(A) Scenic river lands are generally
available to the public for the purpose of engaging in fishing, boating,
hiking, wildlife observation, or any other legitimate recreational activities
not otherwise forbidden by the laws of this state.
(B) The division of natural areas and
preserves will post in a conspicuous location any special instructions, orders,
and notices pertaining to the use of state scenic river lands by the public.
Such instructions, orders or notices may pertain to, but are not limited to,
special hours of operation, area closure, temporary access restrictions,
emergency situations, or other situations not otherwise covered in the rules.
Declaration of such postings will originate with the chief of the
division.
(C) No person is permitted to enter upon
scenic river lands or utilize any facilities therein that have been temporarily
closed or evacuated by the chief of the division or the chief's appointed
agent if it has been determined to be hazardous for public use as the result of
inclement weather, water, fire, construction, or any other situation with the
potential to impact public health, safety, or welfare.
(D) No person is permitted to be present
on scenic river lands in violation of any special instructions, orders or
notices issued under paragraph (B) or (C) of this rule unless exempted in
writing by the chief or an appointed agent.
(E) On scenic river lands that are open
to the general public by access permit only, it is mandatory for any person who
intends to enter such areas to carry proof of written permission from the chief
or the chief's appointed agent while within the area and present it upon
request.
(F) When a designated trail or trail
system is present, no person is permitted to leave the designated trail or
trail system, except to gain access to the waters of the wild, scenic, or
recreational river for the purposes of engaging in legitimate recreational
activities or with written permission from the chief of the division or the
chief's appointed agent. Any person who leaves a designated trail to
access the waters for legitimate recreational purposes must take the shortest,
most direct path possible to avoid injury or damage to the plants, animals, or
geologic features of the area.
(G) It is unlawful to throw, toss, drop,
propel or cause, directly or indirectly, the throwing, tossing, dropping or
propelling of any object over or off any precipice, bridge, observation tower
or other similar structure or natural formation within the boundaries of any
scenic river lands.
No person is permitted to collect, remove,
injure, deface, destroy or otherwise disturb ice, soil, sand, gravel, rocks,
fossils, minerals, plants, plant materials, fungus, animals or any other
substance within the boundaries of any scenic river lands.
It is unlawful to hunt, pursue, trap or attempt
to hunt, pursue, trap or catch wild animals on scenic river lands except in
areas designated for such activities or with prior approval from the chief, and
such is done in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Code and wildlife
orders then in effect.
(1) Exceptions:
(a) Collecting of materials for conservation efforts or
research purposes may be conducted with written permission from the chief of
the division. Such permit may be valid for a period up to, but not to exceed
one year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the chief. Failure to provide
proof of written permission to any appointed agent, department of natural
resources official or law enforcement officer upon request may result in the
revocation of a collection permit.
(b) For the sole purposes of ensuring public safety and
furthering conservation efforts, department staff, volunteers, and contracted
persons may remove, burn, extract, or otherwise dispose of materials such as
firewood, invasive species, storm debris and geologic or human made structures
that pose imminent danger to the public welfare in accordance with special
orders issued by the chief as provided for in paragraph (B) of this
rule.
(c) It is lawful to take or catch fish, unless otherwise
posted, provided such is done in accordance with the provisions of the Revised
Code and wildlife orders then in effect.
(H) The introduction of any plant or
animal or their reproductive bodies to any scenic river or scenic river lands
is not permitted without first receiving written permission from the chief of
the division.
(I) It is unlawful to engage in any
rappelling or climbing activity either with or without specialized gear for
such activity upon scenic river lands without first obtaining written
permission from the chief of the division.
(J) Camping or otherwise staying
overnight is not permitted upon scenic river lands except in areas designated
for such use or with prior approval from the chief of the division or the
chief's appointed agent.
(K) It is unlawful to kindle or ignite a
fire without express permission of the chief of the division or the
chief's appointed agent upon scenic river lands.
The possession or use of fireworks or other
explosive devices is forbidden.
(L) it is unlawful for any person,
regardless of intent, to deposit litter or cause litter to be deposited within
the boundaries of any scenic river land or into the waters of a scenic
river.
(M) It is unlawful for any person to
bring into, possess, carry, serve or consume any alcoholic beverages upon
scenic river lands.
(N) No person is permitted to conduct any
meeting or event upon scenic river lands without first obtaining written
permission from the chief of the division or the chief's appointed
agent.
(1) The chief may reject
any permit application for an organized meeting or event to be conducted upon
scenic river lands submitted less than thirty days prior to the date of the
proposed event.
(2) A permit may be
denied if it is determined that the specified meeting or event has a reasonable
probability of having any of the following effects:
(a) The meeting or event would interfere with normal area
usage, or
(b) The meeting or event poses a threat to the environment,
or
(c) The meeting or event creates a concern for public
safety and welfare.
(3) The chief may require
a performance bond from the applicant as a condition of the issuance of the
permit.
(O) No person is permitted to erect or
post any placard, sign, notice, poster, or billboard within the boundaries of
any scenic river lands without written permission from the chief of the
division or the chief's appointed agent.
(P) It is unlawful to solicit alms or
contributions for any purpose, whether public or private upon state scenic
river lands. No person is permitted to rent, sell, solicit, or offer for sale,
have in his possession with the intent to rent or sell, or expose for rent or
sale any item or service within the boundaries of a state scenic river land
without the express permission of the chief.
(Q) Open dumping of waste material on
scenic river lands or into the waters of a scenic river is
forbidden.
