Ohio’s Scioto Brush Creek named a ‘scenic river’

Columbus — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio DNR (ODNR) officially designated Scioto Brush Creek as Ohio’s newest state scenic river in late November.

Scioto Brush Creek is the second scenic river designated in the southern Ohio region following last year’s designation of Raccoon Creek.

“The designation of the Scioto Brush Creek as a State Scenic River is yet another example of Ohio’s dedication to protecting our most precious resources,” said DeWine. “We take preservation seriously so that future generations can enjoy the beautiful parks, rivers, and lakes that are abundant right here in Ohio.”

At a Nov. 19 ceremony, Gov. DeWine signed a journal entry to designate 25.1 river miles of the creek as a state scenic river. These river miles, running from the Adams-Scioto county line to the creek’s confluence with the Scioto River, were found to meet or exceed the qualifications needed to join Ohio’s scenic river system.

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A tributary of the lower Scioto River, the Scioto Brush Creek watershed is home to native hardwood tree species, such as red oak and black walnut, and 171 species of other plants and animals. Within the Scioto Brush Creek watershed, ODNR and other conservation organizations manage 23,000 acres of public lands, including several state forests, nature preserves, and natural areas. These sites not only provide further protection for Scioto Brush Creek but offer a wide range of outdoor recreation activities including hiking, fishing, paddling, and hunting.

“Rivers are often at the core of Ohio’s communities, and their water quality is often a result of local conservation efforts,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “At the heart of this designation is the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek and their decades of extraordinary conservation efforts and achievements that have led to their beloved creek becoming Ohio’s newest state scenic river.”

Friends of Scioto Brush Creek, founded in 1998, first requested the creek to be reviewed and surveyed for the Scenic River designation. The organization’s mission is to maintain and improve the water quality of Scioto Brush Creek through education awareness and involvement of local residents.

“The Friends of Scioto Brush Creek are proud to see this stream receive this special designation, which will help shine a spotlight on the exceptional nature of the creek and perhaps inspire other communities to help conserve their local waterways,” said Jody Newton-McAllister, Friends of Scioto Brush Creek Inc. president.

With the addition of Scioto Brush Creek, about 967 river miles are now protected in the Ohio state scenic river system. Three other well-known waterways, the Big and Little Darby creeks, Little Beaver Creek, and Little Miami, are also designated as national scenic rivers.

Ohio pioneered the river preservation movement when it passed the country’s first Scenic River Act in 1968, which predated the national act of the same year. Designation helps protect and preserve the few remaining high-quality, natural rivers in the state. The Ohio Scenic Rivers Program is coordinated by ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.