated by Sen. Portman. Portman said that in the past, algal blooms have been primarily a salt water problem, but increasing blooms in
fresh water are beginning to have a serious impact. “A couple of weeks ago in Toledo they had to tell people not to drink the water because of toxins from an algal bloom got in the water,” Portman said. “We don’t want that to happen again, and we don’t want that to happen here.” Portman said his legislation coordinates the efforts of federal agencies, focuses state and federal efforts on fresh water algal blooms, and ensures that federal research and monitoring efforts are
usable at the local level. “I’m hopeful that this will help,” Portman said. Following the tour Portman led a roundtable discussion which included representatives from the Clermont County Farm Bureau, the Ohio EPA, the US EPA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Geological Survey, the Clermont County Water and Soil Conservation District, the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau and others.
Get Ready For
2015 ROWING REGATTAS April 11: Cincinnati High School Invitational May 16 & 17: Midwest Junior Rowing Championships July 14 - 18: US Rowing Club Nationals
E AST FORK STATE PARK TRAIL MAP
E V E N P A G E S
PAGE 6 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
E AST FORK STATE PARK - PARK MAP
O D D P A G E S
E AST FORK STATE PARK HUNTING MAP NOTE No hunting within 400 feet of any picnic area, construction area, residence, barn, service building, shelter house, beach, backpack trail, parking lot, road or other structures or driveway within any area administered by the Division of Parks and Recreation. No Sunday hunting on Park Administered land. Hunting of all game, except waterfowl, is prohibited on state park administered areas on Sunday. HUNTING IS PROHIBITED WITHIN 200 FT. OF THE STEVE NEWMAN WORLDWALKER PERIMETER TRAIL ON THE WILDLIFE AREA.
EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS • PAGE 3
Preventative procedures the best defense against heartworms
For many Americans, the most cherished childhood memories revolve around time spent with a favorite family pet. While time spent using a string to play with your cat or running across a field with your dog are indeed happy memories, the sudden death of a pet can be a sorrowful time for youngsters and adults alike. Each year, thousands of family pets fall ill due to the presence of illness caused by parasites, but such problems ca be treated or prevented with a little education and tender loving care. Heartworm, a slow-developing parasitic infection affecting dogs throughout North America, involves the infestation of a dog’s heart by up to hundreds of long, thin, white worms that reproduce and grow until a dog’s heart can no longer pump enough blood to keep the dog alive. The infection can take up to two years to show any physical signs, and even then it could be overlooked. “The first sign of heartworm disease is that there is no sign, the dog looks perfectly healthy,” said Dr. Debbie Chalker with Georgetown Animal Hospital. After that, usually the next sign is weight loss and coughing. It can cause organ failure including heart, kidney, or liver failure. Heartworms spread from dog to dog by mosquitos. The heartworm reproduces through young worms that live in the blood stream. When bitten by the insect, some of these young are then consumed and transported by bites to healthy dogs. Eventually, the young worms grow into adults and the cycle begins anew. “We always have dogs tested, starting at five months or older. You can actually kill the dog if you start it on certain types of prevention before being tested. Depending on the size of the dog and if you want flea protections, it runs from $5 to $20 a month.” The best step to take is pre-
vention, which can begin with puppies. It is estimated that 30% of dogs and cats in the area have heartworms. “If a dog already has heartworm, they need to be treated with medicine to treat it. It can be complicated, they can take a preventive medicine to keep the dog from getting more until it can be treated, but it won’t treat what’s already there. When a dog is diagnosed with heartworm, the procedure to eliminate the infection can be time consuming and expensive. Typically, Chalker said that clearing up an infection takes a week of rest at the vet’s office, plus an additional six weeks of rest at home to prevent secondary problems. The worm is actually killed with medicine, so no surgery is involved, but the procedure must be followed up with preventative medicine to keep the dog from getting heartworm in the future. “If the dog is infected, it’s an injection in the back a day for two days,” said Chalker. The six weeks of rest prevent pulmonary embolisms which could potentially kill the dog. Then they come back in two weeks after the treatment to start on prevention.” Chalker said that, while rare, some cases of heartworm have been found in humans. Preventative medicine is also available for cats. What are heartworms? Heartworms are long, thin, white worms that live in the heart and adjoining blood vessels. During the adult life cycle, the female produce young called microfilariae. These microfilariae live in the dog’s bloodstream. How do dogs get heartworms? Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it feeds on the blood which contains microfilaria. After 10 to 30 days in the mosquito’s system, the microfilariae become infected larvae. When the mosquito bites a healthy dog, the animal is infected with lar-
vae which then grow into adult heartworms. Even if a dog has a thick coat, that is no protection against heartworm disease. Mosquitoes can bite into areas with less hair - in the stomach area or on the face and nose. Indoor dogs have as much chance of getting heartworms as dogs that live their lives outside. Most dogs are outside at some time during the day, and mosquitoes can enter houses also. Is heartworm disease widespread? Because the disease is transmitted my mosquitoes, it is especially serious where mosquitoes are predominant. The disease is now present all across the U.S. and Canada. What are the symptoms? By the time symptoms appear, heartworm disease has reached an advanced condition. It may take a number of years for symptoms to develop. Coughing, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss are all typical signs. Severely infected dogs may die suddenly during exertion or excitement. How are dogs tested for heartworms? The test most frequently used involves drawing a blood sample form the dog. The sample is examined under a microscope for the presence of microfilariae. A snap heartworm antigen test is performed to test for adult heartworms. If a dog is diagnosed to have heartworm disease, a treatment program is set up to remove both adult worms and microfilariae. Can heartworms be prevented? After a dog is tested and found to be negative, it can be started on a preventative medication. This medication keeps the dog form getting infected if it is bitten by mosquitoes carrying the heartworm larvae. Your veterinarian will advise you about type of preventatives and corrct dosages.
PREVENT FLEA INFESTATIONS ON YOUR PETS AND IN YOUR HOME. Because 95% of the flea population in your home is made up of eggs, pupae, and wormlike larvae, the only way to stop infestations and prevent new ones from occurring is to break the flea life cycle at an immature stage. “Call us so we can help you prevent or treat flea infestation.”
N.S. Lodwick, D.V.M. • J.E. Gish, D.V.M. • D.C. Chalker, D.V.M. Office Hours by Appointment 9242 Hamer Rd., Georgetown, Ohio
(937) 378-6334
G EORGETOWN ANIMAL HOSPITAL “The Vet With a Heart” For camping reservations call or go online to the following:
866-644-6727 or www.ohiostateparks.org East Fork Camp Office: (513)724-6521 East Fork Park Office: (513)734-4323 NOTE: Both parks campground offices have seasonal and varied hours of operation For more details, maps and other brochures for East Fork State Park and Stonelick State Park call or e-mail the main office at the following:
(513)734-4323 or East.Fork.Parks@dnr.state.oh.us THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING OHIO STATE PARKS
Trester Auto Parts 995 Highway 28 (1 mile north of 275) Milford, Ohio PHONE:
(513) 831-9141
PAGE 4 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
Begin Your Day at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center Autumn means beautiful scenery, pleasant picnics and hiking adventures. Begin your exploration of the park at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center open daily through mid October. Conveniently located off SR 222 between the north and south entrances of East Fork State Park, you can pick up trail and park maps, a calendar of events, and other information. Displays allow you to discover the natural history of the park and missions of the Corps. The Deer Ridge Trail, an Overlook, and reservable Picnic Shelter shown above are located near the Visitor Center. For more information about programs, volunteer opportunities, shelter reservations, etc. call the Park Ranger at (513) 797-6081. The Corps Operations area also has fishing access, a boat ramp, hiking trails, and a second reservable shelter in the Tailwater. The Emergency Spillway is popular for flying kites, hunting fossils, and flying model airplanes. Views from the Saddle Dam attract walkers and joggers. And this is all just fifteen minutes from East Fork State Park!
2014 Calendar of Events U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - William H. Harsha Lake October 13 ................Columbus Day 17 ................Not Quite Halloween Campout 24 ................28th Annual Halloween Campout - The supreme park event has the thrills of Halloween mixed with the experience of fall camping. Trick or Treat tops off these weekends! Regular camping fees apply. Call EFSP at 513-734-4323 for dates and details. Or call 1 866-644-6727 to make reservations up to six months in advance for either weekend. Check the Ohio State Parks website for a link to online reservations.
November 11 ................Veteran's Day 27 ................Thanksgiving
December 1 ..................Lake drawdown ends at 729 msl (mean sea level) 25 ................Christmas
(513) 753-5234
AWADS UPHOLSTERY Auto Steam Cleaning Headliners & Convertible Tops
Repair or replace bike, car, boat, truck or tractor seats. Also Camper Cushions! Covers for Anything!
Come in for a FREE Estimate 1728 State Rt. 125, Amelia, OH 45102
EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS • PAGE 5
East Fork State Park 2014 Events
Safety tips for fall and winter boating Although the term “boating season” is generally thought of as the time between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, many boaters find that fall and even early winter months are a great time to enjoy southern Ohio’s beautiful lakes. Lakes are less crowded this time of year, and mild temperatures make for pleasant days on the water for hunters, fishermen and recreational boaters. But the U.S. Coast Guard reports that boaters involved in accidents are at the greatest risk of dying in the fall months (OctoberDecember). Although the air may still be warm, the water is colder. Fewer boats on the lake also mean fewer people to help rescue boaters in distress. With those facts in mind, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to call boaters’ attention to these safety tips for fall and winter boating: 1. Check the Weather – The weather in the fall and winter can change dramatically with little or no warning. Always check the local forecast just before going out on the water. A forecast of windy conditions means the water will be rough, even if it doesn’t look that way at the moment. 2. Prepare a Float Plan – Leave a description of your boat (including registration number), the number of people on board, the area where you will be boating, and the time you expect to leave and return with a friend or family member. If you are reported missing on the water, it is
extremely helpful for rescuers to know what area of the lake you should be in. If your boat has capsized, time is of the essence. A good float plan could mean the difference between life and death. 3. Carry Emergency Supplies – A radio or cell phone, dry clothes, a flashlight with batteries, food and fresh water, matches in a water-proof bag, and flares or a signal kit are all items that should be on board during cold-weather boating. Of course, the most important piece of emergency equipment on any boat is your life jacket, or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). If you capsize or fall overboard during the cold-water months, your chances of survival increase dramatically if you are wearing your PFD. 4. Know the Facts about Hypothermia – Cold water conducts heat out of the body approximately 25 times faster than air does. If you go overboard into cold water, your core temperature will begin to drop within 10 to 15 minutes. Focus all of your effort into getting out of the water as quickly as possible. Climb onto anything floating to get your body out of the water. If getting out of the water is impossible, remember these survival tips: Don’t take off your clothes; they trap air and help keep you afloat, in addition to trapping body heat. Cover your head and keep it above water, if possible. In cold water, about half of your heat loss comes from the head. Don’t panic; draw your knees to your chest in the
Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P), protecting the major areas of heat loss. If there are other people in the water with you, huddle together with one person in the middle of the huddle. Rotating the person in the middle allows everyone to benefit from the trapped body heat of the other members of the huddle. Don’t try to swim, unless you can swim to reach a nearby boat, floating object, or another person. Swimming releases the warm water trapped between your body and your clothing and causes “warm” blood to be sent to your extremities. As a result, swimming can actually reduce your survival time by as much as 50 percent. Remain as still as possible, even if it’s painful. Intense shivering and severe pain are natural body reflexes in cold water. They will not kill you, but heat loss will. When you are in the water in cold weather, remaining still gives you the best chance of survival. 5. Leave the Alcohol at Home – Drinking impairs judgment and coordination and is often a major factor in boating accidents. If boaters do end up in the water during the cold weather months, judgment and coordination are critical factors in staying alive. There’s nothing quite like a clear, crisp autumn day on the water. The Corps of Engineers hopes that, by following these safety tips, you will be able to enjoy many more to come.
For More Information On William H. Harsha Lake Go To: http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lakes/WilliamHHarshaLake.aspx
May 2-3 ....................Gold Rush Days Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 3 .......................21st annual River Sweep: (East Fork & Stonelick) 9:00am–12:00pm. Call (513)732-7075 or go to http://clermontswcd.org/cleanup.aspx 3-4 ....................Ohio Free Fishing Day: Available everywhere fishing is allowed. For more details call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) 16-18 ................Midwest Junior Rowing Regatta: (East Fork State Park) Main beach. 23-26 ................Memorial Weekend Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
OTHER EVENTS
June 7 .......................Kids Fishing Day: (East Fork State Park)
EAST FORK FISHING TOURNAMENTS TUESDAY EVENING BASS TOURNAMENTS: Call (513)706-0175 for details and to enter.
July 4-6 ....................4th of July Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 18-20 ................Christmas in July: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
August 29 .....................Labor Day Campout begins: (East Fork…See September)
FIREWOOD ALERT
September 8/29-9/1 ............Labor Day Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 19-20 ................Car Show: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
October 3-4 ....................Western Fall Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 17-19 ................Not Quite Halloween campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 24-26 ................Halloween Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
East Fork State Park Fees - Camping: April 1st - October 31st 2014 *REGULAR RATES* Electric Campsites Full Hook Up’s Cedar Cabins Cedar Cabins (per week)
Sun - Thur
Fri & Sat
$26.00 $33.00 $75.00 $450.00
$27.00 $34.00 $75.00 $450.00
BOAR’S HEAD CRAPPIE TOURNAMENTS: Call (513)724-1211 for details and to enter.
*Holiday Weekends* Fri, Sat & Sun $28.00 $35.00 $75.00 $450.00
It is illegal to move firewood and ash tree materials out of Ohio’s quarantined areas. These materials may harbor Emerald Ash Borer, a major threat to Ohio’s ash trees. For more details please call: 1-888-OHIO EAB (1-888-644-6322)
Life Jacket Loaners for Children Boaters who need child sized Life Jackets may borrow them from the Corps Visitor Center for the day or weekend
Discounted Rates *GOLDEN BUCKEYE For information call 1-800-422-1976 Electric Campsites Full Hook Up’s Cedar Cabins
Sun-Thur 50% OFF $13.00
Fri & Sat 10% OFF $24.30
$16.50
$30.60
10% discount only $67.50 Cedar Cabins (per week) 10% discount only $405.00 Turkey Ridge Shelter $65.00 GOLDEN BUCKEYE Turkey Ridge 10% Discount $58.50 PASSPORT AMERICA Sun -Wed To Purchase Call Only (1-800-283-7183)
*HOLIDAYS*
10% discount only $67.50 10% discount only $405.00 $65.00
Fri & Sat $25.20 Sunday $14.00 Fri & Sat $31.50 Sunday $17.50 10% discount only $67.50 10% discount only $405.00 $65.00
10% Discount $58.50 CAN ONLY BE USED ELECTRIC & FULL HOOK UP SITES
10% Discount $58.50 50% discount electric $13.00 full hook ups $16.50
CAMPERS EXTRA VEHICLE PASS & VISITOR PASS (per vehicle) - $3.00 For Winter Rates and Availability, Please Call 513-734-4323
AUTO HOME BUSINESS BONDS Call us for all your insurance needs 122 Water Street, Milford, OH
513-831-7900 www.lovins-ins.com
E V E N P A G E S
PAGE 4 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
Begin Your Day at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center Autumn means beautiful scenery, pleasant picnics and hiking adventures. Begin your exploration of the park at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center open daily through mid October. Conveniently located off SR 222 between the north and south entrances of East Fork State Park, you can pick up trail and park maps, a calendar of events, and other information. Displays allow you to discover the natural history of the park and missions of the Corps. The Deer Ridge Trail, an Overlook, and reservable Picnic Shelter shown above are located near the Visitor Center. For more information about programs, volunteer opportunities, shelter reservations, etc. call the Park Ranger at (513) 797-6081. The Corps Operations area also has fishing access, a boat ramp, hiking trails, and a second reservable shelter in the Tailwater. The Emergency Spillway is popular for flying kites, hunting fossils, and flying model airplanes. Views from the Saddle Dam attract walkers and joggers. And this is all just fifteen minutes from East Fork State Park!
2014 Calendar of Events U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - William H. Harsha Lake October 13 ................Columbus Day 17 ................Not Quite Halloween Campout 24 ................28th Annual Halloween Campout - The supreme park event has the thrills of Halloween mixed with the experience of fall camping. Trick or Treat tops off these weekends! Regular camping fees apply. Call EFSP at 513-734-4323 for dates and details. Or call 1 866-644-6727 to make reservations up to six months in advance for either weekend. Check the Ohio State Parks website for a link to online reservations.
November 11 ................Veteran's Day 27 ................Thanksgiving
December 1 ..................Lake drawdown ends at 729 msl (mean sea level) 25 ................Christmas
(513) 753-5234
AWADS UPHOLSTERY Auto Steam Cleaning Headliners & Convertible Tops
Repair or replace bike, car, boat, truck or tractor seats. Also Camper Cushions! Covers for Anything!
Come in for a FREE Estimate 1728 State Rt. 125, Amelia, OH 45102
EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS • PAGE 5
East Fork State Park 2014 Events
Safety tips for fall and winter boating Although the term “boating season” is generally thought of as the time between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, many boaters find that fall and even early winter months are a great time to enjoy southern Ohio’s beautiful lakes. Lakes are less crowded this time of year, and mild temperatures make for pleasant days on the water for hunters, fishermen and recreational boaters. But the U.S. Coast Guard reports that boaters involved in accidents are at the greatest risk of dying in the fall months (OctoberDecember). Although the air may still be warm, the water is colder. Fewer boats on the lake also mean fewer people to help rescue boaters in distress. With those facts in mind, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to call boaters’ attention to these safety tips for fall and winter boating: 1. Check the Weather – The weather in the fall and winter can change dramatically with little or no warning. Always check the local forecast just before going out on the water. A forecast of windy conditions means the water will be rough, even if it doesn’t look that way at the moment. 2. Prepare a Float Plan – Leave a description of your boat (including registration number), the number of people on board, the area where you will be boating, and the time you expect to leave and return with a friend or family member. If you are reported missing on the water, it is
extremely helpful for rescuers to know what area of the lake you should be in. If your boat has capsized, time is of the essence. A good float plan could mean the difference between life and death. 3. Carry Emergency Supplies – A radio or cell phone, dry clothes, a flashlight with batteries, food and fresh water, matches in a water-proof bag, and flares or a signal kit are all items that should be on board during cold-weather boating. Of course, the most important piece of emergency equipment on any boat is your life jacket, or Personal Flotation Device (PFD). If you capsize or fall overboard during the cold-water months, your chances of survival increase dramatically if you are wearing your PFD. 4. Know the Facts about Hypothermia – Cold water conducts heat out of the body approximately 25 times faster than air does. If you go overboard into cold water, your core temperature will begin to drop within 10 to 15 minutes. Focus all of your effort into getting out of the water as quickly as possible. Climb onto anything floating to get your body out of the water. If getting out of the water is impossible, remember these survival tips: Don’t take off your clothes; they trap air and help keep you afloat, in addition to trapping body heat. Cover your head and keep it above water, if possible. In cold water, about half of your heat loss comes from the head. Don’t panic; draw your knees to your chest in the
Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P), protecting the major areas of heat loss. If there are other people in the water with you, huddle together with one person in the middle of the huddle. Rotating the person in the middle allows everyone to benefit from the trapped body heat of the other members of the huddle. Don’t try to swim, unless you can swim to reach a nearby boat, floating object, or another person. Swimming releases the warm water trapped between your body and your clothing and causes “warm” blood to be sent to your extremities. As a result, swimming can actually reduce your survival time by as much as 50 percent. Remain as still as possible, even if it’s painful. Intense shivering and severe pain are natural body reflexes in cold water. They will not kill you, but heat loss will. When you are in the water in cold weather, remaining still gives you the best chance of survival. 5. Leave the Alcohol at Home – Drinking impairs judgment and coordination and is often a major factor in boating accidents. If boaters do end up in the water during the cold weather months, judgment and coordination are critical factors in staying alive. There’s nothing quite like a clear, crisp autumn day on the water. The Corps of Engineers hopes that, by following these safety tips, you will be able to enjoy many more to come.
For More Information On William H. Harsha Lake Go To: http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lakes/WilliamHHarshaLake.aspx
May 2-3 ....................Gold Rush Days Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 3 .......................21st annual River Sweep: (East Fork & Stonelick) 9:00am–12:00pm. Call (513)732-7075 or go to http://clermontswcd.org/cleanup.aspx 3-4 ....................Ohio Free Fishing Day: Available everywhere fishing is allowed. For more details call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) 16-18 ................Midwest Junior Rowing Regatta: (East Fork State Park) Main beach. 23-26 ................Memorial Weekend Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
OTHER EVENTS
June 7 .......................Kids Fishing Day: (East Fork State Park)
EAST FORK FISHING TOURNAMENTS TUESDAY EVENING BASS TOURNAMENTS: Call (513)706-0175 for details and to enter.
July 4-6 ....................4th of July Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 18-20 ................Christmas in July: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
August 29 .....................Labor Day Campout begins: (East Fork…See September)
FIREWOOD ALERT
September 8/29-9/1 ............Labor Day Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 19-20 ................Car Show: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
October 3-4 ....................Western Fall Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 17-19 ................Not Quite Halloween campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply 24-26 ................Halloween Campout: (East Fork State Park) Camping Fees Apply
East Fork State Park Fees - Camping: April 1st - October 31st 2014 *REGULAR RATES* Electric Campsites Full Hook Up’s Cedar Cabins Cedar Cabins (per week)
Sun - Thur
Fri & Sat
$26.00 $33.00 $75.00 $450.00
$27.00 $34.00 $75.00 $450.00
BOAR’S HEAD CRAPPIE TOURNAMENTS: Call (513)724-1211 for details and to enter.
*Holiday Weekends* Fri, Sat & Sun $28.00 $35.00 $75.00 $450.00
It is illegal to move firewood and ash tree materials out of Ohio’s quarantined areas. These materials may harbor Emerald Ash Borer, a major threat to Ohio’s ash trees. For more details please call: 1-888-OHIO EAB (1-888-644-6322)
Life Jacket Loaners for Children Boaters who need child sized Life Jackets may borrow them from the Corps Visitor Center for the day or weekend
Discounted Rates *GOLDEN BUCKEYE For information call 1-800-422-1976 Electric Campsites Full Hook Up’s Cedar Cabins
Sun-Thur 50% OFF $13.00
Fri & Sat 10% OFF $24.30
$16.50
$30.60
10% discount only $67.50 Cedar Cabins (per week) 10% discount only $405.00 Turkey Ridge Shelter $65.00 GOLDEN BUCKEYE Turkey Ridge 10% Discount $58.50 PASSPORT AMERICA Sun -Wed To Purchase Call Only (1-800-283-7183)
*HOLIDAYS*
10% discount only $67.50 10% discount only $405.00 $65.00
Fri & Sat $25.20 Sunday $14.00 Fri & Sat $31.50 Sunday $17.50 10% discount only $67.50 10% discount only $405.00 $65.00
10% Discount $58.50 CAN ONLY BE USED ELECTRIC & FULL HOOK UP SITES
10% Discount $58.50 50% discount electric $13.00 full hook ups $16.50
CAMPERS EXTRA VEHICLE PASS & VISITOR PASS (per vehicle) - $3.00 For Winter Rates and Availability, Please Call 513-734-4323
AUTO HOME BUSINESS BONDS Call us for all your insurance needs 122 Water Street, Milford, OH
513-831-7900 www.lovins-ins.com
E V E N P A G E S
PAGE 6 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
E AST FORK STATE PARK - PARK MAP
O D D P A G E S
E AST FORK STATE PARK HUNTING MAP NOTE No hunting within 400 feet of any picnic area, construction area, residence, barn, service building, shelter house, beach, backpack trail, parking lot, road or other structures or driveway within any area administered by the Division of Parks and Recreation. No Sunday hunting on Park Administered land. Hunting of all game, except waterfowl, is prohibited on state park administered areas on Sunday. HUNTING IS PROHIBITED WITHIN 200 FT. OF THE STEVE NEWMAN WORLDWALKER PERIMETER TRAIL ON THE WILDLIFE AREA.
EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS • PAGE 3
Preventative procedures the best defense against heartworms
For many Americans, the most cherished childhood memories revolve around time spent with a favorite family pet. While time spent using a string to play with your cat or running across a field with your dog are indeed happy memories, the sudden death of a pet can be a sorrowful time for youngsters and adults alike. Each year, thousands of family pets fall ill due to the presence of illness caused by parasites, but such problems ca be treated or prevented with a little education and tender loving care. Heartworm, a slow-developing parasitic infection affecting dogs throughout North America, involves the infestation of a dog’s heart by up to hundreds of long, thin, white worms that reproduce and grow until a dog’s heart can no longer pump enough blood to keep the dog alive. The infection can take up to two years to show any physical signs, and even then it could be overlooked. “The first sign of heartworm disease is that there is no sign, the dog looks perfectly healthy,” said Dr. Debbie Chalker with Georgetown Animal Hospital. After that, usually the next sign is weight loss and coughing. It can cause organ failure including heart, kidney, or liver failure. Heartworms spread from dog to dog by mosquitos. The heartworm reproduces through young worms that live in the blood stream. When bitten by the insect, some of these young are then consumed and transported by bites to healthy dogs. Eventually, the young worms grow into adults and the cycle begins anew. “We always have dogs tested, starting at five months or older. You can actually kill the dog if you start it on certain types of prevention before being tested. Depending on the size of the dog and if you want flea protections, it runs from $5 to $20 a month.” The best step to take is pre-
vention, which can begin with puppies. It is estimated that 30% of dogs and cats in the area have heartworms. “If a dog already has heartworm, they need to be treated with medicine to treat it. It can be complicated, they can take a preventive medicine to keep the dog from getting more until it can be treated, but it won’t treat what’s already there. When a dog is diagnosed with heartworm, the procedure to eliminate the infection can be time consuming and expensive. Typically, Chalker said that clearing up an infection takes a week of rest at the vet’s office, plus an additional six weeks of rest at home to prevent secondary problems. The worm is actually killed with medicine, so no surgery is involved, but the procedure must be followed up with preventative medicine to keep the dog from getting heartworm in the future. “If the dog is infected, it’s an injection in the back a day for two days,” said Chalker. The six weeks of rest prevent pulmonary embolisms which could potentially kill the dog. Then they come back in two weeks after the treatment to start on prevention.” Chalker said that, while rare, some cases of heartworm have been found in humans. Preventative medicine is also available for cats. What are heartworms? Heartworms are long, thin, white worms that live in the heart and adjoining blood vessels. During the adult life cycle, the female produce young called microfilariae. These microfilariae live in the dog’s bloodstream. How do dogs get heartworms? Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it feeds on the blood which contains microfilaria. After 10 to 30 days in the mosquito’s system, the microfilariae become infected larvae. When the mosquito bites a healthy dog, the animal is infected with lar-
vae which then grow into adult heartworms. Even if a dog has a thick coat, that is no protection against heartworm disease. Mosquitoes can bite into areas with less hair - in the stomach area or on the face and nose. Indoor dogs have as much chance of getting heartworms as dogs that live their lives outside. Most dogs are outside at some time during the day, and mosquitoes can enter houses also. Is heartworm disease widespread? Because the disease is transmitted my mosquitoes, it is especially serious where mosquitoes are predominant. The disease is now present all across the U.S. and Canada. What are the symptoms? By the time symptoms appear, heartworm disease has reached an advanced condition. It may take a number of years for symptoms to develop. Coughing, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss are all typical signs. Severely infected dogs may die suddenly during exertion or excitement. How are dogs tested for heartworms? The test most frequently used involves drawing a blood sample form the dog. The sample is examined under a microscope for the presence of microfilariae. A snap heartworm antigen test is performed to test for adult heartworms. If a dog is diagnosed to have heartworm disease, a treatment program is set up to remove both adult worms and microfilariae. Can heartworms be prevented? After a dog is tested and found to be negative, it can be started on a preventative medication. This medication keeps the dog form getting infected if it is bitten by mosquitoes carrying the heartworm larvae. Your veterinarian will advise you about type of preventatives and corrct dosages.
PREVENT FLEA INFESTATIONS ON YOUR PETS AND IN YOUR HOME. Because 95% of the flea population in your home is made up of eggs, pupae, and wormlike larvae, the only way to stop infestations and prevent new ones from occurring is to break the flea life cycle at an immature stage. “Call us so we can help you prevent or treat flea infestation.”
N.S. Lodwick, D.V.M. • J.E. Gish, D.V.M. • D.C. Chalker, D.V.M. Office Hours by Appointment 9242 Hamer Rd., Georgetown, Ohio
(937) 378-6334
G EORGETOWN ANIMAL HOSPITAL “The Vet With a Heart” For camping reservations call or go online to the following:
866-644-6727 or www.ohiostateparks.org East Fork Camp Office: (513)724-6521 East Fork Park Office: (513)734-4323 NOTE: Both parks campground offices have seasonal and varied hours of operation For more details, maps and other brochures for East Fork State Park and Stonelick State Park call or e-mail the main office at the following:
(513)734-4323 or East.Fork.Parks@dnr.state.oh.us THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING OHIO STATE PARKS
Trester Auto Parts 995 Highway 28 (1 mile north of 275) Milford, Ohio PHONE:
(513) 831-9141
PAGE 2 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS • PAGE 7
THE BOAR REPORT MIKE ARNOLD - The BoarsHead Bait & Carryout
Boar’s Head Report Mike Arnold, Owner 724-1211 Howdy Everyone, Fall is here and with colors in the trees and the air temp.
falls. Fishing is good and it shows with good catches of crappie. Lots of numbers, but not size - but they will get going. Also, look in the back of coves and creeks at 10 feet or less. Large mouth bass are getting caught on spinner baits, jigs and plastic baits. They had the first muskie tournament on the lake with only two fish caught at 34 inch and a 36 inch fish. They released more the week of September 25. Striper have been doing good this fall. Also look to flats by the campground beach and main beach area. Now with fall brings hunting season which starts with squirrel and dove
E AST FORK STATE PARK CAMPSITE GUIDE
East Fork Fishing & Hunting Report
and deer season opened September 27 and will run till February 1, 2015. Fox, raccoon, skunk and weasel open November 10 to January 31, 2015. And coyote season runs all year round and we need to get some of these gone. There are too many of them. There also is fall turkey season which starts October 13 to November 30 and deer gun week is December 1 to
December 7. The youth gun weekend is November 22 23, so take a youth out. It is always good to see them get their first deer. Thanks all for now! Until next time good fishing and hunting to all! Always be safe and wear that life jacket and wear hunter orange so you can be seen by other hunters.
Mike Arnold Boar’s Head Bait & Carryout 513-724-1211
Portman hosts discussion about toxic algae Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) was in Clermont County Thursday, Aug. 21 to tour Harsha Lake at East Fork State Park and host a roundtable discussion about toxic freshwater algae blooms. On June 23, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory for the campground and main beaches at Harsha Lake due to a harmful algae bloom called microcystin. The toxin has been shown to affect the liver and cause other health problems, and the advisory warned the elderly, the young, and those with compromised immune systems against swimming
or wading in the water. The advisory has since been lifted, but state and federal officials are paying increased attention to the growing problem of freshwater algae blooms. “I came to see what’s going on in terms of dealing with this increasing problem of toxic algae blooms which can be dangerous for humans,” Portman said. Portman toured Harsha Lake with East Fork State Park Manager Chad Smith, and Clermont Crew head coach Paul Schmid. Smith pointed out the areas particularly affected by the bloom, and Schmid dis-
Call Rene or Lee To Advertise In The EAST FORK STATE PARK N.E.W.S.
PHONE: (513) 732-2511 OR 1 (800) 404-3157
cussed how the blooms affect rowing teams like the Clermont Crew and others who use the lake. Rowing competitions, drawing thousands of competitors and spectators to the lake each year, have a multimillion dollar impact on the local economy. Portman is the author of legislation dealing with freshwater algae blooms which was recently signed into law by the president. The Harmful Algal blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2013 was reauthorized by the legislation, and a section dealing providing for monitoring and research efforts on the Great Lakes and other fresh water bodies was negotiated by Sen. Portman. Portman said that in the past, algal blooms have been primarily a salt water problem, but increasing blooms in
fresh water are beginning to have a serious impact. “A couple of weeks ago in Toledo they had to tell people not to drink the water because of toxins from an algal bloom got in the water,” Portman said. “We don’t want that to happen again, and we don’t want that to happen here.” Portman said his legislation coordinates the efforts of federal agencies, focuses state and federal efforts on fresh water algal blooms, and ensures that federal research and monitoring efforts are
usable at the local level. “I’m hopeful that this will help,” Portman said. Following the tour Portman led a roundtable discussion which included representatives from the Clermont County Farm Bureau, the Ohio EPA, the US EPA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Geological Survey, the Clermont County Water and Soil Conservation District, the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau and others.
Get Ready For
2015 ROWING REGATTAS April 11: Cincinnati High School Invitational May 16 & 17: Midwest Junior Rowing Championships July 14 - 18: US Rowing Club Nationals
E AST FORK STATE PARK TRAIL MAP
E V E N P A G E S
PAGE 8 • EASTFORK STATE PARK NEWS
Now Renting Penske Trucks!
WE SELL MOVING SUPPLIES
BATAVIA EASTFORK O D D
CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO Learn More About East Fork State Park’s Camping, Boating & Wildlife
SELF-STORAGE
S TO R E YOUR:
R . V. ’ S B O AT S
CA MP IN G SU P PL IES
P A G E S
Autumn 2014
C A MP ERS
FISHI NG SU P PL IES
JET SKI’S
OHIO - America’s Finest State Park System www.ohiostateparks.org - email: east.fork.parks@dnr.state.oh.us Park Office (513) 734-4323 Camp Office (513) 724-6521 In This Issue • Fall and Winter boating tips • Boar Report • Camping Map • Park and Hunting Maps • Trail Map • William H. Harsha Lake and East Fork State Park Event Information
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS • 24 HOUR ACCESS • FULLY FENCED/LIGHTED • KEYCODE ENTRY/EXIT
• OUTSIDE STORAGE • VARIETY OF UNIT SIZES • HIGH CEILINGS IN UNITS
2644 OLD STATE ROUTE 32, BATAVIA, OH 45103
(513) 724-7233
Sun Group
NEWSPAPERS
The East Fork State Park campground is a popular stay-over for Pumpkin Run enthusiasts.