State scenic rivers program offers options to donate

COLUMBUS, OH – People interested in supporting Ohio’s Scenic Rivers Program have several convenient options to make their donations count in the ongoing effort to promote stream quality and protect diverse aquatic wildlife habitats, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Watercraft, which administers the state scenic rivers program.

Various types of donations, which can be made any time of year, go directly into the Scenic Rivers Protection Fund to support stream restoration and dam removals, stream quality monitoring and education efforts, land acquisition and scientific research that together help conserve Ohio’s scenic rivers.

A check or cash donation can be made directly to the Scenic Rivers Protection Fund by mail. Simply mail in the tax deductible check or money order payable to:

Scenic Rivers Protection Fund
c/o Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, Building A-3
Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693

The Ohio Scenic Rivers Program offers two distinct conservation license plates. Purchase of a Scenic Rivers license plate supports a wide array of scenic waterways conservation efforts. Go online to www.oplates.com for purchasing options or contact any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle deputy registrar.

People wanting to make a memorial donation to the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program may contact Bob Gable, manager of the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program, at 614-265-6814 or email him at bob.gable@ohiodnr.state.oh.us for personal assistance. Gable can also be helpful for people who want to assign land and other personal property to support scenic rivers as part of their estate planning.

Ohio’s scenic river lands include riparian forest corridors, floodplain lands, river access and other sensitive areas adjacent to Ohio’s scenic rivers that total nearly 2,300 acres and are permanently protected.