COLUMBUS, OH -- McDonald's Corporation today announced a donation of more than eight acres of undeveloped land along Little Darby Creek to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"We're pleased to return this prestigious land to the citizens and other nature enthusiasts of the great State of Ohio," said Doug Goare, Columbus regional vice-president for McDonald's Corporation. "We want to ensure this land will remain undeveloped and preserved for future generations to enjoy."
The tract of land, located in Madison County, is on the east edge of West Jefferson, just south of where U.S. Route 40 crosses Little Darby Creek, and lies about 20 miles west of downtown Columbus. The donated land includes stream bank acreage on both sides of the creek, which is a component of the Big and Little Darby Creek State and National Scenic River.
"The state of Ohio truly appreciates the generosity and environmental foresight of McDonald's Corporation," said Stu Lewis, chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. "These undeveloped acres will continue their vital role of improving and maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem and protecting property from flooding."
The 556-square-mile Big and Little Darby Creek watershed is nationally recognized for its biodiversity and high number of healthy aquatic species. Eighty-six species of fish, including the endangered northern madtom and spotted darter, are indigenous to the Darby creeks. The streams are also home to 33 species of freshwater mollusks. Eighty-four miles of the Big and Little Darby Creeks were designated as a component of the Ohio Scenic River System in 1984 and the National Scenic River System in 1994.
ODNR's State Scenic Rivers Program encourages landowners to provide increased habitat protection by maintaining forested floodplains and buffers along all state scenic rivers.
The ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves manages 20 state scenic river segments as well as 123 state natural areas and nature preserves. The agency acquires land through purchase, donation or conservation easements.
McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with more than 28,000 restaurants serving 45 million customers each day in 120 countries. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.