The Little Miami National Wild & Scenic River

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Sydney Reynolds
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Incorporated 6040 Price Road Milford OH 45150

1 Saving a National Treasure The Little Miami National Wild & Scenic River Little Miami Incorporated 6040 Price Road Milford OH A 1910 Postcard of the Little Miami near Kings Mills OH

Welcome to the Little Miami Little Miami Inc. has been Saving a National Treasure Since 1967 Southwest Ohio is truly blessed to have a spectacular little river running thru it.

2 Welcome to the Little Miami Little Miami Inc. has been Saving a National Treasure Since 1967 Southwest Ohio is truly blessed to have a spectacular little river running thru it. Flowing 105 miles through five counties, the Little Miami has been embraced by citizens and local leaders as a valuable natural resource for quiet outdoor recreation, wildlife, drinking water, scenic beauty and much more! Little Miami Inc. was founded in 1967 by Dayton newspaper editor Glenn Thompson as a citizen conservation organization dedicated to restoring and protecting this wonderful river resource. Through it s win win approach to scenic river conservation, LMI is proud to have acquired over 50 nature preserves, provided key leadership leading to the designation as Ohio s first State Scenic River and National Wild & Scenic River, and we continue work to restore full ecological health to this exceptional warmwater river. Rich in bird life and scenic wonders, the Little Miami is enjoyed by half a million people annually by canoeing, biking, hiking, fishing, bird watching, and the pure enjoyment of quiet solitude in a natural setting just minutes from the urban landscapes of Greater Cincinnati and Greater Dayton Ohio. You can help keep the Little Miami alive and well by joining the hundreds of families who are LMI members, and by volunteering for LMI s numerous conservation projects. You can leave a great natural legacy along this beautiful river for generations to come. Michael T. Schueler LMI President Our Mission Restore and Protect the Outstanding Remarkable Natural Values of the Little Miami National Wild & Scenic River

A Wild & Scenic River The Little Miami has the distinction of being the first river in Ohio to be included in the National Wild & Scenic River System

Located on the eastern edge of the Cincinnati Dayton metropolitan area, the Little Miami is a predominantly agricultural watershed experiencing growing

12 communities tap the Little Miami Aquifer along mainstem + 6 endangered and threatened aquatic species + 14 major wastewater treatment plants + 6

hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess

3 A Wild & Scenic River The Little Miami has the distinction of being the first river in Ohio to be included in the National Wild & Scenic River System (1974), and the first to be added to the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program (1969). Located on the eastern edge of the Cincinnati Dayton metropolitan area, the Little Miami is a predominantly agricultural watershed experiencing growing pressure on its natural resources as urban development removes natural habitat and increases point and nonpoint discharges into the Little Miami and its tributaries. River Facts million acre watershed mile long mainstem + 3 million people live within 30 minutes + 500,000 people recreate along the Little Miami annually + 12 communities tap the Little Miami Aquifer along mainstem + 6 endangered and threatened aquatic species + 14 major wastewater treatment plants + 6 canoe liveries plus miles of bike trails + Longest national and state scenic river in Ohio Cincinnati National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in freeflowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Little Miami Watershed Dayton Lebanon Batavia Springfield Xenia Wilmington

4 Little Miami Inc. In 1967 local citizens came together to save a local river whose health was failing. The Little Miami was lined with abandoned shacks and littered with trash, old cars, and dumping grounds. Over 500 families now support LMI, a leading 501c3 nonprofit land trust in Ohio. LMI is proud to have played a key leadership role in working wonders, natural wonders, along this lucky little river, lucky because people cared enough to bring it back from the brink. From Partnership to Protection... Working with landowners, impacted streams lined with barren riverfront lands are replanted with trees and prairies resulting in a restored river ecosystem. Over 50 LMI nature preserves and reforestation projects now help protect the wildlife, water quality, drinking water, and recreational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of families in Southwest Ohio.

5 A History of Success 1967 Little Miami Inc. was founded 1968 LMI acquires first nature preserve 1969 Little Miami becomes Ohio s first State Scenic River 1974 Upper Little Miami (Clifton to Foster) becomes Ohio first National Wild & Scenic River 1980 Lower Little Miami (Foster to Mouth) added to National Wild & Scenic River System 1984 First section of Little Miami bike trail opened 1985 Little Miami Forest Preserve legislation passed 1995 Little Miami Aquifer designated Sole Source Aquifer 1980 Lower River Wild & Scenic River Dedication Ceremony 2003 Little Miami designated Audubon Important Bird Habitat 2006 LMI Scenic River & Trail Center opens Today 49% of the riverbank forests are under some form of permanent natural protection, either through land ownership or conservation easements held by LMI and other conservation agencies. Another 24% of the riverfront forests receive some protection through local zoning ordinances. Local wastewater treatment plants are starting to remove nutrients from their discharges. These reductions, along with possible further reductions, will eliminate algae blooms which threaten the very life of the river.

A Rich River Ecosystem OEPA has designated the Little

warmwater habitat placing the river in the top 10% of

Six Endangered and Threatened fish species reside in

With more than 83 fish species, 36 mussel species,

(insects), the Little Miami is one of the most

Unfortunately, less than 40 % of the river is in full

pressure from wastewater treatment plant effluent and

The endangered Blue Sucker lives and reproduces in

Blue Heron is one of 255 bird species that are found

6 A Rich River Ecosystem OEPA has designated the Little Miami as Ohio s longest stretch of exceptional warmwater habitat placing the river in the top 10% of the stream in the State. Six Endangered and Threatened fish species reside in the Little Miami. With more than 83 fish species, 36 mussel species, and 234 taxa of aquatic macro invertebrates (insects), the Little Miami is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in Ohio. Unfortunately, less than 40 % of the river is in full attainment of OEPA water quality standards with pressure from wastewater treatment plant effluent and nonpoint pollution. The endangered Blue Sucker lives and reproduces in the Little Miami. The endangered Blue Sucker lives and reproduces in the Little Miami. Several beautiful darter species inhabit the Little Miami. The Great Blue Heron is one of 255 bird species that are found along the Little Miami. Thirty six species of freshwater mussels have been found in the Little Miami.

Great Public Enjoyment An estimated 500,000

along the Little Miami either by canoeing,

turning the old Little Miami Railroad into

350,000 trail users enjoy the Little Miami

7 Great Public Enjoyment An estimated 500,000 people annually enjoy the great outdoors along the Little Miami either by canoeing, hiking, biking, jogging, rollerblading, fishing, bird watching, etc. Little Miami Inc played a key role in turning the old Little Miami Railroad into the most popular riverside multi use trail in this part of Ohio. Six canoe liveries serve an estimated 100,000 people each year. A dozen communities tap the river s aquifer daily for cool clean drinking water for their citizens and businesses. 350,000 trail users enjoy the Little Miami annually. 100,000 people paddle the Little Miami Fishermen abound along the Little Miami in search of smallmouth and largemouth bass and other sport fish.

The Challenges Ahead Restoring the full potential of a beautiful natural gem A Conservation Action Plan LMI has

Using a proven planning approach developed by The Nature Conservancy, a multi stage pier reviewed discussion process

Floodplain Management Floodplains play a key role in the health of the Little Miami.

8 The Challenges Ahead Restoring the full potential of a beautiful natural gem A Conservation Action Plan LMI has undertaken comprehensive conservation action planning to guide our efforts in the coming years. Using a proven planning approach developed by The Nature Conservancy, a multi stage pier reviewed discussion process has yielded a plan of action for LMI which we are implementing. Floodplain Management Floodplains play a key role in the health of the Little Miami. Management of land use in the high hazard floodplains along the Little Miami has long been a common goal of LMI and government policy. LMI will continue to monitor floodplain use and report on illegal use to the responsible government agency.

Water Quality Monitoring and Improvement In the late 1980 s the health of the Little Miami was improving enough to bring 40% of the river s length into full attainment of OEPA water

LMI will work with OEPA and local authorities to bring full ecological health to the Little Miami.

Habitat & Species Protection LMI will continue its permanent protection of key riverfront lands to provide maximum assurance that the river s health and immediate environs will

Public & Private Partnerships Historically these partnerships have resulted in significant positive changes for the Little Miami environment.

Conservation Education Reaching out to citizens and area leaders is key to fostering long term concern for the Little Miami and its environ.

9 Water Quality Monitoring and Improvement In the late 1980 s the health of the Little Miami was improving enough to bring 40% of the river s length into full attainment of OEPA water quality standards. Between 1993 and 1998 that progress witnessed a reversal. Due to funding shortfalls in OEPA s budget, agency studies of the river have been delayed until LMI will work with OEPA and local authorities to bring full ecological health to the Little Miami. LMI will partner with OEPA and other agencies to foster better and more frequent water quality monitoring to enable more timely and effective implementation of improvement strategies. Habitat & Species Protection LMI will continue its permanent protection of key riverfront lands to provide maximum assurance that the river s health and immediate environs will provide wildlife habitat, water quality buffers, public recreation where appropriate, clean drinking water, and more. Public & Private Partnerships Historically these partnerships have resulted in significant positive changes for the Little Miami environment. LMI will seek out new partnerships and continue existing effective partnerships with public agencies and private landowner alike who seek to restore and protect the Little Miami. Conservation Education Reaching out to citizens and area leaders is key to fostering long term concern for the Little Miami and its environ. From special meetings to informative publications to guided float trips, LMI will continue it s scenic river conservation mission and reach out to future generations. In 2006 LMI opened its Scenic River & Trail Center in downtown Loveland along the Little Maimi Scenic Park trail. LMI will educate thousands of trail and river users on how they can help restore and protect the Little Miami National Wild & Scenic River.

How you can help... If you own riverfront land... As an owner of riverfront land along the Little Miami (or a tributary) you are in a very unique position to help!

10 How you can help... If you own riverfront land... As an owner of riverfront land along the Little Miami (or a tributary) you are in a very unique position to help! Call the LMI office ( ) if you might be interested in donating or selling a portion of your property to LMI as a nature preserve. If you wish to keep your land but would like to place restrictions on the rivefront part of your property, a conservation easement may be right for you. Please call LMI to discuss your options at 513/ If you would like to help financially LMI members can make a real difference by making a financial gift in an amount appropriate to your wishes. Please call LMI for a private conversation at 513/ If you are able to volunteer your time... Your time is valuable. You can add value to LMI s efforts by volunteering for tree planting projects, river clean ups, bi month meetings to discuss river issues, or volunteering to staff the LMI Scenic River & Trail Center in historic downtown Loveland. Not sure? Just call LMI!

11 Save the Little Miami

For more information LMI Trustees Michael T. Schueler President Carlo C. McGinnis Vice President David A.

Schrand Secretary Jim Farfsing, Mike Fremont, Don Hopkins, Judy Leever, Anne Lyons, Brad Norris, Rhett Rohrer, Skip Watson,

Partee, Executive Director partee@littlemiami.com Jan Thurnau, Administrative Assistant thurnau@littlemiami.

12 For more information LMI Trustees Michael T. Schueler President Carlo C. McGinnis Vice President David A. Case Treasurer Gregory J. Schrand Secretary Jim Farfsing, Mike Fremont, Don Hopkins, Judy Leever, Anne Lyons, Brad Norris, Rhett Rohrer, Skip Watson, Ray Wylam LMI Web site LMI Office 6040 Price Road, Milford OH / LMI Staff Eric B. Partee, Executive Director Jan Thurnau, Administrative Assistant LMI Scenic River & Trail Center 211 Railroad Avenue, Loveland OH along the Little Miami Scenic Trail Photo credits: LMI staff and Ronald G. Levi A 1917 photograph of fishermen along the Little Miami at Milford Eric B. Partee, LMI Executive Director

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