Beaver trapping allowed in designated portions of park

Beaver trapping will be allowed in portions of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park from Dec. 26 through Feb. 29, according to a news release from Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.

Trappers are required to obtain a permit from the state park office and must comply with the season dates and regulations set by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The entire park is not open to trapping, so prospective trappers need to obtain a map from the state park office of allowable trapping areas.

Each fall the state park manager in partnership with the division of wildlife determines if beaver trapping will be allowed on Grand Lake. Trapping is allowed only when it is determined the beaver population can sustain some being harvested.

Beginning this fall, park officials and the county wildlife officer began receiving calls from lake residents who have had their trees damaged by beavers.

Beaver trapping was last allowed in areas of the state park two years ago.

The state park office is located at 834 Edgewater Drive, St. Marys, and the phone number is 419-394-3611.