COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has released recommendations aimed at strengthening emergency response and public safety in Ohio’s state parks.
DeWine created the Public Safety in Ohio State Parks Working Group in 2025 after vetoing a provision in the state operating budget that would have required the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to reimburse local governments for emergency response services provided without additional state funding.
The Ohio State Parks system welcomes tens of millions of visitors each year and was recently recognized as the nation’s No. 1 state park system. While the working group said Ohio’s state parks are safe because of strong partnerships between local and state first responders, it issued seven recommendations intended to further improve emergency response capabilities.
“We know that Ohio’s state parks are safe, but as with any forested area, body of water, or nature trail, there are always risks associated with exploring the great outdoors,” DeWine said. “The recommendations in this report will serve as an important guide to help ensure that state and local first responders can access resources to provide public safety services in Ohio’s state parks.”
The recommendations are intended to provide guidance for state and local agencies as they work to ensure emergency responders have the resources needed to assist visitors throughout Ohio’s state park system.
