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A program designed to protect Ohio's high-quality waterways can also offer cost-share incentives for farmers. But misconceptions about how the program impacts landowners means some are reluctant to support it.

"A lot of time there is concern about the Scenic River program in the agricultural community, and there doesn't need to be," said Bob Gable, Scenic River Services group manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Gable, who is also the agricultural ecology chairman for the Knox County Farm Bureau, said worries stem from a section of the Scenic River law stating that up to 1,000 feet of land bordering the river may be included in the protection area. However, he said farmers often don't realize that this does not apply to private land.

"We have no authority over private land whatsoever," he said.

ODNR Director Sam Speck explained the scenic river designation earlier this month when Conneaut Creek in Ashtabula County was designated as Ohio's 12th Scenic River.

"With this designation in place, any publicly funded project that might impact Conneaut Creek and its resources will be subject to a thorough review, ensuring that no threat is posed to the waterway," he said.

That means ODNR must approve construction on roads, highways, bridges or other public structures adjacent to the waterway, but Speck said it does not affect the rights of private property owners along the stream.

In order for a river to be considered for the Scenic Rivers program, a resolution must be passed by the majority of political subdivisions through which the river flows. A study team then assesses the river to determine if it will be designated as a recreational, scenic or wild river, all of which fall under the Scenic River program.

"It's a creation of a local partnership," Gable said. "The local community is saying we want to protect this river."

He said the program allows ODNR to offer technical assistance and cost share assistance to landowners. He noted projects in which fencing to restrict livestock access to waterways and repairs to stream banks were offered in exchange for a farmer agreeing to plant a buffer strip.

"We're giving them an opportunity to improve their farm, improve their situation and that's going to improve water quality as well," he said.

Gable said ODNR also advises communities on development projects, noting that water quality declines when impervious cover in a stream's watershed reaches 5 to 10 percent.

"A lot of these things we're asking for help maintain rural character in watersheds," he said. "These high-quality streams that we have are in the agricultural areas."

For more information on Ohio's Scenic River Program contact Bob Gable at 614-265-6814.

Caption: A view of Big Darby Creek, one of Ohio's 12 Scenic Rivers.