G.  Parks, Preserves, and Historical Sites

2. Scenic Rivers  

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1. Ohio State Scenic River

2. National Scenic River

The goal of Scenic River programs both at the State and National level is to maintain and enhance a river’s current natural condition and provide for public use in a way that does not compromise the stream’s natural value.  The attention gained from such designations is important in drawing attention to a stream and enhancing its protection.  It is important to note that the designation of the Big and Little Darby Creeks as both State and National Scenic Rivers does not mean they are “river parks.”  This idea implies that the rivers are publicly owned lands for recreational use.  Recreational use is expected but the management and protection of natural and cultural values is emphasized.  Such protection does not require public purchase of land because other methods of protection can be utilized through zoning, restrictions on development in floodplains, donations of development rights to land trusts, and easements.  Through such methods, the land owner retains ownership of the land but plays a proactive role in the protection of the stream. 

a. Ohio State Scenic River

 In 1968, Ohio passed the nations first scenic river act in an attempt to protect high quality streams for future generations.  Currently 11 Ohio River systems and 20 individual stream segments are designated as State Scenic Rivers.  A State Scenic River is defined as a waterway which still retains its natural character for the majority of its length.  Scenic rivers retain most of their natural characteristics at a time when many rivers reflect the negative impacts of human activities.

 The Scenic Rivers Act provides three categories for river classification: wild, scenic and recreational.  These criteria examine the stream’s length, adjacent forest cover, biological characteristics, water quality, present use and natural conditions.  Portions or Big and Little Darby Creeks were designated State Scenic Rivers on June 22, 1984 and October 3, 1994 .  Approximately 84.5 miles (84 percent of total stream length) were included in the designation.  Big Darby Creek was designated from the Champaign-Union County line downstream to the US Route 40 bridge and from the northern boundary of Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park to the confluence with the Little Darby Creek downstream to the Scioto River.  Little Darby Creek was designated from the Lafayette-Plain City Road bridge downstream to the confluence with Big Darby Creek .  Approximately 20.0 miles out of 43.6 miles (45.8 percent) of Little Darby Creek were designated.  Logan and Champaign Counties along with landowners on a portion of the stream adjacent to Darby Dan Farms did not desire to be designated as a State Scenic River . 

b. National Scenic River

 In March of 1994, parts of Big and Little Darby Creeks were designated as a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System for a total of 82 miles.  The Big and Little Darby Creeks, Little Beaver Creek in eastern Ohio , and the Little Miami are the only rivers in the state designated under the National Wild and Scenic River Act.  The focal point of the Act is to protect rivers in free-flowing condition with outstanding remarkable values (fish, geologic, historic, cultural, scenic and others).  The “Scenic Rivers” designation for the Big and Little Darby Creeks was created because the Darby has a number of unique species and is a free-flowing system that lacks impoundments and has a streambank that is largely primitive and undeveloped.  

The Big Darby Creek is designated as a National Scenic River from the Champaign-Union County line downstream to the Conrail railroad trestle and from the confluence with the Little Darby Creek downstream to the Scioto River.  For Little Darby Creek from the Lafayette -Plain City road Bridge downstream to within 0.8 mile from the confluence with Big Darby Creek.

Designating the Big and Little Darby Creeks as Scenic Rivers gave the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources the power of review and approval over proposals for public projects within the designated boundaries of the Scenic River .  ODNR may also acquire property along the rivers for recreational or preservation purposes.  The state of Ohio can purchase easements to aid in preserving scenic integrity while allowing for continued uses such as farming.  Figure 58 summarizes the total amount of easements ODNR holds in the Darby Watershed. 

Source: ODNR Scenic Rivers, 2005

The Scenic River corridor extends one thousand feet from normal waterlines parallel to the stream on either side of the creek.  The boundaries along the river average no more than a quarter mile from each bank, equivalent to 320 acres per mile.  This has been defined as a sufficient width to preserve, protect, and develop the natural character of the river.  Most rivers have flexible boundaries to accommodate specific features and river values.

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Last updated: November 18, 2008.