ODNR, ODOT earn national boating safety award

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have been honored with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Compass Award, presented during the association’s recent national conference. This prestigious award recognizes one state agency each year for setting a national model of safety, innovation, and leadership in the maritime domain.

ODNR and ODOT received the award for their groundbreaking Ohio Recreational Boating Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the first known agreement of its kind in the United States. Executed on January 12, 2026, the MOU establishes standardized procedures for how ODOT plans, designs, and constructs transportation projects that may affect rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and canals used by recreational boaters.

This landmark achievement resulted from close collaboration between ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft, ODNR’s Office of Real Estate and Land Management (REALM), and ODOT’s Office of Environmental Services (OES). Together, the agencies created a proactive, highly protective coordination process ensuring boating safety and water access are built into transportation projects from the earliest planning stages through construction.

“This partnership is a remarkable example of the kind of innovation and cooperation needed to protect Ohio’s boaters,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “ODNR and ODOT came together to solve a challenge that affects communities across the state. Their work not only improves safety—it sets a national standard for how agencies can work together to safeguard recreation, infrastructure, and public access.”

The Ohio Recreational Boating MOU strengthens safety planning by identifying potential hazards, establishing notification protocols, ensuring safe portage routes, improving signage, and maintaining boater access whenever possible. It also offers shared resources and environmental commitments that reduce uncertainty, minimize project delays, and support safe working conditions for contractors near waterways.

“This agreement shows what agencies can accomplish when they focus on the people who use Ohio’s waterways,” said Andy Foos, Ohio’s boating education coordinator. “ODNR and ODOT built a model that doesn’t just solve today’s challenges,it prepares us for the future.”

With growing interest in paddlecraft, water trails, and outdoor recreation across Ohio, the MOU provides a forward looking framework that anticipates impacts before they occur. The result is a scalable model other states can adopt as they work to integrate boating safety into transportation infrastructure planning.

“This national recognition reflects the dedication and shared vision of our team at ODOT and our outstanding partners at ODNR,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “By standardizing how we plan, design, and build around waterways, this historic agreement ensures we keep public safety and recreational access at the forefront of every construction project across the state."

Created in 2009, the Compass Award is NASBLA’s benchmark for excellence,reserved for agencies whose work charts new territory, anticipates emerging challenges, and enhances safety and security for boaters nationwide. With all 50 states and five U.S. territories participating and more than 500 representatives attending this year’s conference, the Compass Award stands as one of NASBLA’s highest distinctions.

NASBLA’s Compass Award recognizes ODNR and ODOT’s achievement as a national touchstone for boating safety, interagency leadership, and public service—celebrating a partnership that will protect current and future generations of Ohio boaters.

Recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.