Stream Conservation

Streams and their corri­dors are inhabited by a rich diversity of wildlife species that includes more than 153 fishes, 63 mussels, 1,200 aquatic insects, 170 birds, 12 mammals, 10 reptiles, and 14 amphib­ians.  Streams also benefit all Ohioans by providing water supply, recreational opportunities, beautiful scenery, and drainage.  The physical alteration and degradation of these habitats, however, has negatively impacted both resource and resource users in many ways. 

While water quality in many streams has improved as the result of the Clean Water Act, only half of our monitored stream miles currently meet their aquatic life use designations.  While the emphasis of this program is on the restoration and protection of physical habitats in and adjacent to streams, these strategies will also result in improved water qual­ity, more miles meeting use designations, and increased benefits to all Ohioans.

Strategies:

• Protect high quality stream habitats and restore others based on the presence of a high aquatic diversity, rare and endangered species, good sport fish­ing, biological integrity, and other related criteria.

• Through partnerships, collaboration, and coordi­nation, participate in and support stream and water­shed efforts by other agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other groups.

• Protect and restore forested riparian corridors, flood­plains, and wetlands through conservation ease­ments, acquisition, and landowner programs and incentives.

• Remove dams that are no longer needed or justified.

• Develop and support programs and incentives that encourage and maintain good stewardship practices for riparian and in-stream habitats.

Additional Information:

Learn more about Watershed Management, In Stream Restoration and Stream Aquatic Diversity