DIVISION OF NATURAL AREAS & PRESERVES 1889 Fountain Square Court, Building F-1 Columbus, Ohio 43224-1331 (614) 265-6453 Web: ohiodnr.com/dnap

Established through the Scenic Rivers Act of 1969 and Natural Areas Act of 1970, the division was statutorily created in 1976 and is responsible for the acquisition, management and protection of Ohio?s best remaining areas of statewide significance that characterize the state?s natural landscapes, scenic rivers, vegetation, geology, and habitats for rare and endangered species.

The division oversees 20 scenic rivers and 128 nature preserves statewide. The division also administers the Natural Heritage Database and Endangered Plant Law.

Cave Protection
Contact Natural Areas & Preserves, (614) 265-6453
Formulation of policies and plans for the identification and protection of caves.

Endangered Plant Law
Contact Natural Areas & Preserves, (614) 265-6453
Establish and maintain list of endangered and threatened native plants; promulgate rules restricting their taking, possessing, transportation and commercial sale, per Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 1518. List updated every two years.

Natural Areas and Preserves
Contact Natural Areas & Preserves, (614) 265-6453
Acquire, dedicate and accept donations of public and privately owned lands as nature preserves.

Natural Heritage Database
Contact Natural Areas & Preserves, (614) 265-6453
More than 13,000 records representing known locations of Ohio?s rare plants and animals, high quality plant communities and other natural features. Information is used in the department?s environmental review process and provided to consulting firms, federal, state and local government agencies, conservation groups and private citizens.

Ohio Natural Landmarks
Contact Natural Areas & Preserves, (614) 265-6453
Promotion of the preservation of significant natural areas containing distinctive ecological or geological features of state or national significance and worthy of special recognition. Program does not provide protection, only recognition.

Scenic Rivers
Contact Bob Gable, (614) 265-6814
Administration of the preservation and protection of Ohio?s 20 state scenic rivers in the scenic rivers system. Also participates with the Stillwater River Watershed Partners, Big Darby Creek Partners, Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Grand River Partners and the Little Miami River Partners. All are public and private agencies and private organizations united to protect these rivers and their watersheds.

Stream Quality Monitoring
Contact Bob Gable, (614) 265-6814
More than 5,000 volunteers participate annually in sampling water quality and the health of Ohio?s scenic rivers. Provides environmental education opportunities. Collected samples are forwarded to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Volunteering for Natural Areas & Preserves
Contact Dee Hammel, (614) 265-6377
Volunteers are used in a variety of division activities including specialized help with research and monitoring rare and endangered plant and animals; surveying aquatic ecosystems, conducting public interpretive programs; and some field operations, such as trail maintenance.