Final Draft…

So the Maumee River is important. Why? Honestly why would something that barely anyone knows about, matter so much to so many people but no one out of Toledo or the surrounding areas even knows about it. The Maumee River is vital to Toledo, without this river the city of Toledo would not be the city it is today. Toledo was built around the river, and having this river connect to the great lakes serves as a way of income, transportation, and recreation for northwest Ohio.

But to many people when they hear Maumee River they ask themselves “what is that?” or “who’s mommy?”. But to northwest Ohio-ians they see this river as a source of drinking water, a place where many jobs are formed, a place where millions of wildlife call home, where a good number of water sport fans spend a great deal of time, and a place rich with history.

Toledo and the surrounding areas use the Maumee River as our main source of drinking water. If this valuable resource was taken away from us I do not think we would know what to do. Water would be too expensive for us to transport, this would also take a huge toll on the jobs that the water treatment plant created. This would maybe even ruin Toledo’s fragile economy. Toledo thrives off of this extremely valuable resource.

Maumee River has also created many jobs for Toledo. Weather or not it deals with the river directly like the shipping of goods, or even the restaurants that use the river and the Toledo skyline as the backdrop, it has created much needed jobs in northwest Ohio.

Wildlife also obviously needs this to survive. Birds, fish, reptiles, and even certain types of mammals that live off of this river. The destruction and not preserving the river would kill off many species, and endanger many many more. This river is the key to keeping the wildlife alive along its banks.

Water sports are another thing that keeps this river alive. There are boathouses that hold sculls and shells for rowing, and there are as many as four marinas in three miles where boaters can house, and dock there boats. Tubing, water skiing and wake boarding are just a few of the activities that are on this river on a daily basis. There is also the Toledo Yacht Club which brings in a lot of tourism, money, and revenue for the city of Toledo.

Many events are held on the Maumee River. One of the biggest events that is on this river is the Frogtown Regatta. This regatta is one of the biggest in Ohio and it is sponsored by Toledo’s very own boathouse. Of this I am very proud of, I had the privilege of being able to row in this regatta, and win. Four years of my life were spent here, on this river. It hold a special place in my heart.

In the winter the river is also in constant use. In lagoons and near the shore of the frozen river ice fishermen spend great amounts of time on the river too. Snowmobilers also spend a great amount of time on this river.

This history of this river affected Ohio and the country of The United States as it is today. The Maumee River has held a key in many historic battles in the fight for the United States. Commodore Perry won a victory for the United States against the British on Lake Erie, right by Putt-In-Bay. Fort Meigs which is located off of the Maumee River was also a major player in the the French and Indian war, and the historic fight against the british.

But why you ask. Why is it important to know the past, Its is important to know the past so we can save it now for the future. Without saving and preserving this river for the future all of the stories, memories, and history will be lost forever. Then surely no one will ever know what the impact the Maumee River actually had on the United States.

Wether you are a environmental guru, a history buff, a water sports fiend, a Toledo-ian, or just a visitor we should strive to save this historical place.

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