The Friends of Scioto Brush Creek plan to ask the State of Ohio to declare it a Scenic River. Local officials have touted Scioto Brush Creek as part of the plan to bring watersports and waterways tourism to Scioto County.
According to the state, the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program works with local governments, organizations, and landowners to preserve those waterways. Ohio currently has 15 designated Wild, Scenic, or Recreation Rivers.
Once a waterway is designated, the state sets up an advisory council that includes citizens, local officials, conservation organizations, and property owners. The state regularly monitors the waterway to check the water quality.
The Friends of Scioto Crush Creek say that they realize some people fear the designation gives too much power to the state over the surrounding land.
According to the group, the designation means the state only has authority over public projects within 1,000 feet of the water. The state does not have the power to take private land.
The group is having a meeting on February 17, where a representative from ODNR will speak along with a farmer whose land is along the Big Darby Creek Scenic River. The farmer will be able to speak to any impact the designation has on local landowners.
The public meeting and potluck will be held on Saturday, February 17th, at 10 am at the Union Township Fire Station and Community Building at 50 Arion Road in McDermott.
