ODNR is trying to steal your land.

The biggest risk to your property is not erosion, but the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and ODNR's Office of Coastal Management.

One by one, homeowners along the lake, bays and harbors are being approached and asked to sign submerged lands leases. Many of these homeowners have been intimidated into signing leases on their deeded property. Not only do they have to pay a lease fee, but they must continue paying taxes on the leased land, land that ODNR says the State of Ohio owns. They must also purchase a $1million insurance policy naming the State as the insured.

The submerged lands lease that the homeowner signs is a 50 year lease, and MAY be renewed at the end of the 50 years. It also states, "Upon the expiration of this Lease, Lessee shall remove all personal property, structures and fixtures constructed or placed on the property, and restore the Property to a condition satisfactory to the Director of Natural Resources. If the Property is not restored to a condition satisfactory to the Director, the Director may have the property restored at expense of Lessee."

View an actual submerged lands lease document.

So join the Ohio Lakefront Group, help us to protect property and shoreline rights and ensure reasonable regulation.

Page updated 7/7/04 ; R. Pindor

Copyright 2004, Ohio Lakefront Group.