November 18 – MORGAN TOWNSHIP – A celebration was held at the Morgan Swamp Preserve to commemorate half a century of the Grand River becoming a special river.
The program took place in the gymnasium on The Nature Conservancy’s Grand River campus. Dozens of people attended the event, which was created through a joint effort of many groups.
Four designated scenic rivers are at least partially located in Ashtabula County, out of 16 total in the state, said Jeffry Hayes, an assistant regional manager of scenic rivers for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The Grand River was an early recipient of the Scenic River designation. Conneaut Creek, the Ashtabula River and Pymatuning Creek are all designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
The designation means that ODNR is committed to preserving the pristine nature of the rivers in the long term.
“We are protecting the highest quality streams left in the state,” Hayes said.
The challenges ODNR faces change frequently, Hayes said. He said development along streams and rivers is constantly evolving, and that affects how ODNR responds to ensure the best results.
A wide variety of organizations helped put together Saturday’s program, including the Nature Conservancy, Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District, Lake Metroparks and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Participants in the program included conservation organizations, volunteers, local citizens and many of the organizations that sponsored the event.
Hayes introduced the program and the Grand River Wild and Scenic River Advisory Council. This was followed by several speakers discussing topics such as mudpuppy research, unique ecosystems on Grand River and the unique fish habitats.
Participants also heard how the designation impacted the protection and restoration of land along the Grand River.
