Chapter 1501:17-1 | Visitation

Rule 1501:17-1-01 | Exceptions.

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The following rules are applicable to all nature preserves and natural areas under the supervision and control of the Ohio department of natural resources or its designated custodian. However, nothing herein shall be interpreted or construed in such a manner as to prevent or delay authorized personnel of the department of natural resources, law enforcement officers from another agency or its designated custodian in the completion of necessary duties or while on patrol or emergency service.

Last updated February 27, 2023 at 10:24 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1517.02
Amplifies: 1517.021
Five Year Review Date: 11/12/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 7/25/1995

Rule 1501:17-1-02 | Definitions.

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

As used in these rules, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, except where the context otherwise requires:

(A) "Department" means the state of Ohio, department of natural resources.

(B) "Division" means the Ohio department of natural resources, division of natural areas and preserves.

(C) "Custodian" means the department, any division thereof, agency, or individual who is so designated in the articles of dedication to administer and manage a nature preserve or natural area.

(D) "Nature preserve" means an area which is formally dedicated and administered under Chapter 1517. of the Revised Code.

(E) "Natural area" means any area owned or managed through easement, license, or lease by the department and administered by the division as a part of the state natural areas system.

(F) "Vehicle" means every contrivance on wheels or runners capable of being used as a means of transportation on land.

(G) "Motor vehicle" means any vehicle propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power.

(H) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or any combination of individuals, or any employee, agent, or officer thereof.

(I) "Camping" means utilization of a sleeping bag, tent, trailer, or other mobile equipment, for the purpose of occupying a portion of state land for transient and temporary outdoor living away from home.

(J) "Picnicking" means the consumption of a meal in the out-of-doors by an individual or group of individuals.

(K) "Areas and facilities" means all trails, parking lots, restrooms, well shelters, observation blinds, towers or vistas, boardwalks, piers, docks, bridges, benches, picnic areas or roadways and any lands the chief designates for public use.

(L) "Chief" or "chief of the division" means the chief of the division of natural areas and preserves, department of natural resources, state of Ohio.

(M) "Appointed agent" means an employee of the department or division who is designated to administer and manage nature preserves or natural areas.

(N) "Idle speed" means the slowest speed needed to maintain steerage and maneuverability.

(O) "Wake" means a track left in the water by a watercraft causing waves that may cause discomfort, injury or damage to persons, watercraft or property.

(P) "Firework" means a device consisting of various combinations of explosives and combustibles used to generate colored light, smoke and/or noise.

(Q) "Alcohol" as defined by section 4301.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 27, 2023 at 10:24 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1517.02
Amplifies: 1517.021
Five Year Review Date: 11/12/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 10/1/2007

Rule 1501:17-1-03 | Visitation of nature preserves or natural areas; restrictions.

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Persons shall be permitted within the confines of a nature preserve or natural area only in those areas and facilities provided for general public use.

When a trial or trail system is present, no person shall leave the trail or trail system, except with written permission of the chief of the division. In state nature preserves or natural areas that are open to the general public by access permit only, persons must receive written permission from the chief of the division to enter upon said areas and must carry said written permission while on the area and present it upon request. Areas and facilities provided for general public use are open from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset unless otherwise posted.

Last updated February 27, 2023 at 10:24 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1517.02
Amplifies: 1517.021
Five Year Review Date: 11/12/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 4/27/1984, 7/25/1995, 6/13/1998, 10/1/2007

Rule 1501:17-1-05 | Permission for public meetings and events.

• Effective: June 25, 2000
• Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

(A) No person or persons shall conduct any public meeting or event upon the lands or waters owned or administered by the division without first obtaining a permit from the chief of the division upon application made not less than thirty days prior to the day of the proposed meeting or event.

(B) A permit shall not be granted if it is determined by the chief that the specified meeting or event has a reasonable probability of having any of the following effects:

(1) Interfers with normal area usage, or

(2) Endangers the environment, or

(3) Creates great risk of physical harm to the public present in the area, or

(4) Violates the articles of dedication.

(C) The chief may require a performance bond from the permittee as a condition of the issuance of the permit.

Last updated April 10, 2023 at 1:03 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: –
Amplifies: –
Five Year Review Date: