State preserves 73 acres along scenic Little Beaver Creek

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has announced that more land along one of what the department calls “Ohio's most beautiful rivers” will now be protected.

The ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Scenic Rivers Program has purchased 73 more acres of land along Little Beaver Creek, a State Wild and Scenic and National Scenic River.

The new property protects approximately ½ mile of forest corridor along Little Beaver Creek and more than a ¼ mile of a perennial headwater stream. 

While surveying the property, DNAP biologists recently discovered a population of the state-endangered running buffalo clover.  This sighting is the northernmost population ever recorded in Ohio. 

 ODNR says the property is also ecologically important as it protects a high-quality tributary headwater stream that contains several salamander species, a series of small waterfalls, groundwater seeps and springs.

Currently this property has limited access but can be reached from Little Beaver Creek by people willing to float into the site.  Fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, and photography are all permitted activities on the site.

 The new acquisition brings the total amount of protected land along Little Beaver Creek through DNAP's Sheepskin Hollow Preserve, scenic river lands, and conservation easements to more than 3,300 acres with an additional 3,800 acres protected through Beaver Creek State Park and Beaver Creek State Forest.

"When conservation is bolstered by strong partnerships and generous philanthropy, the positive impacts for wildlife and people are enhanced," Director of Land Protection for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio Terry Seidel said. "We are thrilled to see this land permanently protected and hope it enriches the recreation experiences for all those who visit Little Beaver Creek." 

 Funding for the acquisition was provided through the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Tax Check off program and an anonymous private donation made through The Nature Conservancy.  The purchase of this property was assisted by support from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

The Division of Natural Areas and Preserves administers 141 state nature preserves protecting significant natural features for Ohioans to enjoy in perpetuity. Land acquisitions such as these are made possible thanks to donations made through the Ohio State Income Tax Refund Program.