Rivers,
Streams, Wetlands -
Ditches & Water Quality
Ditch and channelization projects deepen, widen, alter, or
otherwise change the course or location of rivers, streams,
or other waterways. These projects denude protective streamside
vegetation, destroy wildlife habitat, and degrade water quality.
Under Ohio’s "drainage laws," one landowner
along a creek can not only ask the county to ditch a stream
in the name of "improved drainage," but also can
make their neighbors pay for the destruction. Millions of
state and federal tax-payer dollars are being invested in
efforts to restore Ohio rivers and streams. Ditch and channelization
projects, however, conflict with these objectives and threaten
to undermine progress made to improve water quality. Read
more about Ohio’s ditch laws.
By highlighting bad local projects
and working with scientists and lawyers to develop environmentally-friendly
alternatives, the OEC is building support to change Ohio’s
antiquated ditch laws.
