Ohio EPA Invites Public and Media to Salt Creek for


Electro-Fishing Demonstration, Discussion on How to Improve Scioto River Basin

Ohio EPA is hosting an interactive information-sharing event at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2009, on the main stem of Salt Creek in southwestern Hocking County. (The event is weather-permitting. Detailed directions to the event are below.)

Ohio EPA will share the results of an extensive water quality survey conducted in the Salt Creek watershed (Scioto River Basin), which spans a 555-square-mile area in seven southeast Ohio counties (Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, Fairfield, Pickaway, Ross and Pike). While there is some good news to report, urban and agricultural influences and certain harmful land use practices*, such as in-stream gravel mining and ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) riding, continue to pollute the streams. These sources of pollution can have adverse impacts on human health, the environment and recreational enjoyment of the watershed.

Attendees can observe and photograph the process of electro-fishing (during which fish are temporarily stunned, caught and released). The purpose of this live fish-shocking demonstration is to show how Ohio EPA collects biological data to measure water quality.

Water quality preservation and improvement strategies will be discussed during the event. Ohio EPA is encouraging area residents to get involved. Currently, there is little local watershed interest and no organized action group. Farmers also will learn more about conservation options that may be available to them and the economic and environmental benefits of joining the Scioto River Basin Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and/or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

LOCATION: The event venue is located approximately ¼ mile south of the intersection of Narrows Road and State Route 56, between Haynes and South Bloomingville. Parking is available in a field on the east side of Narrows Road. Signs will be on site to direct guests to the streamside venue, just a short walk south of the field on the east side of Narrows Road. Guests must walk down a gently-sloped, tree-lined path to the gravel bar beside Salt Creek where the event will take place. Please dress accordingly.

Kindly RSVP to Jed Thorp or Erin Strouse at (614) 644-2160.



*Enlarged photos of these harmful practices and maps will be on display. The venue features both good streamside habitat and an eroded bank to illustrate positive and negative impacts on water quality.