CORTLAND, OH – A ribbon cutting and dedication of the two “Yurt” getaway rentals at Mosquito Lake State Park campground will take place on Friday, September 3 at 4 p.m., according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

The traditional Yurt design features a round frame constructed of wooden lattice, covered by canvas.  The Mosquito Lake Yurts sleep four, and are furnished with futon bunk beds, refrigerator, microwave oven, grill and picnic table.  Each yurt is located on a scenic lakeside site, with a wrap-around deck that features a wheelchair accessible ramp.

The yurts were assembled by Mosquito Lake park staff with assistance from the staff of Pymatuning State Park.  The rental fee is $45 per night, and more than 200 nights have been rented or reserved since the yurts became available for rental on May 1.

WHAT:           Dedication of two Yurt getaway rentals at Mosquito Lake State Park

WHEN:           Friday, September 3 at 4 p.m.

WHO:              ODNR Director Sean Logan

Ohio State Parks Acting Chief John Hunter

Trumbull County Commissioner Daniel Polivka

WHERE:         Mosquito Lake State Park campground, located off State Route 305, about five miles north of Warren.  The campground entrance is located one-half mile north of S.R. 305 off Hoagland-Blackstub Road. The dedication ceremony will take place at the Yurt at campsite 216, on campground Road G.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

PS.- I’ll go back and fill in the blanks in the 100 Days of Summer.

100 Days of Summer: Day 96- Don’t Let Mosquito Yurt You ©, .

COLUMBUS, OH—In an effort to off-set lost revenues of local businesses and individuals, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering deep discounts on camping and shelter house rentals at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.

Campsite fees and shelter house rentals at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park are being discounted by 50 percent. Discounts will be offered until December 31, 2010. For existing reservations, discounts will be applied at the time of arrival.

“Discounting ODNR services may be unprecedented, but the problem at Grand Lake St Marys is also unprecedented. We are taking the steps we can to attract visitors, and these camping and shelter house discounts are one way to help.” said ODNR Director Sean Logan. “Every dollar spent at the state park by each visitor brings benefits that reach far beyond our own marinas and other facilities.

Reservations for Grand Lake St. Marys may be made by calling toll-free (866) OHIOPARKS (644-6727) or on-line at www.ohiostateparks.org. When making a camping reservation, please select the “Grand Lake Special” from the drop-down menu for discounts. No other discounts will apply to this special discount, which is being offered exclusively at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park offers a variety of overnight and day-use activities including: 176 electric campsites and 28 non-electric sites; full service camp store; bike rentals; miniature golf; basketball and volleyball courts; playground equipment; dog park; and free WiFi.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

100 Days of Summer: Day 39-Cheaper Camping at Grand Lake St. Mary’s ©, .

This video of a storm front approaching a beach ( Either the UK or Sweden, but not, obviously, both) has been making the rounds on teh internet. Enjoy the awesome majesty of mother nature and gaze in awe at the people who just, umm, stand there and watch it. REalize not everyone is familiar with the concept of tornado watches:

100 Days of Summer: Day 35- Run for Your Lives! ©, .

Perseid Meteor shower starting Wednesday, Aug. 11th and going through the 13th. According to Space.com, this year’s should be good as we are passing through the thickest part of the Swift-Tuttle Comet’s debris trail during the new moon, so light pollution is minimal.

So take out the telescope, get out to the lake, and enjoy the show.

Real Quick- Jamie’s got less than 20 days till she moves to Columbus to attend CCAD, so times getting tight around the house. I really want to start getting two of these in a day to make up for lost time. We should be on day 50 now.

Then to top it all off,  I’ve updated WordPress to the newest version and I have a plug-in crashing, giving me the White Screen of Death. This is where the Admin Dashboard won’t load, making it hard to write new posts.  So I’ve been working on it and I can get it up and running, but then something gets written and it comes crashing back.

So if anyone wants a PR3 link back to their site, send a guest Post to Lou@SteelValleyOutdoors.info. I’ll post them along with any bio you give me and a link back. I appreciate the help.

100 Days of Summer: Day 34- Enjoy the Perseid Meteor Shower this Week ©, .

Did you know that Mosquito Lake State Park won an award last year for the creation of a five acre dog park?  Your furry friends get two separate fenced off areas, one for large dogs and one for the chihuahuas ( Although I know NONE of our readers have those tiny things. We’re REAL dog people here). Dogs get access to the lake for swimming, and water is provided on hot days. Mosquito also features 7 miles of dog-friendly trails and a campground.

Check it out to inaugurate the Dog Days of Summer.

100 Days of Summer: Day 32- Take the Dog to Mosquito Lake ©, .