COLUMBUS, OH – Boaters and anglers are reminded that horsepower regulations on several state wildlife area lakes will increase on July 1.

Beginning July 1, boats with motors greater than 10 horsepower will be allowed on Knox Lake in Knox County, Lake La Su An in Williams County, Oxbow Lake in Defiance County and Rupert Lake in Vinton County as long as they are operated at idle speed.

In addition, new regulations will allow gasoline motors with ratings of 10 horsepower or less to operate on Zepperneck Lake in Columbiana County, as well as Greenfield and Rockmill lakes in Fairfield County. Only electric motors were allowed on these lakes previously.

The Ohio Wildlife Council voted in early March to increase the horsepower limits on these state wildlife area lakes. The increase will allow greater access and more sporting opportunities for boaters and fishermen around the state.

Another administrative rule taking effect on July 1 will allow the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft to issue “contingent registrations” to boaters when there are situations that would delay the registration process. These registrations would be free of charge and allow the boater to get out on the water while the division conducts the reviews required to issue a standard registration.

State watercraft officers may also issue “contingent registration” tags for newly purchased watercraft operating under the state’s “bill-of-sale” provisions. These provisions grant a new owner permission to operate a boat without Ohio numbers for a period of either 30 or 45 days following purchase in order to allow time for title and other transfer documents to be processed.

Contingent registration tags are good for 15 days from the date of application or until the “bill-of-sale” provision ends. The decision to issue a contingent registration lies solely with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.