STATE SCENIC RIVERS CORRIDOR MAINTENANCE DIRECTIVE

The following policies are based upon requirements, principles and goals of this Department to protect and preserve the natural qualities for which rivers have been declared components of the state scenic rivers system.

1. All ODNR originated projects, which are planned adjacent to rivers included in the state scenic river system, shall be presented by the Division or Office planning such project to the appropriate scenic River Advisory Council for their review, and planning concepts shall be discussed with the advisory council. Scenic Rivers staff will set up meetings with the appropriate advisory councils at least 60 days in advance whenever possible. If necessary, due to unforeseen time constraints, a special meeting of the council will be called.
2. It shall be Department policy to maintain a forested buffer from the ordinary high water mark landward for a minimum horizontal distance of 120 feet. Where topographic or other special conditions merit a distance greater than 120 feet may be necessary.
3. All project proposals within a scenic river corridor will be planned with the minimum disturbance to the natural environmental values as a primary objective. Projects shall not impact the riverbank or channel unless absolutely necessary.
4. Projects considering the placement of riprap, cement, or other man-made materials on the riverbank will be considered inappropriate. Except in circumstances where the health, safety, and welfare of the public is a paramount issue, or when other methods are determined to be unfeasible, or no natural materials are available. Mitigation to restore forest cover shall occur as soon as possible after construction.
5. Where user access to a designated river is proposed, only the minimum vegetation shall be removed to allow such access.
6. It will be our policy to request that utility crossings be kept to the absolute minimum width necessary and that the site be revegetated with indigenous tree species. Utilities such as telephone or electric shall be encouraged to maintain their rights-of-way by topping trees rather than clear-cutting or spraying herbicides. New crossing locations shall whenever possible occur within existing utility/or transportation corridors.

As a general statement of policy it shall be this Department's position to maintain a natural river corridor and forested buffer for all state designated rivers to a minimum depth of 120 feet outward from each riverbank. When working with other agencies, groups, and organizations we shall always strive to ensure that the least adverse environmental impact occurs to our scenic rivers.