A Plan forFranklin County

GREENWAYS

Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsThe Greenways Initiative 1

BackgroundWhy did We Turn Away From Our Rivers? 6Franklin County Greenways Defined 8Objectives of the Franklin County Greenways Plan 10Key Themes in Franklin County Greenways Planning 11Commonalities 12Components of a Successful Greenway 16

Inventory of the Rivers and Streams of Franklin CountyVolunteer Survey Summary 18Darby Creek 21Scioto River 23Olentangy River 27Alum Creek 31Rocky Fork of Big Walnut Creek 33Blacklick Creek 34Big Walnut Creek 37Little Walnut Creek 38Hayden Run Creek 41

Case StudiesScioto River 44Alum Creek 46

Key Greenways RecommendationsShort Term Implementation Strategy 48Long Term Implementation Strategy 49Bibliography 51

AcknowledgmentsA great many people contributed to the collaborative effort that turned into the Franklin County Greenways Plan. The Greenways Initia-tive would not have been possible without the unfailing leadership of Arlene Shoemaker, Franklin County Commissioner and Chairman ofthe Franklin County Greenways Steering Committee. Kevin Wheeler of the City of Columbus Planning Department was the person whoput together Greenways initially, and deserves sincere thanks as do Beth Clark and Nan Merritt who provided invaluable editorial assis-tance and continuing good ideas. The Greenways Initiative would not exist without the continued contributions of Jerry Wager of the OhioDepartment of Natural Resources and Julie Weatherington-Rice, a supervisor with our Greenway partners, the Soil and Water Conserva-tion District.

Steering Committee members Allen McKnight of the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Roger Hubbell and Larry Peckof Franklin County Metro Parks and Mike Martin, Tom Russell and Lynn Kelly of the City of Columbus Public Utilities Department allprovided financial, editorial and even staff support. Terri Devlin and her co-workers at The Nature Conservancy and the Darby Partnershave provided a model for us to follow in river conservation, as have Wib and Lou Smith of the Rocky Force Task Force. The entire Steer-ing Committee has provided invaluable support in the planning process, not least by leading the volunteer survey effort.

Critical technical support for the project included the nationally recognized scholarship of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies’Monitoring and Assessment Section of the Division of Surface Water led by Chris Yoder. Technical Committee members Barb Fair of theForestry Division of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Julie Hambrook of the U.S. Geological Survey contributed invaluablescholarly assistance and editorial guidance. Vince Mazeika and Larry Antosh of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency also providedexpertise.

Americorps Team Members and others contributed research to the project, including Leisha Stevens, Jill Bukovic, Adam Goluda, MikeKowenski, and O.T. Ford. Finally, to all the outstanding Franklin County Greenways volunteers, many, many thanks.

Anne WeekesSenior Project Coordinator

Linda DonnellyDirector, Community Development and Environmental Services

Sheila McKinleyAssociate Planner

Bruce EdwardsGraphic Designer

Preserving Central Ohio’s Quality of LifeBy Protecting Its River Corridors

FTHE GREENWAYSINITIATIVE

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ranklin County’s river and streamcorridors comprise an extremelyimportant natural asset. Aestheti-cally, ecologically and economicallythey offer us countless opportunitiesfor improving the community’shealth and enhancing the quality oflife. Yet for years they have not beenconsidered from this perspective.

The Franklin County GreenwaysPlan describes a vision and a plan ofaction for the city of Columbus,Franklin County and the manyjurisdictions which make up theColumbus metropolitan area. Thisplan asks what our streams andrivers mean to us here in centralOhio, and then attempts to forge abetter understanding of their mul-tiple uses. The plan assumes thateconomic development and naturalresource preservation are compatibleobjectives. It suggests that healthynatural systems — used sustainably— will support healthy economiesand vibrant communities.

Research shows increasing urbaniza-tion has had a negative impact on theecological(Fig. 1) Franklin County’s stream and river corridors provide miles of aesthetic, ecologic and economic opportunity.

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Fig. 2

HISTORY OF THEGREENWAYS PLANNINGPROCESS

(Fig. 2) Big Darby Creek

the urban fabric.Therefore, it ishard to getconcrete an-swers to facili-tate large-scaleland planning.However, theyare vital inorder to makeinformeddecisions abouthow we manageour riversystems.

While thesolutions are ascomplex as the

many causes of stream degradation, re-search suggests that some elements of thedecline can be forestalled and moderatedby preserving healthy, intact riparian areasalong streams (Steedman, 1988). Control ofpoint source discharges from pipes hascaused great improvement in water qualityover the last twenty years. While we don’tknow exactly to what extent riparian areaprotection will improve ecological quality,studies show that there is a direct correlationbetween healthy stream function and thepresence of intact riparian zones (Rankin,et.al., 1994). Greenways can be an excellentmethod of protecting riparian zones as partof the stream ecosystem — hence the reasonfor this initiative.

n several occasions over the past 20years, governments in Franklin Countyhave recognized the importance of thearea’s river systems. Beginning with the1974 Watercourse Plan for Columbus andFranklin County, which set the stage forstewardship strategies for the region’sreservoirs and rivers, there has beenstrong interest in the preservation ofgreen spaces along our waterways. TheWatercourse Plan recommends that allwaterways in Franklin County beprotected as natural corridors to be usedby citizens as active and passive recre-ational amenities. The ColumbusRecreation and Parks Commissionadopted the plan, and the results of thateffort are clearly apparent, especiallyalong the Scioto and Olentangy Riversand Alum Creek. Additional support forthis initiative was also reflected in theColumbus Comprehensive Plan, adopted bythe city of Columbus in 1993. Therecently completed City of ColumbusHealth Department plan entitled Priori-ties 95 contained many recommenda-tions for protecting riparian corridorsthroughout the county.

integrity of our rivers and streams (Yoderand Rankin, OEPA, In Press). The impervi-ous surfaces associated with urban areas,(parking lots, roads, and rooftops) have beenshown to adversely affect biological streamquality (Schueler, 1994).

The long term crucial economic, ecologicaland recreational value of our surfacewaters is dependent upon our ability tounderstand and ultimately control differentforms of landscape activities that affect ourrivers. It is very difficult to create afford-able experiments that can manage themany variables associated withstreamflow, ecological processes, variousweather patterns and the complexities of

FThe Franklin CountyGreenways Plan builds ona long history of waterwaysstudies...

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PHASE I: INVENTORYAND OUTREACH

In 1985 the Nature Conservancy declaredthe Darbys “A Last Great Place” in theWestern Hemisphere. The river was alsodesignated by ODNR as a State Scenic River.The Conservancy offered to help facilitate apartnership with farmers, land owners, thebusiness community and over forty publicand private agencies and organizations.The Partnership has developed an inte-grated preservation program which in-cludes various projects focusing on ripariancorridor restoration, biological assessment,land use planning, environmental educationand protection. Conservation work byagencies in the Darby Creek Watershed isnot new and can be traced back 48 years agowhen the local Soil and Water Conservation

Districts were forming. What is new howeveris the attempt to solve conservation problemson a watershed basis in central Ohio.

While the environmental benefits of riversand streams have been emphasized, theireconomic importance is receiving increased

attention, as witnessed by the efforts of theRiverfront Commons, Inc., which is in theprocess of developing recommendations tomaximize the potential of the downtownriver front.

The Franklin County Greenways Planbuilds on a long history of waterwaysstudies, but what makes this planningprocess different from those of the past?

In 1993 Ohio residents passed a $200 millionnatural resources bond issue known asNatureWorks. Although primarily directedat state and local park improvement, a smallportion of the bond package was reserved

for reducing non-point sources ofpollution. As defined by ODNR, non-point pollution includes rain-inducedrunoff from agricultural cropland,urban streets, mined land, and alsoother forms of pollution resulting fromthe draining of wetlands, channel-ization of streams, etc. The OhioDivision of Soil and Water Conserva-tion used the nonpoint pollution bondmoney to initiate several programs,one of which was calledStreambanking. The Streambanking

program offered up to $600,000 to countySoil and Water Conservation Districts forprotection of riparian areas along streams ifthey would join together with other localgovernment or land protection groups anddevelop riparian area protection plans.

Seizing the opportunity, the FranklinCounty Soil and Water Conservation District(FSWCD) and the Mid-Ohio RegionalPlanning Commission (MORPC) applied tothe Streambanking program. In the springof 1995, the Franklin County GreenwaysProgram became one of six new riparianprotection projects in Ohio.

rom the beginning, the Franklin CountyGreenways Initiative was different.

Unlike most government programs, nomoney was provided for developing aplan, only for implementing one.NatureWorks funding had to be used toacquire lands along rivers and streamsthrough conservation easements or out-right purchase. This posed a major di-lemma for the project partners, the FSWCDand MORPC. Where was the money goingto come from to develop a riparian protec-tion plan?

The accumulation of funding for thepreparation of the Franklin CountyGreenways Plan was a part of the planning

The project has succeededin part because of thegenerous contributionof thousands of hoursof volunteer time.

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process. Recognizing the potential impor-tance of a greenways plan to its objectives,the Columbus Recreation and Parks Depart-ment was the first to step forward to the helpthe new project get started, providing$25,000. Next came Franklin CountyDevelopment Department, Franklin CountyMetroParks, the City of Columbus Divisionof Sewage and Drainage and many others(see appendix C). In all, a total of $180,000has been contributed by 13 agencies andmunicipalities to allow the Greenways Planto become reality.

Typical of most planning projects, theGreenways staff established a TechnicalCommittee composed of agency staffknowledgeable in the many aspects ofcommunity planning, natural resourcemanagement, recreation and public utilities.To complement the technical component, aSteering Committee was established toprovide policy direction. The SteeringCommittee is composed of representatives oflocal government agencies having a majorlegal impact on the waterways of the county,

as well as representatives from thedevelopment community, and otherriver protection groups. The Steeringand Technical Committees are chairedby Franklin County CommissionerArlene Shoemaker.

The riparian protection plan stipulated inthe grant agreement required thatMORPC staff inventory the 180+ miles of

rivers and streams in Franklin County. TheFranklin County Greenways Plan wouldjustify and lay out a plan for the orderlyconversion of these 360+ miles of streambanks into preserved riparian corridors ofgreenspace. Ordinarily the technical commit-tee would provide the data on which to baseplanning recommendations. However, threekey issues had to be resolved to produce aplan: 1) lack of good base data; 2) there waslittle consensus over what level of detailwould be useful for a greenways plan, and3) there was concern that the public wouldnot be a major factor in the plan unless theywere completely involved at the onset.

There is as yet no comprehensive inventoryof riparian zones which would aid infuture greenways planning nor are therecurrent fine-grained soils maps on Geo-graphic Information Systems to define theintrinsic suitability of some areas forgreenway functions. We acknowledge thequalitative need for healthy riparian zones,but we lack data to support the quantitativerelationships between size, type and extent

of riparian zone necessary for optimumbiological and physical functioning.

With funding secure and goals identified thecollection of the plan’s basic informationpresented the next daunting task. It wassoon determined that an organized “volun-teer” survey of the rivers and streamsneeded to be completed. At their meeting onNovember, 1995, Steering Committeemembers were asked to step down fromtheir traditional role of attending meetingsabout greenways planning and actuallywalk the streams and rivers of the county tocollect baseline information for the plan.More than that, they were asked to enlistvolunteers from the community to helpthem. Rising to the occasion, SteeringCommittee members walked the waterways;and aided by numerous community meet-ings and positive articles and hats donated

(Fig. 3) Commissioner Shoemaker, Franklin CountyGreenways Chair, and members of the ColumbusAcademy’s sixth grade class.

Fig. 3

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PHASE II: INTERACTIVEPLANNING ANDIMPLEMENTATION

he accomplishments and travails of theFranklin County Greenways Plan indicatethe need for additional work if greenwaysare to live up to their full potential in thecentral Ohio area. Additional greenwaysplanning efforts should include the follow-ing:

1) More citizen participation. Goodplanning efforts require input fromthe many interested and affectedindividuals, organizations, agencies,and government entities who areconsulted and involved in thedecision making process. Volunteercomments from the first phase ofthe project could be used to createfocus groups to address key issuesand lead implementation efforts.

2 ) More highly detailed)intrajurisdictional planning.Rivers do not stop at boundariessuch as the Franklin County line —corridor planning efforts should notstop at jurisdictional boundariessuch as Franklin County. For

instance, the aggregate effects ofheadwaters streams are crucial tothe main stem. Riparian corridorbuffers along the many headwatersstreams contribute to theimprovement of the brown (turbid)look of waters such as thedowntown stretch of the SciotoRiver.

3) Better quantitative data. There isexcellent water-quality informationon the Scioto and Olentangy Riversand Big and Little Darby Creeksand some smaller streams collectedby the Ohio EPA, US GeologicalSurvey, the Nature Conservancy,and others. However, there is nocomprehensive inventory of all theriparian corridors in the county.Nor have any local entities pro-duced data which quantifies theamount of riparian corridornecessary to have a specified effecton the health of central Ohio riversand streams. We do know that theaddition of each greenway corridorbenefits the overall health andwelfare of the streams of the region,but we can not yet quantify them.

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by the Columbus Dispatch, more than 200volunteers throughout the county joined theeffort. Slipping and sliding in the ofteninclement conditions of Ohio’s winter andspring, the volunteers produced thoughtfulstream corridor evaluations (Fig. 3).

Volunteers range in age from gradeschoolers to retired seniors. They range inbackground from those who simply like tofloat down a river to highly trainedprofessionals in the sciences, engineering,planning and local government — allworking together towards a common goal.

Many other volunteers, including dedi-cated workers from Americorps, spentcountless hours researching a variety oftopics. The project has succeeded in partbecause of the generous contribution ofthousands of hours of volunteer time.

The Franklin County Greenways Plan isthe culmination of phase I and the firststep and the foundation of the GreenwaysInitiative. Besides the volunteer effort, theplan includes a general overview of theneed for riparian area protection andgreenways, the key themes, objectives andcomponents important to the expenditureof public funds for greenways, and somespecific examples of how greenwaysstrategies might provide good, long-termplanning solutions to enhance our qualityof life in central Ohio.

Background

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Citizens distrust whatcomes floating down theriver for good reason!

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WHY DID WE TURNAWAY FROM OURRIVERS?

he practice of using streams and rivers forurban drainage is not unique to Columbus,but has been a common practice in theUnited States for the last 150 years. Be-cause of the way in which our common lawevolved, land was valued for privateownership and water was valued forcommerce. In Ohio, owners of lands on thebanks of navigable streams are also the

owners of the river beds all the way to themiddle of the stream. The water itself is ashared resource or the last great publiccommons. But this very strength has beenweakened by the benign neglect and abuseso prevalent in America’s cities. Becauseno one owned the waters, people felt free

to dump as much trash, chemical wasteand sewage as they pleased.

Citizens distrust what comes floating downthe river for good reason! In the 19thcentury, rivers such as the Scioto-down-town carried raw sewage, toxins andslaughterhouse waste, and as a conse-quence, disease. Cholera and typhoidoutbreaks were common. In both urban-ized and agricultural areas, wastes weredischarged to any water body. Earlywastewater treatment facilities in Colum-bus utilized combined sewers which carryboth sanitary wastes and stormwater runoffto treatment plants. Today, combined sewersstill exist and are used, but construction of

separate storm and sanitary sewers isthe common civil engineering practice.During normal flows, water fromcombined sewers is treated in waste-water treatment plants; during highflows, however, if the treatmentfacility cannot handle the overloads,raw sewage is released directly intothe receiving body of water (muchdiluted by the added volume ofwater). Under current practices,separate stormwater flows are often

piped and channeled directly to the receiv-ing river or stream: There is no monitoringof water quality.

Land uses such as fat-melting and hide-curing establishments, land fills, leveesfilled with trash, gravel pits, slaughter-

houses and rendering plants have existedon the shores of our rivers for the last onehundred years. In such industrializedlocations, rivers have often developed areputation as places to be shunned. Peoplehave gotten into the habit of assuming thatthey were unclean and unsafe.

WATERFRONTS ANDECONOMICOPPORTUNITY

cross the country, attitudes about ourwaterways have shifted in the last 25 years.City after city successfully uses its water-front as an amenity and engine of eco-nomic development. Many cities such asBaltimore, Denver, Portland, Chattanooga,and Buffalo have all produced waterfrontdevelopments and greenways; the list islong and distinguished. Waterfronts canact as a last great commons, bringingpeople a sense of place, connecting them ina positive experience. Not only havewaterfront developments vastly improvedriverine property values, increasing the taxbase, but they define clean, livable placesthat support good quality of life andsignificantly boost public and privatesector workforce recruitment efforts.

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(Fig. 4) Bike Trail at Low Berliner Park, DowntownColumbus

Tourism is another important part of thismix. Many elements are necessary for acity to be a good tourist destination, butone of the key factors is the quality of lifeportrayed by a location. People don’tchoose degraded environments, butgravitate towards those areas which seemmore attractive and comfortable. Thecomfort synonomis with Columbus is inlarge part because it was never a majorindustrial center like other Ohio cities. Ithas a clear advantage in the greenwaysplanning process.

The most important catalyst nationwide forwaterfront improvement was the 1972Clean Water Act. Designed to stop the useof our waters as open sewers and begintheir restoration, the Clean Water Actproclaimed a simple goal: make thenation’s rivers, lakes and shores “swimableand fishable.” Set against such a longhistory of abuse, its effect has been dra-matic. As America’s cities have used theClean Water Act to restore their rivers,those waters in turn have begun to heal

and restore parts of America’s cities. InColumbus, we would not be thinkingabout using our waterfront for economicgain had it not been for the Clean WaterAct.

The Clean Water Act, however, has notsolved all our water quality problems here.The simple goal of making the nation’srivers “swimable and fishable” has not yetbeen reflected on the lower reaches of theScioto and Olentangy Rivers and AlumCreek. Nor do we know if there is consen-sus that such a goal is possible or evendesirable.

The 1972 Federal Clean Water Act estab-lished an end of pipe, point-source waterpollution control approach to clean water.Point source discharges, such as municipaland industrial wastewater sources, areincluded via NPDES permits from the OhioEPA. NPDES permits have specificnumeric values for individual pollutants.To confuse matters further, while mostbelieve that urban runoff is a non-pointsource, the Columbus Division of Sewersand Drains has informed us that USEPAand the courts have determined that urbanrunoff is defined as a point source. Thus, itfalls under the NPDES permit program forpoint source discharges.

However, this definition only applies tosome parts of the City of Columbus. Noother part of the county falls under the

NPDES requirements.As point sources become less prevalentacross Ohio, non-point source pollution —previously “masked” pollution that washesoff all parts of the landscape — becomes amore pervasive and compelling issue (seeRankin, et.al., 1994). Greenways, or intacthealthy riparian areas, are one importantmeans of addressing non-point sourceproblems (Steedman, 1988, Vol Norris, 1993).

WHAT IS A GREENWAY?

n recent years the use of the termgreenways has expanded greatly, especiallyin North America. While the term issometimes understood as referring to abike trail or path surrounded by a greenlinear corridor, (Fig. 4) Ahern provides thefollowing succinct example: “Greenwaysare networks of land containing linearelements that are planned, designed andmanaged for multiple purposes includingecological, recreational, cultural, aestheticor other purposes compatible with theconcept of sustainable land use.” A keyelement in this definition is the fact thatgreenways can be multi-functional, based onthe assumed or negotiated spacial andfunctional compatibility of certain uses. As aresult, the process of establishing goals in

Fig. 4

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(Fig. 5) Floodplain forests and wetlands can storewater and improve ecosystem functioning

(Fig. 6) Riverside Restaurant and Lounge

greenway planning is particularly impor-tant. Since all goals cannot always beachieved equally, trade-offs and compro-mises are sometimes necessary. For ex-ample, the needs of recreation and wildlifehabitat are not always compatible, depend-ing upon the goals of the designers (Ahern,1995).

Greenways can be used to connect parklands,enhance recreational opportunities, provideimportant wildlife corridors and protectnatural habitat and scenic areas. They alsocan provide solutions to flood andstormwater problems within watersheds.

A greenway can be highly developed, such asthe Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas; it can bea culturally-rich link with another commu-nity, or it can simply remain undeveloped as anatural area.

Greenways can also be very long. For ex-ample the proposed Ohio to Erie Trail is a

325-mile greenway that will run from theCincinnati riverfront to the Clevelandlakefront via Columbus. The trail will closelyfollow former railroad right-of-way and theformer Ohio and Erie Canal towpath innortheast Ohio.

Typically responding to a variety of societaluses, greenways can include trails forpassive recreation and alternative transpor-tation, or act as natural sinks, buffers andrefuges that encourage ecosystem function-ing in an urbanized environment (fig. 5).They have also been shown to have a varietyof positive economic impacts, such asincreasing the value of adjacent privateproperties and providing an attractivesetting for low impact commercial uses - e.g.cafes or restaurants (Fig. 6).

FRANKLIN COUNTYGREENWAYS DEFINED

he Franklin County Greenways Plandefines greenways as linear open space ornatural areas along watercourses whichpreserve the physical functioning of theland-water interface. In other words, ahealthy riparian corridor provides for goodecological functioning.

Limiting the greenway study to the water-ways was done for several reasons: 1.) InFranklin County, river corridors are typicallyinappropriate for development because offloodplains, wetlands and steep slopes, 2.)

Franklin County’s river valleys provide analternative to the dominantly flat topogra-phy of the area and are aesthetically pleasingnatural features, 3.) many planning effortshave pointed to a need for improving

(Fig. 7) A naturally flowing stream will meanderthrough the landscape creating areas of erosion anddeposition as it travels.

Erosion Deposition

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

CutbanksPoint Bar

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(Fig. 8) Streams are a powerful force which, over time,can carve valleys in a flat landscape.

(Fig. 9) Neglected streams too often become a dumpingground for refuse as seen here along the Scioto River

Floodplain

ShaleBedrock

conditions along central Ohio’s rivers;watershed planning will be a key opportu-nity in the coming years, (greenways are animportant tool) and 4.) river corridors haveproved to be a particularly importanteconomic asset across the nation whendeveloped or preserved as greenways.

WHAT IS A RIVERCORRIDOR AND HOWDOES IT FUNCTION ?

river corridor is the interface between amoving body of water and the landthrough which it flows. As a channel ofwater moves down through the landscape,it changes the shape of the area, carvingvalleys and creating floodplains (see fig. 7).

Because of the nature of the land inFranklin County, many of the streams havecut deep valleys in the otherwise flatlandscape of central Ohio (see fig. 8).

Moving water has tremendous erosive force,especially when in contact with the type ofsoils and slopes found in this area. Evenunder stable conditions, streams are dy-namic systems as they move across the land.When changes occur, such as increases in theamount or speed of the water entering astream, compensating actions occur down-stream. The natural laws of streams haveimportant implications for property ownersalong the water. At any point on a waterwaythe two most common and rational re-sponses to stream damage include the needto either: 1.) artificially ensure that thestream cannot move or change at that point,(sometimes a costly and difficult process), or2) provide enough buffer between land usesand the water to ensure that the stream cannaturally move and fluctuate. If the streamis treated to ensure that it remains static atone point in its course, there will be changesdownstream so that it can reach some kindof dynamic equilibrium.

Water flows to the lowest point on the land; inthis region generally a stream or river. Aswater flows downhill, it carries with it what-ever unconsolidated material it finds in itspath. As a result, loose soil, oil, gas, pesticides,and countless other impurities eventuallyreach the stream channel (Fig. 9).

Our streams reflect the many ways we useour land in Franklin County. They tell astory about who we are as a society and thechoices we make intentionally or uninten-tionally. At present, our river corridorsrepresent some of the best and the worstelements of this county (Fig. 10).

Fig. 9

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OBJECTIVES OF THEFRANKLIN COUNTYGREENWAYS PLAN:

(Fig. 10) Riparian corridors add to residential propertyvalue

WHY ARE RIVERCORRIDORS SOCRITICAL TO FRANKLINCOUNTY?

ranklin County has experienced dramaticgrowth and change in recent decades. Thecounty is the second most populous countyin Ohio with an estimated 1995 populationof more than one million. While this eco-nomic development has improved Colum-bus in countless ways, we have not had achance to assess the impacts this growth hashad on our streams or to develop andimplement solutions.

The county’s high growth rate has resultedin continued loss of natural habitat to theincreased development along many water-ways. The question is: Do we value ourriver corridors as important natural andcultural assets, or do we perceive them asditches that carry away unwanted productsof life? Right now we are using them in bothways and clearly heading for conflict.

Most of the scenic areas, remaining forests,significant wildlife habitat, and recre-ational facilities are located along ourwaterways and tributary ravines upstreamfrom the land uses described on page 6.

River corridors play host to what arearguably the region’s most interesting andvaluable residential properties (Fig. 10)

The Scioto River provides the focus forcultural activities in downtown Columbus,and the Olentangy River park and bikewaysystem serves the recreation and open spaceneeds of thousands of central Ohio residentson a daily basis. All of the river and creekcorridors offer emotional and mental relieffrom an increasingly complex urban land-scape.

Not only are Franklin County’s streamcorridors key elements in our landscape, wehave an unusually large number of them -330+ river miles, more than many jurisdic-tions in the United States. These waterwaysinclude Big and Little Darby Creeks, theScioto River, Olentangy River, Alum Creek,Big and Little Walnut Creeks, BlacklickCreek, and major tributaries such as RockyFork, Hellbranch Run and Hayden Run.

When planning for growth in the region,Franklin County’s riverine resources cannotbe ignored.

ased on their application and success inother communities throughout the nation,greenways in Franklin County can realisti-cally expect to achieve the followingobjectives:

• provide an attractive environment thatsupports economic development

• stimulate tourism and increaserecreation spending

• provide long term protection for keyriparian areas

• provide both transportation andcultural linkages between communities

• provide built-out communities withmuch needed access to open space

• promote community identity byfostering a sense of place and regionalidentity

Fig. 10

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(Fig. 12) Riparian corridor protection which includes theentire river corridor and tributaries has a much greaterimpact than riverine buffers limited to the mainstem (VolNorris, 1993).

Watershed-Wide Less Effective MainStem Riparian Buffer

• promote integrated watershed man-agement throughout the county

• provide undeveloped land forstormwater management and floodcontrol

• reduce flood protection costs

• restrict development frominappropriate terrain (steep slopes,floodplains)

• reduce flood insurance rates andenhance the Community RatingSystem (CRS program sponsored byFEMA) for county and city residents.

KEY THEMES INFRANKLIN COUNTYGREENWAYSPLANNING:

hese key principles form the foundation ofthe Franklin County Greenways PlanningProcess:

The best results come from watershedplanning. Each river in central Ohio is part ofan interdependent system or watershed. As aresult, changes in land use practices upstreamcan lead to significant — and typically undesir-able — changes downstream. Watershedplanning is the best means of dealing with thesystem as a whole (Fig. 11).

Greenways can have a significant impacton water quality if they comprise an as yetunknown percentage of the watershedriparian corridor (Fig. 12), provided end-of-pipe sources of pollution are undercontrol. Research suggests that the effec-tive use of greenways for the protection ofsurface water quality depends not only onthe physical characteristics of the bufferzones and on the diversity of pollutantsencountered, but also on the coordinatedarrangement of buffer zones across acatchment area (Fig. 12, Vol Norris, 1993).

Working with the characteristics of thestream — and not fighting with a com-plex natural system if a natural ap-proach will provide greater long termbenefits. Even under stable conditions,streams naturally move over time — theyrarely stay in one place. If enough buffer isprovided between land uses and the waterensuring the stream can naturally moveand fluctuate and if structures are not builtwhere streams flood naturally, propertywill be protected at reduced cost.

Multi-disciplinary approaches toproblems generate lasting solutions.Too often we look at only one or twoaspects of a problem when developing asolution. For example, a traffic engineermight focus exclusively on moving carsquickly across a waterway without consid-ering matters of stream health and aesthet-ics or community identity. By communicat-ing well with important stake holdersthrough the watershed planning process,individual solutions combine to be greaterthan the sum of their parts.

(Fig. 11) Olentangy River Watershed

Crawford County

Morrow County

Delaware County

Franklin County

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(Fig. 13) Limestone cliffs at Hayden Run Falls

(Fig. 14) Shale banks on a tributary to the Olentangy River

Biologically healthy streams contributeto human health and welfare. Actinglike canaries in a coal mine, living creaturesin a stream provide clues to cumulativechanges in water quality. More reliablethan chemical testing alone, biologicalmonitoring shows whether a stream istruly healthy — and whether it can supportthe community sustainably.

The State of Ohio Water Quality Standards,Chapter 3745-1 of the Administrative Codeestablish minimum water quality require-ments for all surface waters of the state.Each body of water in the state is assignedone or more aquatic life use designations,one or more water supply use designa-tions, and/or one recreational use designa-tion. In addition, a water body may be

designated a state resource water. This planprimarily uses the Aquatic Life Use Desig-nation because the resident biota in astream respond to and integrate all of thevarious factors that affect a watershed;their condition is the cumulative result ofwhat happens within watersheds.

Designation as a greenway is strictly forland use planning and stream corridormanagement purposes. It does not meanthat land will be confiscated, condemnedor otherwise taken for public purpose.Specific use of each and every greenwaysegment will be determined on a parcel byparcel basis.

COMMONALITIES:

hile each stream corridor in FranklinCounty is distinguished by unique featuresas well as special threats, they all havemuch in common. These commonalitiesare basic to the greenways planningprocess.

NATURAL ATTRIBUTES

The geology and geomorphology ofFranklin County: Franklin Countyis situated on the divide betweenDevonian aged limestone bedrock to

the west (Fig. 13) and the Mississippianaged sandstone’s and shales to the east(Fig. 14). The Olentangy River acts asthe drainage divide between the twotypes of rock. Rivers flowing overlimestone have alkaline waters whichare very supportive of aquatic life.Rivers and creeks flowing over shalesand sandstones are more acidic andsupport a more limited aquatic popula-tion. Because the eastern streams,including Alum, Big Walnut, RockyFork and Blacklick Creeks have almostno baseflow, temporary dry periodsalso limit the amount of life comparedto the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers.

Glacial deposits cover the uplands andunderlie the streams found in the moresoutherly sections of the county. Buriedvalleys, rich in the sands and gravelsfound in these deposits, are rich sourcesof groundwater and supply most of thebase flows that we find in our streams.

Fig. 13

Fig. 14

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(Fig. 15) Cross section of a small creek, typical in Franklin County. Which includes avariety of species such as Sycamore, Serviceberry, Multi-flora Rose, Boxelder, Hackberry,Cottonwood and Sugar Maple

(Fig. 16) A stream well buffered with an extensiveriparian corridor in a rural area.

Silts and clays are characteristic of ourgeology; a stream reach in FranklinCounty might be made up of 30 percentclay, 30 percent silt and 30 percent sandwith 10 percent gravel. The brown colorso common in Franklin County streams ispartly a result of natural stream processescarried out on materials which take a longtime to settle, even in still water.

Wooded river corridor buffers:(Also known as streamside forests andriparian corridor buffer zones)

Riparian corridors provide a transi-tional zone between upland areas andaquatic systems. They are made up oflarge trees, a woody understory of treeand shrub species and smaller soft-stemmed plants such as flowers,grasses and groundcovers. This zone isgenerally dominated by plants that cantolerate long periods of flooding or

saturated soils. Plant density is oftendirectly related to the duration ofannual flooding.

In central Ohio this is an association ofplants including, but not limited to thefollowing (Fig. 15):

TREE SPECIESAcer negundo, BoxelderAcer spp., usually silver, red, or sugar maplesCeltis occidentalis, HackberryFrazinus spp., AshGleditsia triacanthos, Honey locustPlatanus occidentalis, American sycamorePopulus deltoides, Eastern cottonwood

SHRUB SPECIES:Lonicera maackii, Amur honeysuckleRosa spp., Muti-flora roseSalix spp., WillowRhus radicans, Poision ivyVitis spp., Grape

HERBACEOUSSPECIESCarex spp., SedgegrassEquisetum spp.,HorsetailErigeron spp.,FleabaneImpatienscapensis, Spottedtouch me-not

Lobelia cardinalis, cardinal-flowerMonarda didyma, BeebalmSanicula canadensis, Canadian black-snakerootViola cucullata, Marsh blue violet

More than 95% of Ohio was oncecovered with mature forest. Riparianforests were particularly vulnerable toclearcutting practices because of theunrecognized value of these areas. Bythe early 1900s most of the forests hadbeen cleared for agriculture. Photo-graphs from the early part of thecentury in the Columbus area show thebarreness of our streamsides at thattime.

Fig. 16

14

(Fig. 17) Construction sites can be major sources of erosion and sedimentation

(Fig. 18) “Black Snow” melts into a stormwater drain

1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 34

2000

1600

1200

800

400

0Disc

harg

e (c

fs)

Time After Storm Begins(In Hours)

(Fig. 19) Hydrograph for a small tributary stream beforeand after urbanization

Before Urbanization

After Urbanization

Many scientists consider the loss ofriparian forests in eastern NorthAmerica to be one of the major causesof aquatic ecosystem degradation(Sweeney, 1992). In a natural undis-turbed riparian forest, the permanentwoody vegetation at the stream edgehelps control the physical, chemicaland biological status of the stream.Healthy riparian vegetation is creditedwith contributing to bank stabilty, andminimizing instream sediment loadingdue to bank erosion. Riparian vegeta-tion also acts as a living filter whichtraps nutrients, sediments and otherwaterborne pollutants (ODNR, 1991).

Vegetation controls light quality,moderates temperature, and can evencontrol nonpoint source pollution

through the direct root uptake ofpollutants. (Nutrient subcommittee ofthe Chesapeake Bay Program, 1995).

Different plants in the Wooded RiparianCorridor are more effectivefor different functions inthe effort to slow streamchannel erosion. Surficialerosion, which involves thedetachment and transportof individual particles, isbest delayed by dense grassswards and low shrubbyspecies that extend manynon-rigid branches into theflow (e.g. willows). Masswasting, caused by slump-ing or sliding induced byundercutting is bestcontrolled by woody

shrubs and trees with strong, deep rootsystems (Gray and Sotir, 1996).

HUMAN IMPACTS

Nonpoint source pollution: A by-product of a variety of human land usepractices, non-point source pollution iscomposed of elements which degradewater quality through cummulativeimpacts throughout a watershed (Fig.17). Poor agricultural practices can be asignificent source of nonpoint sourcepollution, not merely the presence offarming. (Many of Ohio’s exceptionalwarmwater streams and rivers, such asBig and Little Darby Creeks, havewatersheds with land use predomi-nated by agricultural activities

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

15

(Fig. 20) Silt-laden brown water and clay

(Rankin, et.al, 1994). It is important toremember, however, that many of thewatersheds for all Franklin Countyrivers and creeks are in agriculturalareas, suggesting a great need for someform of riparian corridor greenwayprotection upstream.

Primary causes of non-point sourcepollution in suburban and urbansettings include:

Urban stormwater runoff: As develop-ment occurs, the amount of imperviousarea increases. This increased impervi-ous area results in increased stormwaterrunoff (total quantity and peak flows),decreased base flows within streamsand changes in the types and quantitiesof pollutants. Urban life results inpollutant sources accumulating on theland surface (Fig. 18). With precipitation,these pollutants wash into storm sewersand subsequently discharge into creeks,streams and rivers. There are opportu-nities for greenways to solve stormwater

related pollutant problems by filteringstormwater flows before they enterrivers and streams.

In combined sewer areas, this urbanrunoff is conveyed to a wastewatertreatment plant, where it is treated anddischarged to the rivers, except duringextreme rain events.

Increased erosion and sedimentation:In an urbanized area, changes in thestream hydrology caused by stormwaterand development related filling withinthe floodplain, result in higher quantitiesof water, increased peak flows, andchanges in the times that peak flowsoccur (Fig. 19). Confronted by moresevere and frequent flows, streamchannels must respond. They typicallydo so by increasing their cross-sectionalarea to accommodate the higher flows.This is done either through widening ofthe stream banks, downcutting of thestream bed, or sometimes both. Thisphase of channel instability, in turn, cantrigger a cycle of streambank erosion andhabitat degradation (Schueler, 1994).

Furthermore, areasupstream of urbancenters at one time wereforested. Land strippedby agriculture haschanged river hydrology.Poor agriculture and

construction practices contribute asignificant share of sediment load. Thecombined effects of urbanization andupstream deforestation alter river hydrol-ogy, resulting in stream bank erosion.

More erosion in the stream means morefine clays suspended in the system, aswell as larger material moved down-stream by the river (Fig. 20). Erosionoutside of the stream itself also signifi-cantly contributes to increased instreamturbidity or “brown water.” While“brown water” is at least partiallynaturally occurring, due to the amountof clays found in the region, too muchturbidity can block sunlight from theriver bottom, killing off aquatic plants.Erosion can cause too much silt to findits way into the stream bed, covering theareas between rocks where manyorganisms such as mollusks are found(see fig. 21). At the next storm event,some of the silt will be resuspended intothe water and move downstream.Eventually sediment will show upfrom upstream areas and be depositeddownstream. An example of thisprocess can be seen at the new island

(Fig. 21) Silt covers many organisms in the stream bed

Silt

StreamBoulders

Fig. 20

D

16

growing just above Greenlawn Dam.Used extensively by wading birds,deposition would be more of a problemin a free flowing stream channel than itappears to be here.

The Franklin County Greenwayssurveys done by volunteers in the springof 1996 listed stream bank erosion as acause for concern in virtually all of therivers and creeks in Franklin County.

COMPONENTS OF ASUCCESSFULGREENWAY:

esigned properly, greenways integrate avariety of objectives. These include alterna-tive transportation, passive and activerecreation, water quality enhancement, andhabitat preservation. An effectivegreenway also provides community andregional identity.

Each of the following elements contributesto quality of life and has a disproportionateimpact on economic tangibles such asproperty values.

To justify public expense, a multi-objec-tive greenway should provide at leastthree of the following components:

ENHANCES COMMUNITY IDENTITY

Like mountains, river fronts and streamcorridors are geographic features thatprovide a sense of place and identity to theregion. These features are unique to eacharea. The Scioto is characteristic of centralOhio and does not especially resemblerivers in other parts of the country.

When combined with good physicaldesign appropriate to the region, streamsand rivers in more urbanized areas takeon a special character that makes themmemorable to residents and visitors alike.

PROVIDES COMMUNITY ACCESS,LINKAGES

Greenways are most effective whenthey connect neighborhoods anddestinations such as shops, librariesand schools. Entertainment centers,historic sites, museums and restaurantsare also important elements to beaccessed by Greenways (Fig. 22). Theyalso can provide much-needed accessto open space for densely settled areas.

PROVIDES ALTERNATIVETRANSPORTATION

When used as trails, greenways shouldbe indicators of commuter patterns andcommunity transportation needs. Theyshould provide transportation alterna-

tives which offer choices in the follow-ing areas: method of transport (walking,biking, in-line skating), speed of move-ment, and type of surface. In addition, agood greenway system extends through-out the entire metropolitan area andprovides interesting and varied scenerywhich should be easily accessible.

PROVIDES RECREATIONALOPPORTUNITIES

Of all the benefits that greenways canprovide, the most obvious are recre-ational and social. A growing urbanpopulation with elevated healthconsciousness and leisure time has ledto an increased demand for outdooractivities such as jogging, walking,biking and roller blading. Greenwaysprovide variety and clearly meet animportant need.

(Fig. 22) Scenic overlooks provide passive recreation.

Fig. 22

They also provide opportunities forpassive recreational pursuits such asbird watching, fishing, wading,picnicing and riverine “messingabout.” Easy access for watersports,such as canoeing and kayaking areanother benefit.

PRESERVES NATURAL HABITAT

Wildlife populations require enoughnatural space to sustain the livingneeds of individuals. Fragmentation,common to some urban developmentpatterns, threatens the viability ofmany animal populations. Greenwaysovercome some of the effects of frag-mentation by acting as habitat, sourceand connector.

Greenways as habitat: a species’ habitatmay include wetlands, upland forestsand grassland. From upland toriparian corridor to river, greenwayscan provide access to more that onehabitat. The vegetated land-wateredge in a healthy river system isbiologically important, providing ahost of wildlife needs: food, cover,water.

Greenways as connectors: Species,including humans, can move from onelocation to another traveling along thelength of riverine greenways.

Greenways as source: Greenwaysprovide surrounding land with avariety of resources, such as water forwildlife in an otherwise dry area, orseeds to revegetate a downstream area.

ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF THEWATER RESOURCE

A greenway system along a water-course, properly designed, can servethe basic functions that foster a healthyenvironment. It helps provide anantidote to some forms of nonpointsource pollution by acting as a filter,conduit and sink.

Greenways as conduit: Conduits arepathways in the landscape along whichwater, animals, plants and people

move. A river corridor is an obviousexample of a conduit. Water carriessediment, nutrients, leaves, insects,bacteria, plankton and algae along withit. Acting as a conduit, a river and theadjacent floodplain connects otherwiseisolated patches of habitat.

Greenways as filter and sink: As watersheet flows across the land, it picks upmany elements. A well vegetatedriparian edge allows some of the water topass through, but slows it down anddiffuses the flow allowing differentelements, including pollutants, to dropout (Fig. 23). Riparian corridorgreenways can also store surface waterin a porous floodplain or riparianwetland for a long enough period of timeto reduce flooding in peak runoff events.

Greenways can accomplish thesecrucial functions when there is enoughland available and it is appropriatelysituated relative to the overland or, inthe case of the floodplain, channel flow.For example, in Ohio, the soil becomesmuch less permeable in the winterduring freezing periods. Water bornepollutants would have less opportunityto settle out over a similar distancecompared to the peak growing season.Particularily hard, impermeable soils,exposed bedrock and steep slopes allwould require additional porous bufferto accomplish filter and sink functions(Fig. 23).

(Fig. 23) A buffer is needed to slow runoff and preventerosion between the river and uplands.

SteepSlope

Depositional AreaFor Overland Flow

ShaleBedrock

17

OverlandFlow

Inventory of the Rivers and Streamsof Franklin County

TIntroduction

he original goal of the Franklin CountyGreenways Plan, to inventory all of FranklinCounty’s rivers and streams by volunteers,has provided multiple viewpoints on ourwaterbodies. After a brief summary of some

of the key points made in the surveys,background information on the generalcharacteristics of each major stream corridorwill follow. Additional survey results willbe provided for each river and creek andsome smaller tributaries.

Volunteer Survey Summary

In the late winter and early spring of 1996,one hundred and eighty-five volunteersventured out into the river corridors ofFranklin County to complete the Streamand River Inventory. Besides the mainrivers and creeks, many of the tributarieswere inventoried as well.

The volunteers participating in this inven-tory were members of scout troops, schoolscience clubs, interested members of thecommunity and professionals from avariety of fields. Each shared a commonappreciation for the rivers and streams ofFranklin County.

The inventory process required the volun-teers to carefully explore their assignedstretch of river and then record theirfindings on survey sheets. Many of therespondents drew sketches or photo-graphed what they saw on the river. TheStream and River Inventory covered sevenmajor points. These were:

1) Community resources that are inproximity to the river and their poten-tial to be linked by a trail system.

2) Land uses adjacent to the river mostlikely or least likely to be developed inthe future.

Not Surveyed

Surveyed

(Fig. 24) Area surveyed by volunteers

18

3) Observable pollutants in the river aswell as the severity of bank erosion.

4) The level of safety felt while walkingalong Franklin County streams.

5) Special features observed or knownalong the river such as interestingnatural, historic or scenic areas.

6) Potential uses alongwaterwaysincluding recreational and educationalpossibilities.

7) Recommendations and suggestionsfor the future of the river corridor (seepg. 44 for suggestions for the SciotoRiver and Alum Creek).

The following is a general overview of theStream and River Inventory results:

The predominant community resourceidentified along the surveyed streams wereparks or recreational facilities. Thevolunteers were also asked to identify if thecorridor seemed to be used and whetherthey considered the area appropriate fortrail development. Almost half of therespondents agreed that the riparianareas they saw are now being used as apassive recreational resource forpeople. Many encouraged the develop-ment of trail systems to link communityresources.

Areas with scattered litter and trashranked high on the list of observablepollutants in the stream. Potentialpollutants listed were lawn chemicals,roads and parking lots associated withdense development.

A very large group identified active andaccelerated erosion as a major concern of theriver they inventoried. The majority ofthe volunteers considered the rivers andcreeks “safe to wade or put hands in.”An even larger group felt “safe whilewalking along the stream.” However,over half of the volunteers believed that“steep, slippery banks” create an environ-ment that is unsafe for children or non-swimmers.

Large wooded areas, high quality habitat,wetlands, and special scenic areas were the

special features most noted and photo-graphed by the volunteers. Volunteersnoted, scenic enjoyment, walking, openspace preservation, and community parks inuse along the surveyed stretch of thewaterways, but mentioned that paarts couldbenefit from improvement. Activities orfacilities not available but that had thepotential for success were fishing, biking andcanoeing.

When asked “What can be done?!” tobetter the stretches of rivers surveyed,the most popular responses were litterremoval, stream bank erosion control,trail construction, open space preser-vation and habitat enhancement.

(Fig. 25) Fall color from Highbanks Metropark Overlook

(Fig. 26) Canoe on the Little Miami River

19

TTHE RIVERS AND STREAMSOF FRANKLIN COUNTYINVENTORY

he inventory of streams progresses fromwest to east starting with Big and LittleDarby Creeks, than the Scioto andOlentangy Rivers, and finally Alum Creek,Rocky Fork of the Big Walnut, the BigWalnut, Blacklick and Little Walnut Creeks.While surrounding land use varies fromurban to rural and the stream corridorsthemselves vary in size and to a lesserextent in geology, all flow in close proxim-ity to each other and have many elementsin common. Primary differences includewide variations in water quality (Fig. 27)and the quality of the riparian corridor, theamount of public land along the ripariancorridor and how much care has beentaken to preserve the stream and its banks.It is appropriate to start a greenwaysinventory with the Darbys for severalreasons:

1) The Darby is quantifiablely in thebest ecological condition of any Ohiowaterway with the exception of FishCreek. It has gained national recogni-tion for its importance as a biologicalresource. The two creeks provide animportant alternative image for thecentral Ohio region as a place where

(Fig. 27) Overview of Aquatic Life Index, Division of Surface Water, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

20

Good

Fair

Poor

Very Poor

BDARBY CREEK

ig and Little Darby Creeks, located twentymiles west of downtown Columbus, are themajor streams in a 580-square-mile water-shed encompassing portions of six countiesin central Ohio. The Darby is one of thehealthiest aquatic systems of its size in theMidwest and is ranked among the top five

warm freshwater habitats in the region bythe Ohio EPA. Land use in the drainagebasin has historically been productionagriculture, with approximately eightypercent of the land area in fields row-cropped in a corn-soybean rotation.

(Fig. 28) Aquatic Life Index map of Big and Little DarbyCreeks

Exceptional

Good

Fair

21

quiet beauty and environmentalquality are special traits which canmake Ohioians proud. Central Ohio isknown for its low unemployment rate,family values, educational opportuni-ties and other quality of life attributes.Why not add the intelligent way thatwe utilize our natural assets to the list?

2) Some of the goals for the Darbyestablished by existing groups such asthe Darby Partners provide a goodmodel for looking at other waterwaysin the area (see page 23 of this study).

3) Experts surmise that the Darby isthe jewel that it is through the luck ofrelatively slow development patternsin the area and good stewardship onthe part of many people, not least thefarmers of the watershed. The creeksprovide a model for what many of thewaterways in the area could be.Experts maintain that to preserve thebiological integrity of aquatic ecosys-tems, an ideal managed buffer systemshould have the patterns of vegetation,litterfall, and light penetration similarto those in a natural, relatively undis-turbed riparian forest (Golladay andWebster, 1988, Karr, 1993, Sweeney,1992, 1993). Such models are hard tocome by; we are fortunate to have afew remnant areas in the Darby Creekwatershed to use as benchmarks forthe evaluation of other sites.

Some would argue that the Darbys are anunrealistic and inappropriate basis ofcomparison to other Franklin Countystreams. Others have said that the quality ofthe Darbys ecology and stream function is agood local goal. We don’t know the answerto this question partially because very littleresearch has been done to see how habitatand water quality conditions in the Darbycould be replicated through innovativemanagement practices in urban and subur-ban environments to produce similar results.

Many people have said that the Darbyshave received all the attention and carelavished on rivers in this area. TheFranklin County Greenways Plan is anattempt to look seriously at all the water-ways in Franklin County beginning withthe closest approximation we have of ahealthy natural system.

However, because central Ohio is now oneof the fastest growing cities in America,conversion of the watershed from agricul-tural to urban land uses presents anincreased threat to the health of thisaquatic system.

Volunteer Observations

Twenty-nine groups of volunteers sur-veyed the Big and Little Darby creeks.The areas inventoried included all of theLittle Darby bordering Franklin Countyand two stretches of the Big Darby, I-70 toBroad Street and Hickory Hills Golf Courseto S.R. 665. The following comments weregathered from the volunteers:

The areas inventoried were “very peacefuland beautiful” with large wooded areas,ravines and wetlands.” The messag wasclear:”very good riparian corridor” and“this area should be kept in a natural state.”

Access is limited along the Big Darby. Thereis a path “made of years of fisherman andsight seers” but little possiblity or desire fora developed trail exists since “the bluffs andravines would make a bike path difficult tomake” and others would “hate to see thisarea further developed because it woulddefinately ruin the beauty of the area.”

At the time of the inventory, the volunteerswere confident that the water was clean

enough to wade or put their hands in. Theobservable pollutants were litter and trashand “muddy water.” Potential upstreampollutants came from “home septic”systems. A large number of volunteers feltsafe walking along the Big Darby but wereconcerned about the steep and slipperybanks from accelerated erosion and treedebris in the river. A volunteer wrote:“when the water is high, like today, thewater moves very fast and could bedangerous to children. There are alsoseveral boulders that could be considereddangerous in the creek,” however, even“though it is steep and slippery, we shouldleave it as it is.”

Additional Analysis

HistoryThe Darbys arose as an outflow for themelt-water from the retreating Wisconsinage glaciers. These waters cut an initialchannel through the glacial till deposits tothe underlying limestone bedrock. Similarto other Franklin County streams, evidenceof this geologic history is visible today inthe glacial erratics scattered throughout thewatershed and the limestone outcropsuncovered by the river corridor andhighway cuts.

When the first European settlers enteredthe Darby Watershed in the 1800s, theyencountered a tremendous variety of plant

and animal life that included over 100species of fish and forty species of mol-lusks. Such diversity was rare in theUnited States outside of this region andresulted from a combination of factors,including: the area’s temperate climate; thetree-lined banks; the gentle gradient of theriverbed with its resulting sequence of“pool,” “riffle” and run habitats; the mineraland nutrient rich till soil and bedrock; andthe ability of the indigenous aquatic life torepopulate the region following glaciation.

These characteristics of the Darby alsoapply to other limestone/till plains streamsof the area such as the Scioto. Differencesin settlement patterns resulting in industri-alized and urbanized versus rural land useappear to account for the vast differencesin condition between the waterbodies.

Today the diversity of life within the Darbyshas changed little, although it has been lostin most other midwestern rivers. Scientistsplace the number of fish species in the Darby

(Fig. 29) Darby Creek Mollusk Species

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TSCIOTO RIVER

he Scioto River basin is the second largestwatershed in Ohio, draining 31 counties.Flowing almost due north to south, the rivercollects all the water from Franklin Countyrivers, streams, and ditches by the time itreaches Circleville. One-hundred- thirtymiles downstream from Columbus, theScioto empties into the Ohio River atPortsmouth. The river is highly scenic and issurrounded by desirable residential areasand waterfront properties.

Besides its role as a corridor for humansettlement over the last several thousandyears, the Scioto River is known for its greatvalue as a corridor for migrating neotropicalsongbirds, such as the Indigo Bunting,

Creek system at 86, (including the Federallyendangered Scioto Madtom), and thenumber of mollusk species at 39, (includingthe federally endangered Northern RiffleShell and the Northern Club Shell).

In further recognition of the river’s distinctcharacteristics, ODNR classified approxi-mately 82 miles of the Big and Little DarbyCreeks as State Scenic Rivers in 1984. Thesame areas received National Scenic RiverStatus in 1994.

The Darby Creek drainage basin lies withinmany governmental jurisdictions contain-ing a multiplicity of land uses. Thesefactors, and the basin’s sheer size, dictatethe use of partnerships as the primarymethod of protecting the Big Darby’sbiodiversity, for no single agency ororganization can hope to make a significantimpact working alone.

In conjunction with the Darby CreekPartnership, the USDA named the water-shed a “Hydrologic Unit” in 1991 Thisprovided funding to begin the work of“preserving, maintaining and enhancingthe aquatic and riparian ecosystem.” In1993, the USEPA chose the Darby as one offive ecorisk sites. These comprehensive riskassessments will provide objective resultsfor understanding how land use decisionscan affect the integrity of the Darby’scomplex ecosystem.

The Darby Partnership

In the past four years, significant strides havebeen made by the partnership in addressingthe various threats to the streams’ aquaticsystem, including reducing the erosion rate ofthe silty soils within the watershed by 25percent (according to tillage transect studies bythe Natural Resources Conservation Service).Other threats to the streams’ aquatic life thatare the focus of the partnership include pointand nonpoint sources of chemical pollutionand nutrient enrichment, disruption of theriparian corridor, streambank destabilizationand suburban growth.

The Conservancy and its partners haveimplemented a comprehensive array ofprograms designed to address the keythreats and to promote compatible economicdevelopment within the watershed over thelong term. Some of these programs include:

1. Environmentally benign streambankstabilization techniques.

2. Reforestation of high priority areasin the riparian corridor.

3. Removal of exisitng low head dams.

4. Comprehensive monitoring of waterquality by USGS.

5. Mapping of land use trends andpoint source pollution.

6. Discouragement of the granting ofany new National Pollution DischargeElimination System (NPDES) permitsand the promotion of methods that moreeffectively treat existing outflows.

The results have been encouraging. Itappears that there has been no significantloss of fish or mussel species in the streamsin the last decade. Mollusk and fishpopulation studies are under way and willbe completed in 1997.

23

Scarlet Tanager and Yellow Warbler. Thegentle terrain, rich flora and fauna andnorth-south orientation have created whatwas once an ideal habitat.

Upstream from Columbus, the Scioto Riveris impounded by two major reservoirs,O’Shaughnessy near Dublin and Griggs nearUpper Arlington. There are about five miles

approximately 10 people fishing off shorealong the river.” Several other volunteersidentified areas along the Scioto that hadramps for motor boats, access to paddle boats,or areas ideal to put in canoes.

In several areas, the river has “no access otherthan by car” and along these same routes,volunteers commented that “there could bebetter places to walk without the possibility ofbeing hit by cars.”

Along much of the Dublin and UpperArlington area, the banks are “not currentlyused since most land on either side isprivately owned, ” however, “this is a verynice stretch of river and has great potential

(Fig. 30) Aquatic Life Index of the Scioto River

Good

Fair

Poor

Very Poor

of free-flowing water between these reser-voirs, and a similar stretch between GriggsDam and the confluence with the Olentangy.

The entire Scioto River corridor from theDelaware County line south through Dublinto Trabue Road in Arlington is visible fromRiverside Drive (State Route 33). A primecandidate for state Scenic Byway status, theroad showcases the river corridor whileproviding access to the many ColumbusRecreation and Parks’ properties along itscourse.

Volunteer Observations

Almost the entire Scioto River were invento-ried by 20 volunteers. The stretch surveyedranged from Delaware County to the GroveCity area. Their suggestions and observa-tions included:

Special features of the river were oftenidentified as historic in nature, particularlyin the downtown Columbus area. Scenicareas were identified as was the rich naturalhabitat the entire segment provides for“mollusks, frogs, and deer - - too early in theyear for migrating birds - - although the areais populated with orioles, warblers, cardinals,turkey vultures. South of Greenlawn Dam,many fishers wade and cast.”

A group of volunteers “put a canoe in atScioto Park (Leatherlips) where a churchservice and picnic was in progress, passed

24

(Fig. 31) Scioto downtown, photo courtesy of Cord Camera

for a trail or bikeway for travel between parksor into commercial areas instead of cars.” Inthe downtown area, a “well maintained biketrail on the west side is a safe distance fromthe river — offers good views of the river(and litter) when foliage allows.”

Litter and trash are serious problems alongthe entire corridor. In the Greenlawn Damareas “there is a concern with all the brokenglass around the shoreline — if you trip andfall you may be cutting your knees and handson glass.” These are areas that are “invitingfor children to play but not safe — brokenglass and broken-up cement wall.”

In addition to the litter, in “more secludedand less safe areas homeless live underbridges and overpasses and lie arounddrinking on both sides of the river.” In spiteof these conditions, over half of the volunteersfelt safe while inventorying their assignedstretch of the river.

About half the volunteers agreed the waterwas safe enough to wade in although, onevolunteer wrote “I would not want to washmy hands before touching food, etc.” Anotheradded “swimming or wading should not beencouraged due to roller dam danger —drownings have occurred.” The dangersassociated with low-head dams, treedebris and slippery banks were especiallyapparent in the downtown Columbusand Upper Arlington survey responses.Erosion seems to be less of a concern in theDublin and Grandview Heights areas.

Additional Analysis

Water Quality

Overall water quality remains good alongthe Scioto according to OEPA standards (Fig.30). USGS and OEPA data confirm thatwater quality falls off only after theOlentangy empties into the Scioto down-town. As cited in the USGS Water ResourcesInvestigations Report 92-4130, prepared incooperation with the city of Columbus’Division of Sewerage and Drainage,“sources of fecal-indicator bacteria withinthe Columbus area include combined-seweroverflows (CSOs), stormwater and directurban runoff.

The only sewage treatment plant in the areanorth of Greenlawn Dam was eliminated in1989. Thus, most of the fecal indicatorbacteria in the area was from nonpointsources: CSOs, small unregulated sanitarysewer discharges and intermittent break-downs in the sewage collection system.

As described in the 1994 Water ResourceInventory, “the impacts of CSOs and urbanstormwater runoff must be consideredbeyond potential effects on the watercolumn. The most important effects onaquatic life are the cumulative result of whateach individual CSO and runoff event leavesbehind, not merely what happens to waterchemistry during an event. In addition,many areas impacted by CSOs are simulta-neously impacted by habitat modifications(e.g. impoundments, riparian encroachment)and flow alterations.”

It is encouraging to note that, according toOEPA’s aquatic monitoring, water qualitysouth of Columbus’ two sewage treatmentplants, Southerly and Jackson Pike, hasimproved significantly after the city investedmillions of dollars in facility improvements.

Flooding

Below the confluence with the OlentangyRiver, the Scioto serves a drainage area of

(Fig. 32) View of downtown and lowhead dam

(Fig. 33) Flood waters in downtown Columbus

25

1,629 square miles, larger at this point thanany other Franklin County stream as itopens out into a wide floodplain. This widefloodplain has made the region vulnerable toflooding. Franklinton, the region’s originalsettlement, was built on the floodplain andhas suffered flooding on numerous occa-sions, with 1913 being the most severe.

After many years of effort to obtain federalfunds, the city of Columbus is now work-ing with the US Army Corps of Engineersto construct a floodwall along five miles ofthe Scioto’s west bank in the downtownarea. Prior to this project, Columbus spentmillions of dollars on dam and dredgingprojects for a variety of uses. The east bankof the river in the downtown area isprotected from flooding by concrete walls.

Altered Form

Partially dam controlled, the river variesfrom about 16,000 CFS (cubic feet per

second) to 110 CFS and often has a muddybrown color. The river is considerably widerthan it would be naturally due to lowheaddams, which make navigation by anythingbut small craft quite difficult. In downtown,the presence of 20-foot high floodwalls beliethe river’s maximum depth of four feetduring normal flow conditions.

In its natural state, the Scioto would barelykeep a canoe afloat during periods ofdrought. As it is, the river is difficult to canoe,due to numerous impediments and is clearlynot conducive to commercial boating uses.

Public Access

Many miles of the Scioto River corridor isowned by the city of Columbus, includinglands adjacent to the two reservoirs and thecorridor from the Olentangy confluencesouth to Frank Road. Most of the Colum-bus acreage is along the east bank GriggsReservoir. Dublin also has significantriverfront holdings. (Fig. 63) In the resi-dential areas along the reservoirs, publicholdings separate the water from theprivate parcels on the bank.

Downtown, public lands are more devel-oped, with bike trails extending throughtown and planned on both sides of theriver. Lack of adequate funding for mainte-nance continues to be a problem fordowntown parks, which require significantupkeep. The Whittier Street peninsula

section and Berliner Park south ofGreenlawn Dam area are known for theirbird life, and have a preserve-like characterin places. These areas too are in need ofmaintenance funding.

Next Steps

The Scioto River epitomizes the challengefound throughout Franklin County:Should we focus our efforts on address-ing the restoration challenges found onthe lower Scioto, or would attention andmoney be better spent inventing gooddevelopment practices for growingmunicipalities upstream as well aspreserving riparian buffers on headwaterstreams? Is it possible to both restore andpreserve? Should we attempt to come upwith stream-friendly managementpractices as we develop a more cost

(Fig. 34) Flood wall at Dry Run

26

(Fig. 35) Yellow-crowned nightheron at Scioto River

T

very much in the public eye. Over 100,000trips per day are taken on SR 315 alone.Additional sections of the bikeway, nowextending from Worthington south to OSU,will soon connect the system to downtownColumbus.

The Olentangy corridor is consideredamong the area’s prettiest and enjoys stateScenic River status from Stratford inDelaware County to Wilson Bridge Road.The many ravines formed by tributarystreams of the Olentangy contribute to theriver’s appeal. Exposed bedrock, steepslopes and in a few cases rock ledges andsmall waterfalls along these tributaries areunique in the otherwise flat terrain of theregion. Some well known tributaries andravines are Potters Creek and Rush Run inWorthington as well as Adena, Overbrook,Walhalla, Glen Echo and Iuka ravines inColumbus. Community groups in bothcities have been active stewards of theseresources.

Although some segments of the river werechannelized during the construction of SR

315, the stream is enhanced by a primarilysecond growth wooded riparian bufferdominated by cottonwood and sycamoretrees. The buffer is least intact at thosepoints where the river is closest to thehighway, particularly on the western bank,where virtually no buffer exists at somepoints. A benefit of highway constructionwas the accumulation of hundreds of acresof public lands along the river, much ofwhich are used for parks and open space.

Volunteer Observations

Two sections of the Olentangy River weresurveyed by five groups of volunteers.These areas were: Highbanks Metro Parksto S.R. 161 and Fifth Ave. to the SciotoRiver. Comments and observations pro-vided by volunteers included:

The riparian area is ”an excellent use of thisarea and well used by local residents - wellmaintained and clean.”

(Fig. 37) Fall color on the Olentangy River

(Fig. 36) Olentangy River with exposed shale banks

27

effective option?

Greenways planning attempts to justifypublic expense for projects by ensuring thateach greenway provide at least three multi-objective goals, including community identity,community access and linkages, alternativetransportation, recreational opportunities,habitat preservation, and enhancement of thewater resource. Should these goals be ofequal weight or are some more critical? Forexample, it has been suggested that wherepreservation is still possible, enhancement ofthe water resource and preservation of habitatmight be a first priority.

Olentangy River

he Olentangy River connects the twooldest settled areas in central Ohio,Worthington and Franklinton. Runningnorth to south the river flows almost 13miles in Franklin County before enteringthe Scioto River in downtown Columbus,flowing past dozens of parks, BattelleMemorial Institute, Riverside Hospital andThe Ohio State University on the way.While smaller than the Scioto, theOlentangy also flows all year long and hasa steeper slope than many other centralOhio waterways.The presence of SR 315, Olentangy RiverRoad and the popular Olentangy Bikewayensure that the Olentangy River remains

However, it is “difficult to access the area,must negotiate steep banks, no clear accessto river banks on either side and lots ofbroken glass on east bank, would be afraidto bring children.”

The, “riparian area is used occasionally forrecreational fishing. Some evidence ofcampfires and lots of litter including cans,bottles, etc. indicating visitors. There is nodeveloped trail, though potential exists tolink area to existing Olentangy Riverbikeway.”

Litter and trash were observed to be a bigsource of pollution — “Steep banks withlots of debris line both sides of the river.”

“In general the area is highly developedurbanized and congested. The adjacentroadways and the ongoing bridge andhighway construction project have nodoubt contributed to sediment levels.Drainage from sewers and roads isabundant. However, there certainly ispotential to both improve the natural

environment and develop recreationaluses.”

Perceived safety was an issue with manyrespondents on the lower Olentangy. Onewrote: “very isolated, some difficult spotsto walk, tent and mattresses under SR 315bridge on west bank, lots of beer cans andbottles. I was uncomfortable walkingalone.” Another wrote: “Steep banks withlots of debris line both sides of the river. Ifsomething were to happen to children ornonswimmers during high water, espe-cially near the lowhead dams, it would bedifficult for emergency personnel to reachthem.”

A group of volunteers recommended that“space along Perry Street could be devel-oped into a real urban park, making a niceaccess point to the river and any adjacenttrail or bikeway facilities.”

Additional Analysis

Water Quality

Overall the Olentangy is a surprisinglybiologically healthy stream system, worthyof protection from any further degradation.Flowing fairly quickly over a limestonebed, the river supports a broad spectrum ofaquatic life, including an array of mollusksand fish species. The Metro Parks staffvolunteers who inventoried the Olentangy

and its tributaries from Highbanks to I-270reported the presence of endangeredspecies including the Spotted Darter(Etheostoma maculata) and the BluebreastDarter (Etheostoma comurum) and fournotable species of mussel.

A rich diversity of aquatic life has broadimplications for the usefulness of water forhumans. Any stream rated as havingexceptional water quality in the OEPAsystem is a good source of water formyriad uses, including drinking, swim-ming and fishing. Aquatic monitoring,through periodic sampling of biologicaldiversity in the stream, provides a veryaccurate way to observe the cumulativeimpacts of nonpoint source pollution.

Data from OEPA identify much of theOlentangy system upstream fromHenderson Road as having exceptionalwater quality (Fig. 39). Volunteers, how-ever, reported that the ODNR Scenic RiversAnnual Report #10, 1995, shows a decreasein stream quality since 1986. Water qualitybegins to decline most noticeably south ofHenderson Road. By 5th Avenue, thewater quality impairment is significant forrecreational use. The USGS study previ-ously cited on the Scioto River section ofthis report, indicates that most of thedischarge of fecal-indicator bacteria to theScioto River, measured at Town Street, isfrom the Olentangy River (Meyers, 1992).

(Fig. 38) Olentangy River at lowhead dam

28

The lower stretch of the Olentangy River iseligible to be reclassified as ModifiedWarmwater Habitat by the OEPA. Thisaquatic life use classification describesconditions downstream and “applies to

streams and rivers which have beensubjected to extensive, maintained andessentially permanent hydromodificationssuch that the biocriteria for the WarmwaterHabitat Use are not attainable and where theactivities have been sanctioned and permittedby state and federal law; the representativeaquatic assemblages are generally com-posed of species which are tolerant of lowdissolved oxygen, silt, nutrient enrichment,and poor quality habitat.” (Yoder, 1996).

Lowhead Dams

Six lowhead dams lie along the Olentangy,more than any other stream in FranklinCounty. Two smaller structures impoundthe river on the south side of Worthington;three are located in the one mile stretchbetween North Broadway and DodridgeStreet and a large lowhead sits just north of5th Avenue.

Impacts from the dams can include alter-ation of the dissolved oxygen and tempera-ture regimes downstream, altering habitatand eliminating some species of fish, suchas darters (Robinson and Buchanan, 1988).Impoundments also hurt the ability ofrivers to assimilate organic wastes fromcombined sewer outfalls and urban runoff(Rankin, 1994).

Lowhead dams also generate safetyconcerns. The uniform wave at the bottomof most of these structures can entrap

people in a recirculating “hole” which atsome water levels is very hard to escapewithout rescue (Fig.38). Numerous unneces-sary deaths have occurred in Columbus andthroughout the country because of thesestructures.

Lowhead dams, however, also serve animportant function which makes theirremoval very problematic. They provide aninexpensive way to run sewer lines acrossrivers. All the dams on this river segmentserve this function with the exception of the5th Avenue dam, which is designed to createa water supply pool.

River Protection

The condition of mainstem rivers, such asthe Olentangy, are the product of complexinfluences; tributary streams are mucheasier to study. The effects of stormwaterflows show up very quickly in smallerstreams. Adequately sized healthywooded riparian corridor buffers on small

(Fig. 39) Aquatic Life condition of the Olentangy River

(Fig. 40) Overflowing sanitary sewer into ravine tributaryof the Olentangy River

Exceptional

Good

Fair

29

streams have an easily discernible effect onwater quality and stream function. Urbanstormwater runoff controls such as wetponds and constructed or preservedwetlands minimize protect waterways byacting as a natural filter. They also help toslow the flow of water to the receivingwaters and replenish groundwater.

Runoff controls that are pleasing to the eyeand safe for children can also lead toincreased property values (USEPA, 1995).Sound development and managementpractices that protect areas such as theravine tributaries of the Olentangy andScioto rivers would have many long-termbenefits not the least of which are economic.

Next Steps

Like the Scioto, there aremany choices facing theregion on how best tospend implementationmoney to enhance andprotect the Olentangy.Should we focus ourefforts on addressing therestoration challengesfound on the lowersections of the river, orwould attention andmoney be best spentapplying good develop-ment strategies forgrowing munici-

palities upstream , even beyondFranklin County? Because so muchof the Olentangy has exceptionalwater quality, uniform application ofgood runoff controls as well asadequate riparian buffers for themainstem and headwater streams is akey priority.

At the same time, recreational use hasbeen and will continue to be animportant element of the OlentangyRiver. Highbanks MetroPark, Antrim,Whetstone and Tuttle parks could allbe connected through a greenwaysystem. The imminent possibility ofusing the Olentangy for alternative

Lowhead Dam

�Hole� in natural river

(Fig. 41) Hydraulic or recirculating wave

(Fig. 42) Olentangy River

30

transportation from downtown to north ofthe county line, with connections to otherparts of the region, has great appeal andwill do much to bring people to greaterfamiliarity with their river.

CALUM CREEK

onnecting Westerville to the new Eastondevelopment and south down to Bexley, thecreek flows primarily through the city ofColumbus. Several streamfront sites alongthe creek were recently awarded the firstNatureWorks grant money for riparian areaprotection. The fate of Alum Creek is closelytied to Sunbury Road which closely followsthe creek from Morse Road to LeonardAvenue. A winding two-lane road sittinghigh above the floodplain, Sunbury providesglimpses of the creek. Soon to be studied bythe city of Columbus as a possible scenicbyway, Sunbury Road has great scenic valuethat complements the entire river corridor.

Comparable in size to the Little Darby orBlacklick Creek, Alum Creek serves adrainage area of 189 square miles where itflows under Livingston Avenue. It is a small,intimate creek, the kind of place childrenshould be able to play without mishap. Itresembles other area creeks in its form, withhigh forested banks alternating with low

floodplain areas. At Three Rivers Park nearObetz, Alum Creek joins the Big Walnut andBlacklick Creeks to form the mainstem of BigWalnut Creek.

Volunteer Observations

Seventeen groups of volunteers inventoriedthe entire length of Alum Creek; from theDelaware County line to the confluence withBig Walnut Creek inside Three Rivers Park.The following observations were made bythese volunteers:

Special features most noted by the volunteersincluded: “Large wooded areas, wetlands andrich wildlife habitats.” One group of volun-teers found “this section was truly a gift. Theriver retained a natural and uncontrolled feelsince it had no low-head dams, obstructions,or man made retaining walls of pouredconcrete. There were older fieldstone retainingwalls, but instead of detracting from theriparian corridor, their age and simplecharacter contributed to the sylvan setting.One really felt that they were no longer in theheart of Columbus, but instead along a naturalstretch of river, far removed from the city.”

The volunteers felt very safe walking alongtheir assigned stretch of Alum Creek. NearOtterbein College, one group wrote: “Goodpart of town. There was evidence of fishing,campfires and possibly a homeless person’scamp but nothing seemed threatening. Sawevidence of deer, ducks, geese, ground hogsand rabbits.”

Just over half of the volunteers felt the waterwas safe enough to wade or put their hands in.One group noted: “several storm sewersemptying into creek - possible runoff fromyards and streets, fertilizers, pesticides,herbicides, gas and oil” and another volunteer,downstream at Otterbein College “I would bemore likely to put my hands in or wade in thesmall tributary.” Another volunteer com-mented: “I think the water is safe to be in butit’s hard to climb in and out of the streambecause of the eroded banks.” Slippery banks,low-head dams and tree debris were majorsafety concerns among the volunteers.

(Fig. 43) Bank erosion on Alum Creek (Fig. 44) Aquatic Life Index of Alumn Creek

Fair

31

Litter and piles of trash along the river wereevident. At Holt Ave. a volunteer com-mented: “this segment needs some clean-up,removal of little and erosion control. The areadoesn’t seem to require a lot of work to makeit more scenic and healthy.”

Very few areas of Alum Creek are accessibleby trail. However, there was strong supportfor a trail along the creek “above the bank onthe east side there is an undeveloped road thatruns adjacent to the creek. It crosses to thewest side on the bridge behind the Hebrewschool. This is where the creek opens up.There is a lot of potential for hiking and apicnic area.”

Habitat

The banks of the stream are forested. In someareas, the entire creek is shaded, a desirablecondition for a creek of this size with lowflows. In central Ohio, with our hot summers,the trees cool the water allowing betterhabitat for stream dwelling creatures. Coolerwater is also more pleasant for people whomight be in and around the creek.

Water Quality

While researchers have suggested thatsegments of the creek appear to be recover-ing, the entire Alum Creek from I-270 down-stream to the Big Walnut confluence is listedas having fair water quality according toFranklin County Rivers and Streams: Aquatic

Life Condition Map, OEPA (Fig. 25). Thecreek does not meet the OEPA attainmentstandards for warmwater habitat, and has thesame classification as the lower Olentangyand Scioto rivers.

While pollutant discharges into Alum Creekare probably much less than those into theScioto, the small size of the stream limitsopportunities for dilution. Stormwater fromupstream development, areas with too manyseptic tanks in too small an area or septic tankfailure, are among the many possiblenonpoint source causes of poor water quality.Below I-670, Alum Creek has beenchannelized, has several lowhead dams andotherwise exhibits characteristics of a dis-turbed stream system.

Next Steps

Very few areas of Alum Creek are accessibleby trail. However, there was strong supportfor a trail along the creek. At LivingstonAvenue , above the bank on the east side thereis an undeveloped road that runs adjacent tothe creek. It crosses to the west side on thebridge behind the Hebrew school. Where thecreek opens up, there is much potential forhiking and a picnic area. At OtterbeinCollege, access is somewhat limited, but couldeasily be remedied. It would make for a greattrail for students’ use as well as preschoolerswho use a facility on Ohio Dominican Collegegrounds. There are 16 small to medium-sizedparks along the Alum Creek, beginning in

(Fig. 45) Idyllic views on Alum Creek

32

Westerville and going south to Three RiversPark. It could be possible to have a hiking trailthat connects these parks.

The city of Columbus hopes to designateSunbury Road as a Scenic Byway. In doing so,funds will become available to help enhancethe roadway and Alum Creek. Improvingaccess to the creek and encouraging streamprotection by surrounding neighborhoodsshould help improve the life of the stream.Cleanup campaigns for the Alum and othercreeks in the county make great educationalservice projects for scout troops, churchgroups and schools.Careful replanting oferoded stream edges and uniform applicationof good runoff controls, and preservation ofthe riparian buffers should be a top priority.

AThe Rocky Fork and BlacklickCreeks

lthough located within a mile and a halfof each other and similar in size, the RockyFork and Blacklick creeks show someimportant and constructive contrasts.

Rocky Fork Creek

The Rocky Fork Creek begins as a smallrural stream similar to Blacklick Creek.Near Headly Road in Jefferson Township,the creek enters a steep walled gorgecomposed of sandstone and shale bedrock.Surrounded by a Beech-Maple forest, thispicturesque gorge is a highlight of theFranklin County waterways system. Thecreek’s unusual scenic qualities are fragileand small in scale and can easily beharmed. The creek is about eight miles

long. Beginning in southern DelawareCounty and terminating where it joins theBig Walnut Creek in Gahanna, the RockyFork is special to a number of people in thenortheast region of the county. The mostactive group is the Rocky Fork ProtectionTask Force.

The task force was established in 1993 by agroup of concerned local residents with theassistance of OEPA and ODNR. It providesa good model of a local watershed stew-ardship group. The group was formed as aresult of concerns regarding the rapiddevelopment in northeast Franklin County.The creek had sustained significant dam-age from initial construction activity andresidents were anxious to prevent furtherdegradation. The task force works withlandowners, developers, local schools,businesses, state agencies and other localgovernments to ensure proper soil andsediment control practices along the creekand generally monitor the health of thewatershed.

Volunteer Observations

Four groups of volunteers surveyed a twomile sample of the Rocky Fork from theNew Albany Country Club to Clark StateRd. Due to its relatively discrete nature,the Rocky Fork is unknown to most ofFranklin County. Some observations by thevolunteers included:

This stretch of the Rocky Fork was de-scribed as “truly an outstanding stretch ofstream, the physical habitat to support anexceptional aquatic community is abun-dant. It is secluded from any largedevelopment and the area is in a natural

(Fig. 46) Rocky Fork of the Big Walnut Creek

(Fig. 47) Aquatic Life Index of Blacklick Creek

Good

Fair

33

state with outstanding aesthetics.” Accessalong the Rocky Fork is restricted anddevelopment of a trail system is clearly notdesired “since all property is private, thepotential for public access appears limited.This is an area where the benefits of havinga relatively unimpacted stretch of streamoutweighs the need for other uses.”

Development occurring north of the NewAlbany Country Club was a major concernfor these volunteers, “upstream develop-ment is the greatest threat to this stretch.Construction activities have and continueto add sediment to the stream. Moreimpervious areas result in increased runoff.Residential development is resulting inincreased nitrogen, phosphorus, herbicides,pesticides and other pollutants beingdelivered to the stream.”

At the time of the survey the volunteersfelt the creek was safe enough to wade orput their hands in however slippery banksand tree debris were a potential safety issue“there area several areas where high banksshow some significant erosion. These areareas of predominantly shale banks where

there is sparse vegetation. In a few areasthe erosion has cut the banks enough thatlarge trees have fallen into the stream.”

The volunteers felt safe walking theirassigned stretch of the creek. The majorityagreed that the water was safe enough towade or put their hands in.

Blacklick CreekBlacklick Creek has none of the dramafound in the Rocky Fork. With an averagefall of four feet per mile, and little in theway of rock outcroppings and exposedbedrock, the Blacklick is a pastoral, peace-ful meandering stream. A large floodplainalternates on both sides of the creek. Whereland has not been cleared for suburbanlawns, a generally healthy bottomlandhardwood forest persists. Kitzmiller Roadclosely follows the Blacklick from WalnutStreet in Plain Township south to ClarkState Road in Jefferson Township. Thisrural road contributes to the charm of thearea. With its uncommon slow pacedcharacter, Kitzmiller Road is a goodcandidate for Scenic Byway status. TheBlacklick Creek begins in the northwestedge of Licking County and continuessouth and west until it joins the Big Walnutand Alum Creek confluence at ThreeRivers Park in Madison Township.

Volunteer Observations

Two large areas of Blacklick Creek wereinventoried by eleven groups of volunteers.These were: Licking County line to Broad St.and Long Rd. to Three Rivers Park. Themany volunteers who observed these twolong stretches of creek had these comments:

Blacklick Creek is “very rustic and rural: andvery scenic. The vast majority of BlacklickCreek is bordered by private homes of severalacres each - especially on the west side of thecreek. Probably 50% of the riparian area is inlawns with very little natural growth. Theeast side of the creek has more old farms anduninhabited areas, but also has someresidence of several acres each.”

Access along the northern portion of theBlacklick is limited and there is little supportto develop a trail system. One group wrote:“we do not feel that the area was suitable forbike paths as so much of it was in privateownership. There were no easy connectionsto schools, libraries or other public build-ings”. However, downstream “there is a wellworn ATV path which narrows to a foot andmountain bike path on top of the levee on thewest bank of the creek. While not necessarilyconnecting community resources currently,it has the potential to do so.”

Scattered litter and trash was a majorconcern along the Blacklick Creek. Avolunteer suspected pollutants entering the

(Fig. 48) Rocky Fork Creek in winter

34

stream from “new residential development -water being discharged (pumped) into stream(brown-colored plume).” Another groupwrote: “some people may be putting sewageinto the stream - several pipes from people’syards going into the creek.” The impacts offuture development concerned many of thevolunteers “older farms are ripe for develop-ment as there is much building going on inthe area now. Many of the tributaries are inneed of protective measures.”

The volunteers felt very safe walking theirassigned stretch of Blacklick Creek. Themajority agreed the water was “safe enoughto wade or put their hands into.”

Throughout the study area of both theRocky Fork and Blacklick creeks, volun-teers found extensive unimproved walkingpaths suggesting a great deal of usethroughout the stream corridor. Fortypercent of the corridor showed slight bankerosion, with only 12 percent listed asheavy erosion. However, human debris inthe corridor was significant, with 103occurrances such as appliances, cars, andconcrete, normally found in a dry landfill.

Additional Analysis

Riparian Areas

Led by the ODNR Department of Forestrystaff, the entire Blacklick riparian corridorwas censused by Greenways staff and

Americorps volunteers. Results of thisanalysis were encouraging. Overall, theBlacklick Creek has a healthy bottomlandforest with good average growth alongwith large significant trees. The averagewidth of the corridor was 250 feet, some-times found on both sides of the streamand sometimes not. While the highestpercent composition of the riparian corri-dor was Boxelder (19 percent), EasternCottonwood (15 percent), and AmericanSycamore (12 percent) are also common.There were many Hackberry. These mayindicate the floodplain forest is progressingtowards a climax that includes not onlyHackberry, but also Elm, Sycamore, Ash,Silver and Red Maple and Boxelder. All ofthese species were found in the understoryand regeneration counts.

Water Quality

Both Blacklick Creek and the Rocky Fork aresimilar in that their water quality improvesas it goes downstream. North of MorseRoad in Plain Township, increasing develop-ment has caused numerous impacts. Heavyinstream algae growths, varying dissolvedoxygen levels and elevated bacterial countsall showed that this small watershed hasproblems processing impacts. Combinedwith intermittent stream flow conditions andfailed on-lot septic systems in the upstreamarea, portions of the stream are polluted(OEPA, 1992). Downstream from MorseRoad, low density older residential land usesand considerably slower growth on muchlarger parcels in Jefferson Township haveallowed the condition of the creeks toimprove dramatically. Partially as a result ofincreased perennial flows, the improvementappears to be largely a function of thequality of the existing riparian corridor andfloodplain forest which contributes to thehealthy functioning of the stream.

According to the Aquatic Life Index, (Fig.25), water quality along the Rocky Forkremains good until below Clark State Road,where it becomes exceptional to theconfluence with the Big Walnut in Gahanna.Blacklick Creek in contrast, is only fair fromWalnut Street to Havens Road, where itmeets warm water habitat aquatic lifestandards until it reachs Gender Road near

(Fig. 49) Blacklick Creek

35

Pickerington (Fig. 47). From here to theconfluence with Big Walnut Creek at ThreeRivers, the stream is classified as fair onceagain.

Land Use

A mixture of rural residential lots of oneacre or more and suburban housingdevelopments are the predominant landuse in the study area. Construction siteerosion and streambank modification arethe major types of nonpoint source pollu-tion on the Rocky Fork. Similar effects onthe Blacklick have been less intense al-though it runs through three golf courseareas.

Potentially Endangered Species

Due to their small size, both waterways aremore susceptible to the effects of adjacentland use than rivers with larger flow. TheODNR Department of Natural Areas andPreserves list a few special species alongthese creeks. They are the BlacknoseShiner, the Big eye Chub, the Golden-winged Warbler and the Butternut tree.

Next Steps

The groundbreaking Rocky Fork-BlacklickAccord, an adopted initiative between thevillage of New Albany and the city ofColumbus to manage and control future

growth in the planning area influences alarge portion of the Rocky Fork-BlacklickCreek watershed. The accord addressesmany of the quality of life issues so impor-tant in greenways planning. Some of theimportant principles of the accord are to:

1) Maintain the aesthetic character ofrural roads.

2) Use open space as an organizationalelement and as part of the infrastruc-ture.

3) Guarantee permanent protection ofgreenbelts, streams, creeks, woodlands,grasslands, wetlands and historic sites.

4) Maintain a system of bikeways andpedestrian paths, easily connected totransit and other amenities.

The accord also stresses the importance ofsoil and erosion control. Stream corridorprotection is an important strategy toprotect the riparian locations in theplanning area:

“Stream corridor open spaces are 300-foot-wide strips of land following thecenterline of the Rocky Fork andBlacklick creeks (measured as 150 feetfrom the centerline of the creek). Inaddition, there is a 100-foot-widecorridor designated along the align-

ment of the Sugar Run. This openspace would remain in or revert to anatural state. It will be created by acombination of development restric-tions created by wetland and flood-plains protection regulations, easementspace that results from abuttingresidential and commercial projects,and from active public acquisition ofopen space through easements, taxcredits, land banking and the like.”

There are no parks or public lands in thestudy area. Both stream segments hostprivate country and hunt clubs, but noother institutional use. Neither stream isnavigable in any but the mostextreme high water conditions. Wading upthe streams is a common practice. Withproperty lines extending into the center ofthe creek, riparian protection easementswould preserve the area and maintain itsprivate ownership.

36

BBig Walnut Creek

ig Walnut Creek flows through nineseparate political jurisdictions and coversover 33 miles on its way through FranklinCounty. Alum, Rocky Fork and Blacklickcreeks are all tributaries of the Big Walnut.The river’s origins are north of Columbusin the Morrow County area from where itproceeds to Hoover Reservoir, created byHoover Dam, which impounds the creek tothe north. The reservoir itself covers 3100acres and supplies roughly 50 percent ofthe region’s drinking water.

In addition to Hoover Reservoir and itsassociated parklands, the Big Walnut flowsby or near Inniswood Metro Park, BlendonWoods Metro Park, several large parks andpreserved lands within Columbus,Gahanna and Whitehall, and the 410-acre

Three-Rivers Park where Alum andBlacklick creeks join the Big Walnut. Thewaterway is also bordered by two privateand one public golf course.

Significant other land uses and activitycentering along the Big Walnut include TheLimited Distribution Center, Port Colum-bus International Airport, several sand andgravel quarries, two Columbus waterplants, and the Rickenbacker InternationalAirport.

Volunteer Observations

Thirty-four groups of volunteers invento-ried the entire length of Big Walnut Creekfrom Hoover Reservoir south to PickawayCounty line. The following comments,observations and suggestions were pro-vided by these volunteers:

About half of the volunteers agreed theriparian area was accessible and even moreagreed there was potential for a developedtrail system. South of Hoover Dam, avolunteer wrote: “I would like to see theBig Walnut Creek more accessible torecreation uses like canoeing, fishing, andbirdwatching. Bike or foot paths near theriparian corridor would be highly desirable,but are not feasible in the riparian corridor.Easements for public access for canoeists,fishermen and birdwatchers could easily bepurchased.” Downstream in Gahanna,

“the riparian way is used at the soccerfield, Friendship Park, and Pizzuro Park.The riparian way can be further developedaround these areas for more communityaccess.”

(Fig. 50) Idyllic Big Walnut Creek

(Fig. 51) Aquatic Life Index of Big Walnut Creek

Exceptional

Good

Fair

37

At Woodside Green Park, “there is a bike-pedestrian pathway from the park toswimming pool - some of the utilitiesexisting roadways might be potential todevelop parts of pathway near stream toeliminate use of roadways” and down-stream “there was a well-defined, unim-proved trail along 90% of this stretch ofstream. There is great potential to use thistrail.” There are opportunities to linkmany of the parks along Big Walnut Creek.One group wrote: “parks aren’t connected.Maybe possible to connect Three Rivers toElk Run Park and then to Heisel Park witha pike path.” Others argued that “accessnot needed in riparian area. Plentyaccessible by roadway. Streambed easily

(Fig. 52) Sand and gravel operations on the Big Walnut

38

followed through pathways in woods onboth sides.”

Aside from the dangers of steep slipperybanks, tree debris in the river and scatteredtrash, the volunteers felt very safe invento-rying their assigned stretch of Big WalnutCreek. Only half of the volunteers felt thewater was clean enough to “wade or puttheir hands in.” “The area at the time ofsurvey was not fit for humans. Too manypotential hazards” and “left bank atWoodside Green Park shows significanterosion - may be a candidate forbiotechnical erosion control methods”.

Development in the area was a major issuefor the volunteers. One of the groupswrote: “the biggest concern this streamfaces is the accelerating growth ofWesterville to the west and of New Albanyto the east. The result will be moreintensive land use, more development,traffic, and potential from increased pollu-tion from sewage, cars, litter, landscapingetc. Any new development should be keptstrictly away from the riparian area.”

Additional Analysis

Led by staff of the ODNR, Forestry Divi-sion, portions of the Big Walnut ripariancorridor were censused by Americorpsvolunteers and Greenways staff. Results ofthis analysis were similar to that done for

the Blacklick corridor, and suggest thequality of our riparian corridors to begood. Overall the Big Walnut has a healthybottom land forest with some large diam-eter (40-inches or more as measured 4.5- feetabove the ground). Most of the overstorytrees, such as Red or Silver Maples (29percent) and Box Elder (14 percent) can allbe part of a climax forest, as can Hackberry,Sycamore and Fraxinus sp. (ash) which werethe next most common species encountered.Water released from Hoover Reservoir fortreatment currently travels along thestreambed, the several mile distance to theHap Cremean Water Plant, located onMorse Road.

Big Walnut has great potential as a continu-ous open space corridor with key connec-tions.

(Fig. 53) River location advertised as an amenity in localdevelopments

LLITTLE WALNUT CREEK

ittle Walnut (also listed as Walnut Creekby OEPA) may be among FranklinCounty’s least known streams. Withorigins in Perry and Fairfield counties, itflows through the southeast corner ofFranklin County, through Canal Winches-ter, Groveport and Madison Township.The 54.21-mile creek cuts through thetopographical divide between the glaciatedAllegheny Plateau to the southeast and thetill plains to the northwest with theirburied valley and encompasses a drainagearea of approximately 129 square miles.The stream enters the Scioto just south ofAshville in Pickaway County.

The Little Walnut is the only predominanteast-west stream in the county. It is largelyundisturbed and includes many beautifulstretches with riparian buffer forests.Georges Creek is its biggest tributary inFranklin County, serving as a connectionbetween Little Walnut and the PickeringtonPonds wetlands wildlife refuge. ThisMetro Parks facility is several hundredacres in size and is a favored habitatfor a wide array of birdlife.

Volunteer Observations:

Three groups inventoried almostthe entire stretch of Little WalnutCreek. These inventories coveredPontius Rd to S.R.674. as well as thecovered bridge at Ashbrook Rd. andWashington St. The following aresome observations made by thevolunteers:

Little Walnut was accessible to thevolunteers without the need for a developedtrail. However, a trail, or canoe access,would be a good way for more people toenjoy the scenic beauty of this areaproviding “potential use of riparian areawould only be developed with permissionfrom landowners.” More important thanallowing access to the creek was that “thisarea be saved for future generations” andthat “this section of Little Walnut is forscenic enjoyment.”

One group who canoed the creek noted:“we found it to be most enjoyable, with afew dumps and farm field right up to theriver.” The major pollutants were land-scaping practices from a neighboring golfcourse, run off from crop fields as well aspiles of trash. The volunteers felt veryconfident that the water was clean enoughto wade in or put their hands in and they

felt safe surveying this stretch of river.Some banks were noted as slippery butoverall bank erosion seem to be minimalproblem on Little Walnut Creek.

Additional Analysis

Adjacent land uses along the corridor areprimarily agricultural with some large-lotresidential. While the Little Walnut hasbenefited from a relatively quiet environ-ment, land use transitions, particularly in

(Fig. 54) Aquatic Life Index Map of Little Walnut Creek

The Little Walnut is theonly predominanteast-west stream in thecounty.

Exceptional

Good

Fair

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the Georges Creek watershed, have acceler-ated and are likely to have an increasinglynegative impact on the stream’s water andhabitat quality. Already its FranklinCounty tributaries are rated by OEPA ashaving only fair water quality. LittleWalnut itself is considered to have goodwater quality.

Most of the land use changes occurring tothe north of the stream are from agriculture

(Fig. 56) Agricultural land with a riparian buffer

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(Fig. 55) Little Walnut Creek during a spring flood

and residential, within Columbus,Groveport and Canal Winchester. Furthersouth, however, the Little Walnut flowsalong the eastern edge of the RickenbackerPort Authority’s holdings. TheRickenbacker International Airport hasexperienced rapid growth during itstransition from a military to commercialairport.

The port authority has purchased much ofthe land on the stream’s west bank becauseof high noise levels associated with therunways. This may represent an importantopportunity to permanently protect thisstretch of stream from encroachment.

Another form of protection for the LittleWalnut is the size of its floodplain and thepresence of hydric soils, which are oftenindicators of wetlands. The watershed isnot well drained andpresents challenges todevelopment.

All three jurisidictionsthrough which the LittleWalnut flows; CanalWinchester, Groveportand Madison Township,are considering compre-hensive planning effortsin 1997. This is a criticalopportunity to furtherrecognize and provide

meaningful protection to the stream.

Little Walnut presents a perfect opportu-nity to link Groveport and Canal Winches-ter through the establishment of a pedes-trian and bike trail. The Ohio to Erie canalbed parallels the river in the GroveportRoad area and might provide an alignmentfor such a trail.

HHayden Run Creek

ayden Run is the smallest of all thewaterways studied in the Franklin CountyGreenways Plan. It is also the only head-waters stream considered by this effort.The run serves a drainage area of about 45square miles and flows west to east ratherthan north to south, typical of most of theScioto River’s tributaries. Rising out of thewet flat lands adjoining the Darby plains,the stream has a large marshy floodplainupstream which turns into a steep, narrowlimestone gorge before entering GriggsReservoir.

Many people would describe the centralOhio topography as flat and geographi-

cally uninteresting. Few people wouldhave such an impression after seeing the26-foot Hayden Run Falls. This spectacularnatural feature is the last drop by the runinto an extremely high, very narrowlimestone gorge before entering GriggsReservoir (Fig. 58). Both the waterfall andgorge lie within feet of Hayden Run andDublin roads which collectively accommo-date about 35,000 automobile trips per day.

Many headwater streams are of dispropor-tionate importance to the water quality ofthe downstream segments; however, this isnot the case with Hayden Run where thereis often no flow entering the Scioto duringdry periods. It is also doubtful that thestream has great species diversity becauseof its small size.

Hayden Run does, however, have qualita-tive importance to the Franklin Countyarea far greater than its size or influence asa hydrologic unit. Its waterfall and gorgemake dramatic scenery for relatively flatcentral Ohio and like much of theOlentangy and Scioto River valleys, thearea surrounding the run is littered witharcheological artifacts. This is particularlytrue near its confluence with the Scioto.Clearly the location was used and appreci-ated by earlier prehistoric and nativepeoples.

Volunteer Observations:

The entire stretch of Hayden Run, fromCosgray Rd. to the Scioto River wassurveyed by four groups of volunteers.The following are some comments andsuggestions volunteers provided aboutHayden Run:

The riparian area along Hayden Run is notcurrently accessible by a trail system. Onevolunteer wrote: “parts of the stream areextremely overgrown with thorns -difficult to get through safely - other areasare grass, and are pleasant to walk alongthe stream” and “there is talk of wideningHayden Run Rd. and taking out the badcurve at Dublin Rd. It would be great if abike trail was included in this project.Some areas would allow for the path to beadjacent to the stream.”

The amount of construction currentlyunderway around Hayden Run was a

(Fig. 57) Limestone cliffs border Hayden Run Creek

(Fig. 58) Hayden Run Falls

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major concern for the volunteers. One ofthe volunteers wrote: “Construction at theintersection of Dublin Rd. and HaydenRun should be observed. The banks arenow barren. Hopefully when constructionis completed attention will be given to bankrestoration. Important area to watch.”Areas with slippery banks due to erosion,in particular around construction sites,tree debris in the stream and scattered litterand trash were problems along the creek.However, the volunteers felt safe walkingalong Hayden Run and believed the waterwas “safe to wade or put their hands into.”

Hayden Falls is a truly wonderful amenity.Many volunteers commented on the neglectfor this unique park. “Hayden Falls is a verybeautiful natural area. There is a signdesignating this area as a Columbus Park,but there is very little parking there. Thereis no apparent entrance into the area otherthan man-made paths.” Another groupadded: “currently there is no marked accessroutes, trails, or guard rails (safety fencing)along the cliff edge. This is a beautiful spacelittered with broken bottles and graffiti.”The volunteers “recommend this areabecome a nice park attraction; howeverextensive work would need to be done toprovide pathway and safe walkways in orderto preserve the natural characteristics of thearea and to provide a safe attraction.”

There is genuine concern for the future ofHayden Run. This stream needs to be

protected from the impacts of continueddevelopment and treatment by existingneighboring landowners. “I truly hopethat the city will take a special interest inthe preservation of the Hayden Run.”

Additional Analysis

Worthy of comparison to a small SmokeyMountain National Park waterfall, HaydenRun is well known by photographers andother individuals interested in scenicattractions and would be treated as anasset in most communities. Although thewaterfall, gorge and a small buffer area arein public ownership, there are no signs,walkways or apparent interest in embrac-ing and further protecting this considerableasset. Private houses have been built closeto the rim of the gorge, infringing upon theviewshed of the scenic area. All otherstreamside property along the 14-milecreek is in private ownership.

The state of semi-neglect of the lowersection of the run is in stark contrast to therapid development occurring in the area.Hayden Run Road is now six lanes wideand runs immediately beside the streamand gorge. A 25-foot utility easementowned by the city of Columbus wouldpermit sanitary sewer and water lines toserve unincorporated areas beyondHilliard. Hayden Run is in the middle ofone of the region’s most dynamic develop-ing areas.

Because of the way in which Hayden RunRoad and Hayden Run cross back andforth across each other along their narrowcorridor, traditional infrastructure im-provements could have negative effects onthe run; engineers have recommededchannelizing a part of the stream.

The OEPA classifies the run as an impactedstream segment. The waterway shows thenon-point source pollution effects of stormsewers, sanitary sewers, construction sitesand surface runoff, particularly from theroad. However, is not at present a de-graded system. As a rural-suburban areain transition, there is still a great deal ofgood permeable surface left to store excesswater, especially in the upper wetlandreaches of the stream. Planning for thearea is difficult, however,due to its multijurisdictional nature.

(Fig. 59) Boardwalk in park setting

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The recently adopted 1996 Hilliard MasterPlan Update calls out the Hayden Runcorridor as a distinct district in need ofspecial protection. Specifically the planstates that:

“Special consideration to all new develop-ment within this area is needed because ofthe environmentally sensitive and scenicnature of the Hayden Run Creek.”

The plan calls for overall gross densities inthe corridor of between .5 and 1 unit peracre as well as preservation of existingwood lots, open areas, sensitive habitatsand natural features.

The plan also introduces the concept of arealignment of Hayden Road beginningjust west of I-270 rejoining the existingalignment just east of Cosgray Road. Theexisting road would remain in service forlocal traffic, however, the new alignmentwould serve as the arterial. The new roadwould run parallel to and about a milenorth of existing Hayden Run Road.Construction of this road would alleviatepressure on the Hayden Run corridor andprovide a new, much needed east-westconnection in the area.

Despite the overall pace of development inthe corridor, Hayden Run remains suffi-ciently intact to make its preservationrealistic. Its long-term protection willrequire the active cooperation of Hilliard,

Dublin, Columbus, Norwich and Washing-ton townships. Dublin is currently con-ducting an update of their CommunityPlan. Recognition of Hayden Run andconsideration of the road’s realignmentwould be important provisions in thisdocument.

Case Studies

TINTRODUCTION

his section of the Greenways Plan developsa “prototype for more detailed Greenwaysplanning and implemntation efforts thatneed to be pursued in the future.

One river and one creek segment wereselected to demonstrate some of the waysthat Greenways components can be appliedto relatively small- and large-scale urban-ized streams. Both of these detailedgreenways plans were developed by smallgroups of the Greenways Steering Commit-tee in the fall of 1996 utilizing basic mappeddata to organize their analysis of problemsand opportunities for riparian protection.The groups applied greenways conceptswhich have been set forth in the earliersections of this plan. It is recommended thatmany more miles of stream corridor plan-ning could be refined in subsequent com-munity based planning efforts.

SCIOTO RIVER

from Main Street to Frank Road

The Main Street to Frank Road section of theScioto includes a major floodplain in theScioto system. The recipient of much runofffrom developed portions of Columbusupstream, the land on either side of the riverhosts uses that must be able to sustainflooding. Railroad lines, highways, land-

fills, rendering plants and parks are theprimary land uses (Fig. 63).

North of Greenlawn Dam, a thin band ofwoods runs along the river. Now owned bythe Columbus Recreation and Parks Depart-ment, this riparian corridor includes a biketrail and a surprising amount of wildlife;200 species of birds have been identified inthe area. The list includes sightings ofwading birds and rare migrants like thegolden plover.

While the area just downstream from theWhittier Street Standby Tanks is heavilyused for fishing, the Ohio Department ofHealth published a consumption andcontact advisory for the Scioto River atGreenlawn dam that discourages eatingcarp and catfish because of PCB and chlor-dane contamination. The river at this pointis not in attainment with the Clean WaterAct standards of 1972 for warmwaterhabitat. The OEPA designates theGreenlawn Dam area as having fair waterquality.

Local neighborhoods adjoining this portionof the Scioto River including the BreweryDistrict and German Village have identifiedlands they would like to see protected andrestored in the Greenlawn Dam area.

Strategies to improve the tax base in the areaare also being discussed.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THESCIOTO RIVER

Greenways provide many ways to protectand restore the valuable attributes of thelower Scioto River.

1. Establish design guidelines for the lowerScioto waterfront and environs.

Because the Scioto waterfront will be impor-tant as an economic engine within downtownColumbus, it is important to formulatedesign guidelines that ensure continuitybetween existing historic neighborhoods,new development and park/river areas.Because views are much greater across bodiesof water, there is a need for careful planningand design.

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(Fig. 60) Fishing below Greenalawn Dam in the SciotoRiver floodplain forest

2. Provide interpretive signage inGreenlawn Dam parklands.

Just as downtown Columbus is the core ofthe city, as well as an historic meetingplace, the lower Scioto is a crucial pointwhere Franklin County’s rivers meet. Thislocation provides an ideal setting forinterpretation of the river system as awhole. Critical issues associated withriverine systems as well as importanthistoric facts could be well illustrated here.The Greenlawn area could be a source ofidentity for local neighborhoods and asymbol of river identity for the region as awhole.

3. Provide signage and other designfeatures identifying the bikeway andsurrounding parklands to reinforce asense of place.

In spite of careful maintenance on the partof the Columbus Rec and Parks, theWhittier Street - Greenlawn Dam area lacksvisual character.

4. Establish Friends of the Park.

Neighborhood groups in the area, such asthe Brewery District Society, have showninitiative and stewardship in their attemptto improve the Whittier Street boat launcharea.

5. Establish better connections to theScioto River, especially from GermanVillage and the Brewery District.

While there is currently tremendous localneighborhood support for the developmentof the Scioto as a community amenity, theconnection between the river and adjoiningcitizens on both sides of the river is limited.On the east side, access is complicated bymultiple railroad tracks which separateFront Street from the river. On the west side,Interstate 71 provides a barrier to residentsfrom Interstate 70 down to SR 104. Oncepast railroad tracks and highways, a well-maintained bike trail provides access to theriver for the entire length of this segment.Still, Greenlawn Avenue and Whittier Streetare the only means across the barriers.

In the course of the redevelopment of theWhittier Street peninsula, access from

Sycamore and Frankfort Street should beincreased. High-density, well-designeddevelopment on the Whittier Street Penin-sula — sufficiently connected to theBrewery District — would increase the taxbase and stimulate desirable features closerto the river.

6. Link communities and ensure publicsafety.

Continuing construction and developmentof the bikeway will soon allow a cyclist atSR 104 to ride all the way to Worthington,approximately15 miles. This excitinglinkage will also connect the area with I-670 and beyond. Although few problemsexist currently, increased visitation in thearea will demand attention to public safetyissues.

7. Maintain existing riparian corridor.

The lower Scioto has an exceptionalfloodplain forest below Greenlawn Dam. Itis magnificent in scale and speaks well ofthe foresight and good management of thecity of Columbus. However, the forestneeds to be protected. While existingmature trees seem to be in good shape,there is virtually no understory of smalltrees, shrubs or seedlings to sustain thesystem once the current canopy of treesbegins to die out from old age.

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(Fig. 61) Floodplain forest in the spring

8. Protect along the river for migratingand nesting bird species.

Columbus and Franklin County have hadthe foresight to protect the forested edge ofour rivers, thus allowing excellent ripariancorridors for wildlife, particularly birdspecies. ( Much of the remaining forest inthe developed sections of Franklin Countyis along streams or in the MetroParks.)These riparian forests are critically impor-tant as habitat for long-distance migratingsongbirds. They become even more crucialin areas like central Ohio where extensivedeforestation has occurred and urban andagricultural lands predominate. Rivercorridors provide essential resources: food,water, cover.

9. Restore floodplain forest as wildliferefuge.

Because of the size of the forested flood-plain below Greenlawn Dam on the lowerScioto, it is unusually rich habitat andshould be preserved and restored.

10. Promote integrated watershed man-agement throughout the county andregion.

The Scioto is not just the product of itsimmediate surroundings, but of its vastdrainage basin. An integrated managementprogram should be promoted. By address-ing the range of issues throughout the

watershed, the chances for success in thedowntown region are greatly increased. Amodel approach for watershed-widemanagement currently exists in the DarbyPartnership.

11. Establish a riparian forest bank.

Forest mitigation banks are facilities wheredevelopers can purchase credits towardsriparian restoration in exchange for per-mits to alter stream or corridor vegetationelsewhere. They are used when destruc-tion or significant alteration of a streamcorridor as part of a development projectcannot be avoided.

12. Establish a special tax rate for flood-plain properties.

The convenience of the Scioto River valleyfor early travel and settlement became oneof the corridors’ headaches later on. Whilemuch of this 100-year floodplain is ownedby the city of Columbus and the state ofOhio, there is privately owned floodplainland subject to development.

Floodplain provides storage areas forexcess water during storm events. Leavinga floodplain in its natural state is aneffective way to reduce the cost of flooddamage, water treatment and stormwatermanagement. Deterring individualproperty owners from developing in thefloodplain is sensible public policy.

A tax discount for landowners who main-tain their floodplain property in its naturalstate would be a powerful incentive thatcontributed to the public good. The long-term public savings generated by such aprogram would be significant. Any changein the existing system will require stateauthorization through the legislature.

ALUM CREEK

Alum Creek, from Morse Rd. to I-670,differs from more rural Franklin Countystreams like Little Darby and Blacklickcreeks in its urban location, surroundingland use and resulting water quality (Fig.65). Compared to the Little Darby, AlumCreek’s water quality is moderate. There isnot the rich aquatic fauna found in theLittle Darby; instead creek water carriesvarying amounts of bacteria from sanitary

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(Fig. 62) Bridge crossing high above Alum Creek

sewer overflows and unsewered islandsupstream.

However, Alum Creek is not beyondrecovery. Field work done by the OEPAsuggests that water quality in the MorseRoad segment is improving.

Land use along the creek consists of mostlylarge acreage, permeable uses such asparks, golf courses and large nurseryproperties. Most streamside residentialdevelopment is also an acre or greater (Fig.65). These land uses serve to buffer thestream from the negative effects ofstormwater. Because of the canopy ofoverhanging shade trees, the stream presentsan aesthetically pleasing and refreshing vistato its visitors. For these reasons, the creek isvaluable in its current condition.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALUMCREEK

Greenways provide valuable tools topreserve this reach of Alum Creek. Thefollowing discussion highlights some keyelements in caring for and enhancing thevalue of the creek as an important localresource.

1. Provide signage identifying the creek.

People associate meaning with places thathave names. Many local people are not

aware of what stream they are crossingwhen they go over the McCutcheon Roadbridge, or across the creek at Agler Road.Most road crossings in the Morse Roadstretch are high above the creek and barelyprovide a glimpse of the water. Signageidentifying the creek name would go a longway toward establishing the identity of thecreek as a significant entity. Creek tributar-ies should also be named.

2. Promote Sunbury Road as a ScenicByway.

Both Alum Creek and its river corridor,including Sunbury Road, seem to be

undervalued by the community. ScenicByway status would recognize the impor-tance of this corridor and foster neighbor-hood pride.

3. Provide interpretive signage aboutAlum Creek history.

Alum Creek was an important artery in theUnderground Railway, helping escapedslaves during Abolition and the Civil War.The Alum Creek Greenway could celebratethis important part of our cultural heritage.Interpretive signage at appropriate loca-tions would enhance trail users’ under-standing of history.

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(Fig. 63) Periods of low flow limit usage of Alum Creek for recreational users and aquatic wildlife

The large percentage of public land in thecorridor provides an incentive to link theentire Alum Creek corridor with a trailsystem. Columbus Recreation and Parks hasdesigned a multiuse trail to travel much ofthe waterway from Westerville down to theexisting bicycle trail on I-670. This route willprovide a nonmotorized transportationcorridor linking Westerville, Easton and allpoints to downtown Columbus. The trailwill also link many schools along AlumCreek with parks, the two golf courses andall adjoining neighborhoods. The Ohio toErie Trail will also be linked to the AlumCreek trail providing additional access fromColumbus to Cleveland and Cincinnati.

4. Build a constituency for the creek.

Very few people in adjoining neighbor-hoods consider Alum Creek a potentialresource at this time. Many people are notaware of its presence. This reality results inpart from the ambiguities associated withstreams in urban environments. However,there are other, fairly simple reasons whythere is little neighborhood identity withthe creek at this time. A few simplechanges might go a long way to improvecommunity ownership of this resource.

Educational programs in the local schoolsand parks using the creek as a resource forscience, art and history classes would givethe stream more meaning. Physicaleducation classes and day camps couldsponsor a host of recreational activitiesassociated with the water and stream

corridor. Youth groups could participate intrail maintenance programs and otherservice projects, learning more about thestream by working around it.

5. Provide better access to neighborhoodsincluding improving infrastructure.

Local community groups have expressedinterest in better connections between theirneighborhoods and local facilities such asInnis and Mock Parks. Sidewalks, as wellas trails on tributary corridors connectingto Alum Creek, would improve the abilityof local people to enjoy the resources oftheir local environment.

6. Maintain the existing riparian corridorand augment canopy and understorydensity.

Much of Alum Creek has at least a single rowof trees along its banks. In many places treespecies seem to be doing well; there are noproblems with the creation of gullies, anderosion down to the stream is minimal. Thecreekside vegetation seems able to sustainitself. However, there are areas where theline of trees is too sparse, the one remainingtree is about to topple into the stream due tosevere bank erosion, and there are no recruitsto fill the gap. Because so much of AlumCreek is public land, the riparian cover couldeasily be restored to a healthy condition.

One of the most important benefits ofgreenways from a biological point of view isthat it provides good connections for wildlife

between larger source areas where speciesbreed. Stream corridors are particularly goodfor this purpose, as the interface betweenland and water provides habitat for a widevariety of species. Alum Creek’s relativelyundisturbed riparian corridor is excellent as abridge between areas such as Mock Park,Innis Park and Coopers Park.

7. Maintain no net loss of floodplainwithin the watershed.

Fairly small, narrow stream corridors suchas Alum Creek do not have the widefloodplains found downstream in FranklinCounty. Existing floodplains are veryimportant for flood storage during stormsand should be preserved in an undevel-oped state at all costs.

8. Maintain present amount of permeableland along stream corridor or comparablefunctioning.

Ideally existing land uses and densityshould remain the same along this sectionof Alum Creek. Realistically, as an innerbelt location between Easton and theColumbus downtown, there is likely to bean increase in density in the future. Taxcredits and conservation easements mightencourage river protection in the immedi-ate riparian corridor. Because 50 percent ofthe land is already in some form of publicownership, a public/private partnershipensuring a riparian buffer could easily helpmake the creek a true community amenity.

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Key Gr eenways Recommendations:

SHORT TERMIMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

1. Involve people in river stewardship byestablishing interjurisdictional watershedprotection groups.

Few river protection measures are aseffective as an informed, committed andproactive community. Civic associations,area commissions, environmental andconservation groups, service organizations,schools, and professional groups all serve asexcellent starting points for river protectionefforts.

These groups can be particularly helpful forwatersheds experiencing a significant landuse transition, such as Big Darby Creek, thenorthern reaches of the Olentangy River,Hellbranch Run, Rocky Fork Creek andBlacklick Creek. Informational resources forsuch groups are available through manygovernment agencies and private organiza-tions.

Franklin County has several successfulexamples of river groups on which to buildincluding the Rocky Fork Protection TaskForce and the Darby Partnership, DarbyCreek Association and Operation Future.

2. Establish a Scioto River Basin Water-shed Council with a Greenways subcom-mittee.

River issues do not begin and end atpolitical boundaries; a central Ohio-wideriver council would coordinate and helpimplement various activities within thewatershed. The council would be thelogical moderator for discussion andpossible solutions for regional environmen-tal issues. Members of this council wouldinclude stakeholder citizens, representativesfrom various environmental agencies,community groups, environmental non-profits, MORPC, cities and county depart-ments, and the soil and water conservationdistricts as well as local elected officials.

3. Establish a Greenways Land Trust.

At present there is no way to make a gift ofland directly to the Greenways project.Either land or private donation requireoversight. A representative of theGreenways Land Trust would be part of theScioto River Basin Watershed Council. Theland trust could also facilitate donations ofproperty or cash to other appropriate publicand private agencies.

Examples of existing land trusts are: TheTrust for Public Land, The Nature Conser-vancy and the The National Trust forHistoric Preservation.

4. Establish a Greenways clearinghouse.

An information clearinghouse would reportto the Scioto River Basin Watershed Councilfor central Ohio. This nonregulatory

clearinghouse would serve the six-countyarea surrounding Franklin County. Theagency would focus on providing environ-mental data for participating counties in onedata bank which could be accessed byanyone. Regulation, scientific data, organi-zational information and ongoing projectsare various types of information that wouldbe available. River-related GIS mappingcould be completed.

Many river-related funding sources arenow watershed based rather than munici-pality oriented because of theinterjurisdictional nature of rivers. AGreenways clearinghouse would facilitatethe Scioto River Basin receiving its fair shareof such opportunities. The main objective isto disseminate information. Other projectsmight include educational efforts, consen-sus building, planning efforts and coordina-tion of various multicounty environmentalactivities.

Development of a database including parcelnumbers, ownership, acreage, use for eachparcel in Franklin County containingfloodplain areas would serve as an impor-tant resource in the dissemination ofriparian stewardship information. Mailingsexplaining stewardship practices, conserva-tion opportunities, and other informationcould be conducted with addresses gener-ated by the database. The database wouldalso prove invaluable as a way to establishriver and stream protection groups.

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5. Encourage regional standards for riverrelated land development regulations.

There are over three dozen political jurisdic-tions in Franklin County. They use a widearray of subdivision, stormwater manage-ment, and erosion and sediment controlregulations. As a part of Greenwaysimplementation, steps should be taken toachieve consensus on regional standards foras many of these regulations as possible,particularly erosion and sediment control.This would ensure minimum standards oftreatment for riparian areas and ultimatelyresult in a much simpler working environ-ment for the development industry andregulatory agencies. Consolidation ofduplicative public functions is anotherpotential benefit.

6. Encourage countywide participation inthe Commmunity Rating System of theNational Flood Insurance Program.

Most communities in Franklin Countyparticipate in the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency’s (FEMA) NationalFlood Insurance Program (NFIP). Over2,800 properties in the county are coveredby the program which makes affordableflood insurance available to citizens ofparticipating communities. The owners ofthese properties pay over $1,000,000 peryear in premiums and have collected nearly$3,000,000 in claims since 1978. Total

coverage for the county exceeds$180,000,000. In exchange for this insurancecoverage, FEMA requires that communitiesadopt standards, typically included inzoning codes, regulating the use of thefloodplain.

The Community Rating System (CRS) of theNFIP provides an opportunity for commu-nities to lower the flood insurance premi-ums of their participating property ownersby as much as 45 percent. Communities aregiven a rating or score based on theirincorporation of floodplain managementactivities. The 18 activities in the programinclude such things as hazard disclosure forflood-prone properties, provision of floodprotection information at local libraries,stormwater management, flood datamaintenance, and acquisition and relocationof flood-prone properties or buildings.

Most of the CRS activities are worthwhileinitiatives beyond the potential economicbenefits to NFIP participants. Local com-munities can work with the ODNR to learnmore about the CRS. Proactive floodplainmanagement by Franklin County communi-ties may also result in a higher likelihood ofreceiving state and federal grant dollars.Obetz is currently the only Franklin Countycommunity participating in the CRS.

7. Promote no net loss of floodplain.

A major objectiive of all the communities inFranklin County should be to promote “no

net loss” of floodplains. This idea needsexposure not just in Franklin County but theneighboring counties as well. Using FEMAdata along with data generated from otherscientific groups, a strong case can be madefor the no net loss position. Data on costalone presents convincing evidence whydevelopment of floodplains is needed. Thecity of Toledo has a no net loss policy.

8. Define and implement a regulatoryfloodplain for Franklin County

FEMA’s primary interest in floodplainprotection focuses on protecting the primaryconveyance zone of the 100-year flood,known as the “floodway.” Lands outside ofthe floodway, known as the floodway fringe,have not been protected by the FEMAdefinition. FEMA’s flood insurance pro-gram has not discouraged developmentfrom occurring in flood fringe or floodstorage areas.

A review of financial losses and damagesoccurring from major catastrophic floodsoccurring in 1993 and 1994 shows themajority of damage occurred within theflood fringe and not the floodway. Bypurchasing flood insurance, land ownerswere given the false impression that majorflooding would probably not occur duringthe time they would own flood-prone land.

A regulatory floodplain would change thedefinition of floodplains throughoutFranklin County to include the flood fringe.

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The regulatory floodplain would notprohibit land use development on flood-plain lands. However, unlike the FEMAprogram, the landowner would have toprove to the local community that theencroachment would not cause flooding ofupstream and downstream properties byproviding one-to-one compensation offlood- plain storage.

9. Explore potential for lower tax rates forfloodplain poroperties.

Leaving floodplain in a natural state is acost-effective way to reduce expenditure oftax dollars to pay for flood damage, watertreatment and stormwater managementimprovements. Encouraging propertyowners to retain floodplain land in a naturalstate is sensible public policy. However,requiring landowners to pay taxes on thatsame land at a rate equivalent to develop-able land is potentially unfair.

A reduced tax rate applied to floodplainlands which are left in a natural states seemsan equitable solution. However, while thisapproach is not known to be in use else-where, there are partial models for itsapplication. Ohio, like most state, allows fortax reductions on lands used for agriculturalpurposes. The Current Agricultural UseValuation (CAUV) program allows farmersto pay property taxes based on the agricul-tural, rather than development potential,value of their land. In urban areas, such asFranklin County, this can result in substan-

tial savings. Counties use a table developedby the state to determine the appropriateagricultural value of parcels included in theprogram.

The Franklin County Board of Revisionoccasionally considers requests for lowerproperty valuations based on the presenceof floodplain. The board, made up of threemembers representing the Franklin Countyauditor, treasurer and commissioners’offices may lower or increase the valuationof a property based on evidence providedthrough sales records and appraisals ofsimilar properties.

Use of this approach would require signifi-cant research regarding tax law. Statelegislative action would be required, astaxes are a function of the state, not localgovernment.

LONG-RANGEIMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGIES

1. Greenways bond package or sales tax

Across the nation, public support forconservation and protection of natural areashas been consistently positive. FranklinCounty communities should allow theirresidents the opportunity to supportincreased greenway acquisition, mainte-nance and implementation measures

through specific revenue raising proposals,such as bond packages or sales tax issues.

Park funding measures ranging from$600,000 to $41 million were approvedduring the first half of 1996 in 14 communi-ties around the country, including Tulsa,Mesa, Arizona; Bath, Ohio; and Winter Park,Florida. Capital bond packages, sales taxincreases and property tax increases all werevoted in as vehicles to increase open spaceamenities. Many communities nationallycompete with Columbus for a trained,executive workforce. When choosing aplace to relocate, such issues can becomevery important.

2. Institute watershed modeling at pro-jected build-out.

Using projected land coverage at a fullybuilt-out condition, develop watershedmodels in order to determine the size ofeach floodplain during significant storms -the most important being the 100-yearstorm. Modeling of the watershed will beaccomplished using sophisticated computermethods and proven scientific and engineer-ing formulas. Once completed, the modelswill define new widths of floodplain foreach first- and second-order stream inFranklin County.

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Arnold, Chester L. Jr., and C. James Gibbons.“Impervious Surface Coverage: The Emergence of aKey Environmental Indicator.” American PlanningAssociation Journal. (Spring 1996): 243-258.

Barinaga, Marcia. “A Recipe for River Recovery?”Science. Vol.273 (September 1996): 1648-1650.

Bratkovich, Stephen, Lisa Burban, Steven Katovich,Craig Locey, Jill Pokorny, and Richard Wiest.Flooding and its Effect on Trees. St. Paul, MN: UnitedStates Department of Agriculture Forest ServiceInformation Packet, September 1993.

City of Olympia Public Works Water ResourcesProgram. Impervious Surface Reduction StudyTechnical and Policy Analysis Final Report. Olympia,WA: Public Works Department. May 1994.

Craven, Scott, Gary Jackson, William Swenson, andBruce Webendorfer. “The Benefits of Well-ManagedStream Corridors” Department of AgriculturalJournalism. G3404 (1987): 1-8.

Divelbiss, Chuck. “A Review of Selected Functions ofRiparian Buffer Zones and Some Widths Associatedwith Them.” in Rivers Without Boundaries Confer-ence, American Rivers Management Society, GrandJunction, CO. (April 1994): 1-7.

Doppelt, Bob, Mary Scurlock, Chris Frissell, andJames Karr. Entering the Watershed: A New Ap-proach to Save Anerica’s River Ecosystems. Washing-ton, DC: Island Press. 1993.

Echols, Stuart Patton. “Responsible StormwaterManagement.” Urban Land. (June 1996): 46-49.

Emergency Management Agency for Franklin County.Hazard Analysis for Franklin County. Columbus, OH:Emergency Management Agency for Franklin County,1996.

English, Donald B.K., and J.M. Bowker. “EconomicImpacts of Guided Whitewater Rafting: A Study ofFive Rivers.” Water Resources Bulletin. Vol.32, No.6(December 1996): 1319-1328.

Fabos, Julius GY., and Jack Ahern, ed., Greenways:The Beginning of an International Movement.Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier Science B.V.1995.

Flink, Charles A., and Robert M. Searns. Greenways:A Guide to Planning, Design, and Development.Washington, DC: Island Press. 1993.

Forman, Richard T.T., and Michel Godron. LandscapeEcology. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. 1986.

Gray, Donald H., and Robbin B. Sotir. Biotechnicaland Soil Bioengineering Slope Stabilization: APractical Guide for Erosion Control. New York, NY:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1996.

Gregory, Stanley V., Frederick J. Swanson, W. ArthurMcKee, and Kenneth W. Cummins. “An EcosystemPerspective on Riparian Zones: Focus on LinksBetween Land and Water.” BioScience. Vol.41, No.8(September 1991): 540-550.

Goldsmith, Wendi, Carol Franklin, and JoseAliminana. “Healing Public Streambanks.” ErosionControl. (March/April 1994).

Harrelson, Cheryl C., C.L. Rawlins, and John P.Potyondy. Stream Channel Reference Sites: AnIllustrated Guide to Field Technique. Fort Collins,CO: United States Department of Agriculture, ForestService, General Technical Report RM-245, 1994.

Hunsaker, Carolyn T., and Daniel A. Levine.“Hierarchical Approaches to the Study of WaterQuality in Rivers.” BioScience. (March 1995): 193-203.

Jefferson County Department of Planning andEnvironmental Management, Division of Planningand Development Services. Louisville & JeffersonCounty Multi-Objective Stream Corridor/GreenwayPlan. Louisville, KY: Louisville and Jefferson CountyComprehensive Plan. March 1995.

Karr, James R. “Assessment of Biotic Integrity usingFish Communities.” Fisheries. Vol.6, No.6 (Novem-ber/December 1981): 21-27.

Karr, James R., and Billie L. Kerans. “Components ofBiological Integrity: Their Definition and Use InDevelopment of An Invertebrate IBI.” in Environ-mental Protection Agency, Region V, InstreamBiological Criteria and Ecological AssessmentCommittee: Proceedings of the Midwest PollutionControl Biologists Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. EPA-905/R-92/003 (1991): 1-16.

Kurt, D. Fausch, James R. Karr, and Philip R. Yant.“Regional Application of an Index of Biotic IntegrityBased on Stream Fish Communities.” Transactions ofthe American Fisheries Society. 113 (1984): 39-55.

Lampe, Les, Howard Andrews, and Kirk Kisinger.“10 Issues in Urban Stormwater Pollution Control.”American City and County. (September 1996): 36-53.

Larsen, David P., James M. Omernik, Robert M.Hughes, Christina M. Rohm, Thomas R. Whittier,Andrew J. Kinney, Alisa L. Gallant, and Daniel R.Dudley. “Correspondence between Spatial Patterns inFish Assemblages in Ohio Streams and AquaticEcoregions.” Environmental Management Vol.10,No.6 (1986): 815-828.

Leopold, Luna B., A View of the River. Cambridge,MA: Harvard University Press. 1995.

Livingston County Department of Planning.Livingston County Greenways Initiative: A GreenwayPreservation Guidebook for Local Communities.Livingston County, MI: Livingston County Commis-sioners. (Summer 1995).

McCann, James M., Michael P. Guilfoyle, MichaelO’Brien, and Glenn D. Therres. “Migratory LandbirdUse of Riparian and Nonriparian Forests on theDelmarva Peninsula During Spring and FallMigration.” Wye Mills, MD: Maryland Department ofNatural Resources Wildlife Division, Nongame andUrban Wildlife Program, 1994.

Meyers, Donna N. Distribution and Variability ofFecal-Indicator Bacteria in Scioto and OlentangyRivers in the Columbus, Ohio, Area. Columbus, OH:U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investiga-tion Report 92-4130, 1992.

Selected Bibliogr aphy

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Norris, Vol. “The Use of Buffer Zones to Protect WaterQuality: A Review.” Water Resources Management. 7(1993): 257-272.

Nutrient Subcommittee of the Chesapeake BayProgram. Water Quality Functions of Riparian ForestBuffer Systems in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.Washington, DC: United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency, Technology Transfer Report, EPA903-R-95-004, August 1995.

Ohio Department of Health. Ohio Fish ConsumptionFact Sheet. 1994.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division ofNatural Areas and Preserves, Natural HeritageProgram. “Natural Heritage Maps.” Columbus, OH:Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 1996.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division ofNatural Areas and Preserves, Scenic Rivers Section.Ohio’s Streamside Forests: The Vital, BeneficialResource. Columbus, OH: Ohio Department ofNatural Resources, 1991.

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division ofWater Quality Planning and Assessment EcologicalAssessment Section. “Biological and Water QualitySurvey of the Olentangy River Delaware andFranklin Counties, Ohio.” Columbus, OH: OhioEnvironmental Protection Agency, 1990.

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, EcologicalAssessment, Division of Surface Water. Biological andWater Quality Study of the Upper Olentangy Riverand Selected Tributaries. Columbus, OH: OhioEnvironmental Protection Agency, OEPA TechnicalReport MAS/1995-12-4, 1996.

Ohio Historic Preservation Society. “OhioArcheaological Inventory.” Columbus, OH: OhioHistoric Preservation Office, 1996.

Ohio Historic Preservation Society. “Ohio HistoricalInventory.” Columbus, OH: Ohio Historic Preserva-tion Office, 1996.

Rankin, Edward T., Chris O. Yoder and DennisMishne. Ohio Water Resource Inventory. Columbus,OH: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Divisionof Surface Water, Monitoring and Assessment Section.1994.

Reutter, Jeffery M., and C. Lawrence Cooper. “AnEvaluation of the Ecological Resources in the Vicinityof the Proposed Extension of the Olentangy Bikewaybetween Clinton-Como Park and Tuttle Park.” (April1992).

Richards, Carl and George Host. “Examining LandUse Influences on Stream Habitats andMacroinvertebrates: A GIS Approach.” WaterResources Bulletin. (August 1994): 729-738.

Rosgen, Dave. Applied River Morphology. PagosaSprings, CO: Wildland Hydrology. 1996.

Rosgen, David L. “River Restoration UtilizingNatural Stability Concepts.” Land and Water. (July/August 1994): 36-41.

Rozdilsky, Jack. “Flood-Related Relocation ofValmeyer: Implications for the Development ofSustainable Cities.” American Planing AssociationEnvironmental Planning Newsletter. Vol.1, No.3(Winter 1996): 1-4.

Schrader, Charles C. “Rural Greenway Planning: TheRole of Streamland Perception in LandownerAcceptance of Land Management Strategies.”Landscape and Urban Planning. 33 (1995): 375-390.

Schueler, T.R. “The Importance of Imperviousness.”Watershed Protection Techniques. Vol.1, No.3 (Fall1994): 100-111.

Steedman, Robert J. “Modification and Assessment ofan Index of Biotic Integrity to Quantify StreamQuality in Southern Ontario.” Canadian Journal ofFisheries and Aquatics Sciences. Vol.45 (1988): 492-501.

Thompson, Jennifer N., and Don L. Green. RiparianRestoration and Streamside Erosion ControlHandbook. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee Depart-ment of Agriculture, Nonpoint Source WaterPollution Management Program for the State ofTennessee, 1994.

United States Environmental Protection Agency,Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds.Economic Benefits of Runoff Controls. Washington,DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency,EPA841-S-95-002, September 1995.

United States Environmental Protection Agency,Office of Water. Storm Water Management forIndustrial Activities: Developing Pollution PreventionPlans and Best Management Practices. Washington,DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency,Summary Guidance, EPA 833-R-92-002, October 1992.

Watters, G. Thomas. “Mussel Diversity as a Functionof Drainage Area and Fish Diversity: ManagementImplications.” in Conservation and Management ofFreshwater Mussels: Proceedings of a UMRCCSymposium in St. Louis, Missouri. (1992): 113-116.

Watters, G. Thomas. “Unionids, fishes, and thespecies-area curve.” Journal of Biogeography 19(1992): 481-490.

Woolpert. Indianapolis Greenways Plan. Indianapo-lis, IN: Indy Parks and Recreation. May 1994.

Yoder, Chris O. “The Development and Use ofBiological Criteria for Ohio Surface Waters.” WaterQuality Standards for 21st Century. (1989): 139-146.

Yoder, Chris O., and Edward T. Rankin. “Assessingthe Condition and Status of Aquatic Life DesignatedUses in Urban and Suburban Watersheds.” Colum-bus, OH: Ohio Environmental Protection AgencyDivision of Surface Water, Monitoring and Assess-ment Section. 1996.

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Franklin CountyGreenways SteeringCommitteePatricia A. Anderson, Village of Riverlea,Bob Carl, Darby Creek Association, JohnCircle, Franklin County Engineers Office,Beth Clark, City of Columbus PlanningDivision, Steve Cothrell, City of UpperArlington, Sheryl Dennis, City ofPickerington Parks and Recreation, TeriDevlin, The Nature Conservancy, John E.Dobie, Riverfront Commons Corporation,Scott Doran, New Albany Company, PaulFeldman, City of Worthington, DonnaFinn, Jefferson Township, Roger Hubbell,Franklin County MetroParks, Ray Jarvis,Janet Jordan, Dublin Parks and Recreation,Lynn Kelly, City of Columbus Division ofWater, Phil Kiser, City of ReynoldsburgParks and Recreation, George Kinney,Franklin County Franklin County Devel-opment Department, Bob Lathrop, City ofGrove City, Patrick A. Lawler, Village ofCanal Winchester, Jeffrey Lawler, Villageof Obetz, Dick Lorenz, City of Westerville,Michael Martin, City of Columbus Divi-sion of Sewerage and Drainage, JamesMcGregor, City of Gahanna, Alan D.McKnight, City of Columbus Recreationand Parks Department, Gary Palatas,Franklin County Engineers Office, GeorgeParker, George Parker & Associates,

Walter Roch von Rochsburg, Scruggs &Hammond, Inc., Pamela Sayre, BrownTownship, Barbara Seeger, FranklinTownship, Jeff Skelding, Rivers Unlimited,Wilbur Smith, Rocky Fork Creek ProtectionTask Force, Judith N. Stalter, PrairieTownship, Arlene Shoemaker, FranklinCounty Commissioner, Thomas M.Stockdale, Ecosystems Management,Dorothy Teater, Franklin County Commis-sioner, Tim Thissen, City of Upper Arling-ton Parks and Recreation, Janell Thomas,Washington Township, Ellen S. Tripp, TheOhio to Erie Trail, Jerry Wager, ODNRDivision of Soil and Water Conservation,and Julie Weatherington-Rice, FSWCD.

Franklin CountyGreenways T echnicalCommitteeLarry Antosch, OEPA Division of SurfaceWater, Dan Binder, City of ColumbusDivision of Water, Terry Berrigan, Rails toTrails Conservancy, Bernice Cage, MORPCTransportation Department, JerryCardwell, OEPA Department of Data andSystems, Chuck Divelbiss, ODNR Divisionof Natural Resources, Barbara Fair, ODNRDivision of Forestry, Julie Hambrook,USGS Water Resources Division, Chris

Hartman, FSWCD, Richard Hicks, City ofColumbus Health Department, MikeHooper, City of Westerville, MaureenLorenz, City of Columbus Recreation andParks Department, Vince Mazeika, OEPADivision of Surface Water, John Mathews,ODNR Division of Soil and Water Conser-vation, Jean McClintock, City of ColumbusRecreation and Parks Department, DanMecklenburg, ODNR Division of Soil andWater Conservation, Nan Merritt, City ofColumbus Planning Division, MollieO’Donnell, City of Columbus Recreationand Parks Department, Jeff Pierce, FSWCD,Ed Rankin, OEPA Division of SurfaceWater, Tom Ryther, The Open SpaceAlliance, Barry Weber, City of ColumbusRecreation and Parks Department, KevinWheeler, City of Columbus PlanningDivision, Chris Yoder, OEPA Division ofSurface Water, Bill Yost, USGS WaterResources Division and JulieWeatherington-Rice, FSWCD.

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The recently adopted 1996 Hilliard MasterPlan Update calls out the Hayden Runcorridor as a distinct district in need ofspecial protection. Specifically the planstates that:

“Special consideration to all new develop-ment within this area is needed because ofthe environmentally sensitive and scenicnature of the Hayden Run Creek.”

The plan calls for overall gross densities inthe corridor of between .5 and 1 unit peracre as well as preservation of existingwood lots, open areas, sensitive habitatsand natural features.

The plan also introduces the concept of arealignment of Hayden Road beginningjust west of I-270 rejoining the existingalignment just east of Cosgray Road. Theexisting road would remain in service forlocal traffic, however, the new alignmentwould serve as the arterial. The new roadwould run parallel to and about a milenorth of existing Hayden Run Road.Construction of this road would alleviatepressure on the Hayden Run corridor andprovide a new, much needed east-westconnection in the area.

Despite the overall pace of development inthe corridor, Hayden Run remains suffi-ciently intact to make its preservationrealistic. Its long-term protection willrequire the active cooperation of Hilliard,

Dublin, Columbus, Norwich and Washing-ton townships. Dublin is currently con-ducting an update of their CommunityPlan. Recognition of Hayden Run andconsideration of the road’s realignmentwould be important provisions in thisdocument.