One of the highest priorities of the Scenic Rivers Program is the protection of native forests along our state wild, scenic and recreational rivers. Maintaining forests on riverbanks, known as the riparian zone, is critical to maintaining the outstanding water quality, high biological diversity and natural character of these outstanding rivers.

Forests act as buffers that filter pollutants from surface runoff, shade the stream keeping water temperatures cool and high in oxygen, and prevent stream bank erosion. They also provide habitat in the stream for fish, while leaves falling from trees drive the food chain.

The Scenic Rivers Program works with local landowners and local communities to foster the protection of these sensitive areas. However, we have also protected these areas directly through the acquisition of 3,500 acres of land and 2,500 acres of conservation easement.

Conservation easements are areas where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Scenic Rivers Program protects the riparian forest buffer through a legal agreement that requires the landowner to maintain the property in a natural condition for the benefit of the river. In these areas the landowner either donates or sells their ability to develop the land, making a permanent, legally binding commitment with the Scenic Rivers Program to protect the area, but still maintaining the underlying ownership of the property. Most Scenic Rivers conservation easement areas are owned by private property owners and are not open to the public.

If you see this placard, please respect private property rights and do not enter the area:

The Scenic Rivers Program also protects riparian buffers through the purchase of the property outright and becomes the owner of the property. These areas are known as Scenic River Lands and are open to the public for low impact recreational uses such as fishing, hiking, paddler access, wildlife observation and in some cases hunting.