OHIO — Ohio has a new state scenic river, the first one named in the state's southeastern region: Raccoon Creek.

Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz gave it an official designation earlier this week. Raccoon Creek is now Ohio's 16th scenic river.

What You Need To Know

  • Raccoon Creek flows for more than 100 miles though Vinton, Meigs and Gallia counties

  • It is the first scenic river designation in Ohio's southeastern region

  • For years the river was considered "unrecoverable" because of acid mine drainage and sedimentation caused by coal mining

  • More than $17 million has been invested into the river

Raccoon Creek flows for more than 100 miles though Vinton, Meigs and Gallia counties.

“As we designate Raccoon Creek as a state scenic river today, we are celebrating the health of this waterway while capping off a true comeback story,” said DeWine in a news release. “Once considered 'nearly lifeless,' Raccoon Creek is now home to more than 90 species of fish and serves as an example of what we can achieve when water quality is prioritized at the state, local, and federal levels.”

The river was considered "unrecoverable" for years because of acid mine drainage and sedimentation caused by more than 70 years of coal mining. Residents pushed for restoration efforts in the 1970s, and ODNR has completed 20 mine drainage treatment projects, reducing it by more than 8,500 lbs per day.

Among the projects are mine waste pile removals, creating limestone channels, leach beds and wetlands.

“There have been monumental efforts and several projects to ensure this land and waterway have been restored and protected for future generations,” said Mertz in the release. “This moment recognizes the tremendous efforts over the last 40 years to restore Raccoon Creek to the high-quality waterway we see today.”

With 111.9 river miles, the river meets or exceeds qualifications to join the state's scenic river system, including that it be 75% free flowing and unaffected by commercial development. Approximately one-third of Raccoon Creek also meets or exceeds the Ohio EPA exceptional warm water aquatic life use designation.

“Designating Raccoon Creek is an acknowledgment of its natural characteristics and diverse habitats, but it also marks the first time a restored waterway has been eligible for scenic river status,” said ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief Jeff Johnson in the release. “We hope this designation will serve as a model for other watersheds.”

The river's watershed has received more than $17 million for its restoration and reclamation from ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves and Division of Mineral Resources Management, the Ohio EPA and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining.

By adding this river to its state scenic river list, there are now 942 protected river miles across Ohio. The state is also home to three national scenic rivers, Big and Little Darby Creeks, Little Miami and Little Beaver Creek.