In a move celebrated by environmentalists and nature enthusiasts, Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) have designated Scioto Brush Creek as Ohio's 17th State Scenic River, this creek, flowing through the southern Ohio region, now joins the ranks alongside Raccoon Creek, added last year as part of the state's initiative to preserve its natural waterways, reported the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's office.
At a recent ceremony, Governor DeWine took the ceremonial pen to paper, cementing 25.1 river miles from the Adams-Scioto county line down to the Scioto River's confluence into conservation history, an area that is abundant with native hardwood species and supports a diverse ecosystem of 171 identified plants and animals, "We take preservation seriously so that future generations can enjoy the beautiful parks, rivers, and lakes that are abundant right here in Ohio," Governor DeWine said at the designation event.
ODNR Director Mertz pointed to the vital connection rivers have with local communities, recognizing the conservation efforts of organizations such as the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek, an advocate group established in 1998 that has been pivotal in promoting and maintaining the creek's pristine nature, “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,” Mertz addressed the public, according to the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
President Jody Newton-McAllister of the Friends of Scioto Brush Creek expressed pride in the recognition saying through Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, “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,” and with the inclusion of the creek, nearly a thousand miles of river within Ohio are now safeguarded under the Ohio state scenic river system a testament to the state's early leadership in river preservation since passing its Scenic River Act in 1968 before such a national act was even conceived.
With various national scenic rivers like the Big and Little Darby creeks, Little Beaver Creek, and Little Miami already known to Ohio's inhabitants and beyond, the addition of Scioto Brush Creek to the illustrious line-up reinforces Ohio's commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of its watery heritage which includes extensive public lands managed by ODNR and partners ensuring activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling, and hunting can responsibly continue amid untouched nature.
