FREDERICKTOWN, OH -- Officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) today honored several families and organizations for their commitment to permanently protect the Little Beaver Creek State Wild & Scenic River in Columbiana County.
An additional 4.5-miles of the Little Beaver Creek Wild & Scenic River is now under permanent protection from development thanks to an agreement between the ODNR, the William H.Vodrey Jr. Family and Columbiana Soil & Water Conservation District.
Nestled in the hills of Columbiana County, Little Beaver Creek offers a glimpse into Ohios natural history. Twenty miles of the stream became Ohios first wild river in 1974. At that same time, an additional 16 miles of the river was designated as scenic. Little Beaver Creek is one of only two Ohio "wild" and "scenic" rivers. It is also designated a national "scenic" river.
The Little Beaver Creek Wild & Scenic River is one of Ohios most treasured natural areas - home to a wealth of dramatic vistas and diverse plant and animal communities, said ODNR Director Sam Speck. We can all be proud of the work thats been done by the many partners to preserve Ohios Little Beaver Creek watershed.
In the agreement, officially finalized today, the local conservation district and ODNR purchased conservation easements from the Vodrey Family to permanently protect 1,350 acres of property along both banks of the state wild and scenic river.
The protected property is located near Fredericktown, and includes areas know as The Tubs, as well as Bieler Run and Pine Run - both tributaries of Little Beaver Creek.
The Columbiana Soil & Water Conservation District worked with ODNR to provide protection to the river by purchasing easements on 840 acres. The easement will transfer to ODNR after 15 years.
The Vodrey Trust will maintain management of the property through Beaverkettle Farms, which also controls public access to other Vodrey lands. No building or timber harvesting will be allowed on the property.
The recent purchase is in addition to an already protected 4,000 acres that has been placed under ODNRs ownership or perpetual conservation easement program. Since 1986, ODNR has purchased more than 1,600 acres from the Vodrey Trust and obtained easements on an additional 2,500 acres.
The Little Beaver Creek watershed is home to Beaver Creek State Forest, Beaver Creek State Park and Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve.