(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 prohibited by the laws of this state.
(B) The division of parks and watercraft shall 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 shall 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 shall originate with the chief of the division.
(C) No person shall 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 shall 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, persons must receive written
permission from the chief of the division of watercraft or appointed agent
prior to entry into such areas, must carry proof of written permission while
within the area, and present it upon request.
(F) When a designated trail or trail system is present, no person
shall 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
attempt to take the shortest, most direct path possible to avoid injury or
damage to the plants, animals, or geologic features of the area.
(G) It shall be 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 shall collect, remove, injure, deface,
destroy or otherwise disturb ice, soil, sand, gravel, rocks, fossils, minerals,
plants, plant materials, animals or any other substance within the boundaries
of any scenic river lands.
It shall be 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 shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year, but
may be renewed at the discretion of the chief. Proof of written permission must
be provided to any appointed agent, department of natural resources official or
law enforcement officer upon request.
(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 shall be 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 prohibited without first
receiving written permission from the chief of the division.
(I) It shall be 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 prohibited 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 shall be 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 prohibited.
(L) No person, regardless of intent, shall 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) Alcoholic beverages are prohibited:
No person shall bring into, possess, carry, serve
or consume any alcoholic beverages upon scenic river lands.
(N) No person shall 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) Application for any
organized meeting or event to be conducted upon scenic river lands must be made
to the chief not 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 shall 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 shall be unlawful to solicit alms or contributions for any
purpose, whether public or private upon state scenic river lands. No person
shall 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 prohibited.
