Ohio’s Raccoon Creek Earns State Scenic River Status as First in Southeastern Region

In celebrating conservation and environmental restoration, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced the designation of Raccoon Creek as Ohio’s newest state scenic river. This announcement, which took place at Lake Hope State Park, welcomed Raccoon Creek as the 16th member of Ohio’s scenic river family and, notably, the first in the state’s southeastern part. Stretching over 100 miles through Vinton, Meigs, and Gallia counties, the creek’s recognition follows a remarkable transformation from polluted waters to a thriving ecosystem.

According to a statement obtained by the

Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine’s

office, Governor DeWine expressed his admiration for Raccoon Creek’s turnaround, saying, “Once considered ‘nearly lifeless,’ Raccoon Creek is now home to more than 90 species of fish and serves as an example of what we can achieve when water quality is prioritized at the state, local, and federal levels.” These words echoed the sentiment shared by many who witnessed the creek’s resurgence from its pernicious past afflicted by acid mine drainage and sedimentation due to extensive coal mining.

ODNR Director Mary Mertz highlighted the collective efforts that had spanned the last four decades, focusing on the extensive restoration work done to rejuvenate Raccoon Creek. In her words, according to the

Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine’s website

, the designation “recognizes the tremendous efforts over the last 40 years to restore Raccoon Creek to the high-quality waterway we see today.” These efforts were multi-faceted, leveraging resources such as wetland creation and the establishment of limestone channels to mitigate the acid mine drainage that had once devastated the ecosystem.

Governor DeWine and Director Mertz signed a journal entry to punctuate the celebration, officially marking 111.9 river miles of Raccoon Creek for scenic status. ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief Jeff Johnson put forth a hopeful perspective, stating via

Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine’s website

, “Designating Raccoon Creek is an acknowledgment of its natural characteristics and diverse habitats, but it also marks the first time a restored waterway has been eligible for scenic river status.” Indeed, this move is potentially a precursor for similar efforts in other tarnished waterways, seeking redemption through environmental stewardship.

Financial commitments totaling over $17 million from state and federal sources have been instrumental in the creek’s restoration. Key partnerships, including those with the Raccoon Creek Partnership and Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, were instrumental in the waterway’s revival. With Raccoon Creek’s new title, there are now approximately 942 river miles under protection in the Ohio scenic rivers system, including three national scenic rivers: the Big and Little Darby creeks, Little Beaver Creek, and Little Miami.

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