Ohio Administrative Code 1501:17 — Department of Natural Resources | Division of Natural Areas and Preserves

Chapter 1501:17-1 Visitation

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-1-01 Exceptions.

The following rules are applicable to all nature preserves and natural areas under the supervision and control of the Ohio department of natural resources or its designated custodian. However, nothing herein shall be interpreted or construed in such a manner as to prevent or delay authorized personnel of the department of natural resources, law enforcement officers from another agency or its designated custodian in the completion of necessary duties or while on patrol or emergency service.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:17 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-1-02 Definitions.

As used in these rules, the following terms have the meanings indicated, except where the context otherwise requires:

(A) "Department" means the state of Ohio, department of natural resources.

(B) "Division" means the Ohio department of natural resources, division of natural areas and preserves.

(C) "Custodian" means the department, any division thereof, agency, or individual who is so designated in the articles of dedication to administer and manage a nature preserve or natural area.

(D) "Nature preserve" means an area which is formally dedicated and administered under Chapter 1517. of the Revised Code.

(E) "Natural area" means any area owned or managed through easement, license, or lease by the department and administered by the division as a part of the state natural areas system.

(F) "Scenic river" means a watercourse or a section of watercourse declared as a wild, scenic, or recreational river by the director of the department of natural resources.

(G) "Scenic river lands" means any area of land or water within a wild, scenic, or recreational river watershed that is owned by the department of natural resources and administered by the division of natural areas and preserves for the purpose of protecting the natural character and water quality of a wild, scenic, or recreational river.

(H) "Vehicle" means every contrivance on wheels or runners capable of being used as a means of transportation on land.

(I) "Motor vehicle" has the same meaning as defined in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or any combination of individuals, or any employee, agent, or officer thereof.

(K) "Camping" means utilization of any piece of equipment for sleeping in or upon, including but not limited to, a sleeping bag, hammock, tarp, tent, trailer, car, van, motor home, bus, truck, pickup camper, watercraft, or other mobile equipment, for the purpose of occupying a portion of state land for transient and temporary outdoor living away from home.

(L) "Picnicking" means the consumption of a meal in the out-of-doors by an individual or group of individuals.

(M) "Areas and facilities" means all trails, parking lots, restrooms, well shelters, observation blinds, towers or vistas, boardwalks, piers, docks, bridges, benches, picnic areas or roadways and any lands the chief designates for public use.

(N) "Chief" or "chief of the division" means the chief of the division of natural areas and preserves, department of natural resources, state of Ohio.

(O) "Appointed agent" means a person who is designated by the chief of the division of natural areas and preserves to be responsible for the supervision, operation, protection, maintenance, or other management activities on publicly owned or administered scenic river lands, nature preserves, or natural areas.

(P) "Idle speed" means the slowest speed needed to maintain steerage and maneuverability.

(Q) "Wake" means a track left in the water by a watercraft causing waves that may cause discomfort, injury or damage to persons, watercraft or property.

(R) "Firework" means a device consisting of various combinations of explosives and combustibles used to generate colored light, smoke and/or noise.

(S) "Alcohol" has the same meaning as defined in section 4301.01 of the Revised Code.

(T) "Litter" has the same meaning as defined in section 1502.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 9:57 AM

History

• Effective: October 25, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-1-03 Visitation of nature preserves or natural areas; restrictions.

Persons shall be permitted within the confines of a nature preserve or natural area only in those areas and facilities provided for general public use.

When a trial or trail system is present, no person shall leave the trail or trail system, except with written permission of the chief of the division. In state nature preserves or natural areas that are open to the general public by access permit only, persons must receive written permission from the chief of the division to enter upon said areas and must carry said written permission while on the area and present it upon request. Areas and facilities provided for general public use are open from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset unless otherwise posted.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:17 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-1-04 Visitation of scenic river lands; restrictions.

(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.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 9:57 AM

History

• Effective: October 25, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-1-05 Permission for public meetings and events.

(A) No person or persons shall conduct any public meeting or event upon the lands or waters owned or administered by the division without first obtaining a permit from the chief of the division upon application made not less than thirty days prior to the day of the proposed meeting or event.

(B) A permit shall not be granted if it is determined by the chief that the specified meeting or event has a reasonable probability of having any of the following effects:

(1) Interfers with normal area usage, or

(2) Endangers the environment, or

(3) Creates great risk of physical harm to the public present in the area, or

(4) Violates the articles of dedication.

(C) The chief may require a performance bond from the permittee as a condition of the issuance of the permit.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:18 PM

History

• Effective: June 25, 2000
• Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Chapter 1501:17-3 Preservation of Property

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-3-02 Preservation of property; exceptions.

No person is permitted to collect, remove, injure, deface, destroy or otherwise disturb ice, soil, sand, gravel, rocks, fossils, minerals, plants, plant materials, animals or any other substance within any nature preserve or natural area under the supervision and control of the department or its designated custodian except as provided in this rule and in rule 1501:17-3-04 of the Administrative Code. Collecting of materials for research purposes may be permitted upon written application to and approval by the chief of the division. A permit will be valid for not more than one year, but may be renewed at the discretion of the chief. The permit is to be displayed to any person upon request.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 6:12 PM

History

• Effective: June 30, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-3-04

Persons may hunt, pursue, trap, catch or attempt to hunt, pursue, trap or catch any wild animals or fish on such lands or in waters within a nature preserve or natural area under the supervision and control of the department or its designated custodian, only in designated areas, where provided for in the articles of dedication, deed, legal binding agreement or in designated management hunts conducted by the division, with written permission from the chief of the division, and provided such is done in accordance with the provision of the Revised Code and wildlife orders then in effect.

The chief, with concurrence of the chief of the division of wildlife and the approval of the director, may offer drawings for special management hunts. The fee for entering drawings for these special management hunting opportunities is five dollars. The chief may determine whether part or all of the drawing entry fees are refundable.

Any person who applies to enter a drawing for a special hunt will be excluded from such drawing until they exhibit a valid Ohio hunting license.

Last updated May 6, 2024 at 9:44 AM

History

• Effective: June 30, 2023
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-3-03 Introduction of plants and animals and feeding of wildlife prohibited.

No person is permitted to introduce or bring any plant or animal or their reproductive bodies into any nature preserve or natural area without written permission of the chief of the division or his appointed agent.

No person is permitted to place or scatter salt, grain, feed or other substance capable of luring, enticing or attracting wild animals and birds on any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 6:16 PM

History

• Effective: June 30, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-3-05 Firearms and fireworks prohibited; exceptions.

(A) No person unless authorized by law is permitted to possess or use firearms of any description, air pistol or rifle, slingshot, paint-ball gun or missile-throwing device within any nature preserve or natural area.

(B) No person is permitted to possess or use fireworks or any type of explosive as defined by the Ohio Revised Code on any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 6:17 PM

History

• Effective: June 30, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:17-5 Safety and Sanitation

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-01 Disposition of refuse.

(A) No person shall regardless of intent import, dump or deposit rubbish, garbage, refuse, debris of any kind, offal or carcass of an animal, within any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:17 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-02 Kindling a fire prohibited.

(A) No person shall kindle or use a fire in any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:17 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-03 Scenic river lands; domestic animals.

(A) While on scenic river lands, is unlawful for any person who is the owner or handler of any animal to fail to keep such animal on a leash in hand or otherwise under direct control and ensure that the animal is within an area where companion animals and pets are permitted.

(1) If the disposition of any companion animal or pet evokes fear or audibly disrupts the permitted activities of other persons, the owner or handler may be directed to remove the animal.

(2) In the event that a companion animal or pet defecates upon scenic river land, the owner or handler must collect the animal's excrement and remove it from the area.

(B) Domestic animals may access scenic river lands outside of designated companion animal and pet areas if the following conditions apply:

(1) The domestic animal is a dog or other trained service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (28 C.F.R. part 35, subpart A, 35.104) utilized for the safety of blind, deaf, mobility or emotionally impaired persons.

(2) The domestic animal is a hunting dog being utilized during lawful hunts in accordance with the rules of this chapter.

(3) The domestic animal is a hunting dog that has crossed onto scenic rivers lands while engaged in the chase of a game animal during a legal hunt, provided that the owner or handler of the hunting dog immediately retrieves the animal and leaves the area in a manner not causing injury or damage to the lands, flora, or fauna. Owners retrieving hunting dogs while carrying a weapon or other hunting device are only permitted to do so with the weapon unloaded and the chamber open while retrieving the animal.

(C) It is unlawful for any person to ride, drive, lead, or keep a saddle horse or other animal used for locomotion on any scenic river lands except on roadways or driveways provided for motor vehicles.

It is unlawful for any horse or other animal to be hitched to any tree, shrub, or structure in any manner other than an approved hitching post provided in or adjacent to a parking area.

(D) It is unlawful for any person to herd, graze, drive or permit to run at large upon any scenic river land, any animal including but not limited to cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, goats, swine, sheep, or fowl except as provided in paragraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this rule.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 7:39 AM

History

• Effective: October 25, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-04 Animals prohibited: exceptions.

(A) No person shall bring any animal or pet into any nature preserve or natural area.

(B) Exceptions:

A service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (28 C.F.R. part 35, subpart A, 35.104) used by blind, deaf, mobility or emotionally impaired persons; hunting dogs during lawful hunts on posted area; domestic cats and dogs within the designated parking lots of nature preserves or natural areas; and within Blackhand gorge state nature preserve limited to the paved trail designated as the Blackhand trail (a dedicated state recreational trail).

(C) Any person who is the owner or handler of any pet, except hunting dogs engaged in legal hunting, shall keep said pet on a leash, not to exceed six feet in length from hand to pet, in hand and under control while such pet is within an area where pets are permitted. If the disposition of any pet excites fear or audibly disturbs the quiet enjoyment of other persons, the owner or handler may be directed to remove the pet.

(D) When a pet defecates within a nature preserve or natural area the owner or handler shall collect the pet excrement and remove it from the area.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:19 PM

History

• Effective: September 3, 2018
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-05 Signs, posters prohibited.

No person shall erect or post any placard, sign, notice, poster, or billboard within any nature preserve or natural area without written permission of the chief of the division or his appointed agent.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:17 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-06 Commercial activity prohibited.

No person shall solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private, in any area owned or administered by the division.

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 in any nature preserve or natural area under the supervision and control of the department or its designated custodian except by written permission of the chief of the division.

Last updated January 4, 2024 at 9:09 AM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-07 Grazing prohibited.

No person shall herd, graze, drive or permit to run at large within any nature preserve or natural area, any animal including but not limited to cattle, horse, mule, donkey, goat, swine, sheep, or fowl except as provided in rule 1501:17-5-04 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:17 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-08 Obstruction of access prohibited.

No person shall obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular access to, from, or within a nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:18 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-09 Swimming and wading prohibited.

No person shall swim or wade in any pond, lake, stream, or any other body of water within the confines of any nature preserve or natural area, or swim or dive to enter other public waters from any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:18 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-10 Boating prohibited; exceptions.

No person shall embark or disembark from any watercraft within the confines of any nature preserve or natural area, except in areas provided for such use. Boating is permitted on any navigable stream provided that entrance to the stream is made upstream or downstream from the nature preserve or natural area. Boating shall be prohibited on any lake, pond or other body of water whose entirety is within the confines of any nature preserve or natural area, unless written permission is obtained from the chief of the division or his appointed agent or is otherwise permitted in the articles of dedication.

No person shall operate a vessel at greater than idle speed or create a wake on the Licking River within the confines of Blackhand gorge state nature preserve from the Toboso road bridge (county road 273) upstream to the confluence of Brushy Fork creek and the Licking river.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:18 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-11 Climbing and rappelling prohibited.

No person shall engage in any rappelling or climbing activity either with or without specialized gear for such activity within the confines of any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:56 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-5-12 Throwing objects over cliffs prohibited.

No person shall throw, toss, drop, or 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 confines of any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:57 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:17-7 Picnicking and Camping

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-7-01 Picnicking permitted; exceptions.

No person shall picnic on any lands or waters within any nature preserve or natural area except in the immediate parking area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:57 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-7-02 Camping prohibited; exceptions.

No person shall camp or stay overnight within any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:57 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:17-9 Motor Vehicles and Horses

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-9-01 Vehicle speed limits.

No person shall operate any vehicle on the roads within any nature preserve or natural area in excess of twenty miles per hour, except when otherwise posted with traffic signs by the department.

It shall be unlawful for any person to commit any act by use or operation of any vehicle on any nature preserve or natural area which if act committed on a public highway or street in the state of Ohio would be prohibited and unlawful.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:57 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-9-02 Vehicles, bicycles required to stay on roads; vehicles prohibited.

No person shall operate a vehicle or bicycle within any nature preserve or natural area except over and upon roads, streets, driveways or parking lots which are designated or posted for such purposes. No person shall drive around any barrier or gate which is across a road or trail nor shall they operate a motor vehicle or bicycle upon such barricaded or closed facility.

The following vehicles will be prohibited from use in any nature preserve or natural area: in line skates, street luges, roller skates and skateboards.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:57 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-9-03 Saddle animals, use limitations.

(A) No person shall ride, drive, lead, or keep a saddle horse or other animal used for locomotion in any nature preserve or natural area except on roads, streets, and driveways provided for motor vehicles.

(B) No horse or other animal shall be hitched to any tree, shrub, or structure in any manner. Exception will be if approved hitching post is provided in parking area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:57 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-9-05 Parking permitted; restrictions.

No person shall park any vehicle on any nature preserve or natural area except within areas designated for such use by the department or its appointed agent from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset unless otherwise posted.

A summons in appropriate form may be attached by a law enforcement officer to an unattended vehicle found in violation of this rule in lieu of arrest of the operator of said vehicle. If at the time the violation is discovered and the identity of the operator is not otherwise apparent, the person in whose name said vehicle is registered shall be held prima facie responsible for said violation.

Whenever a law enforcement officer finds any vehicle stopped, parked or standing in an area prohibited by this rule or unattended upon or within the right of way of any road or where said vehicle clearly obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic or may be hazardous to property or people, said officer may arrange for the removal of said vehicle. Costs and risks of said removal shall be borne by the operator/owner of said vehicle.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:58 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-9-06 Scenic river lands; vehicle use.

(A) It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other vehicle upon a scenic river land except upon roads, driveways, trails, or parking lots designated for such purposes.

(B) It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle, bicycle or other vehicle on any road or driveway within the boundaries of a scenic river land in excess of ten miles per hour, except when otherwise posted.

(C) It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a vehicle, bicycle or motor vehicle on any scenic river land in a manner that, if operated in the same manner on a public highway or street, would be a violation of state law.

(D) It is unlawful to park any vehicle on any scenic river land in any area not specifically designated for that purpose.

(E) Whenever a law enforcement officer finds any vehicle stopped, parked or standing in an area in violation of this rule, unattended upon or within the right of way of any road, trail, or driveway, is positioned where said vehicle clearly obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or may be hazardous to property or people, the officer may arrange for the removal of said vehicle. The operator or owner of any such vehicle is exclusively responsible for and fully liable for any costs and risks of such removal.

(F) The following are not permitted for use upon state scenic river lands:

(1) Inline skates,

(2) Roller skates,

(3) Skateboards,

(4) Street luges, and

(5) Other similar, non-traditional vehicles designed for recreational use.

(G) Emergency services and other government vehicles are not subject to the provisions of this rule while conducting official business.

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 7:39 AM

History

• Effective: October 25, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:17-11 Prohibitions Generally

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-11-01 Disorderly conduct prohibited.

No person shall indulge in any noisy, boisterous, disorderly or indecent conduct; play games of chance, drink alcoholic beverages, or be intoxicated, or do any indecent, lascivious, lewd or improper acts within any state nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:58 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-11-03 Aviation.

Except with written permission from the chief of the division or the chief's authorized agent, which must requested not less than thirty days in advance:

(A) It is unlawful for any person to voluntarily bring, land or alight, operate, take off, or ascend within or from the lands or waters administered by the division in any airplane, flying machine, balloon, glider, parachute, or other aerial apparatus.

(B) It is unlawful for any person to launch, land, alight, or otherwise operate, any unmanned aerial craft, including but not limited to any drone, model aircraft, unmanned aircraft system, or other flying machine capable of achieving flight without carrying a human pilot or operator while in flight in the airspace over or within the boundaries of any state nature preserve or natural area.

(C) It is unlawful to utilize or allow the utilization of any unmanned aerial craft for the purpose of photographing, filming, or otherwise recording public activities, historical or cultural features, natural formations, division owned or operated facilities, or any other aspects of the lands and waters under the management authority of the division.

Utilizing or allowing the utilization of any unmanned aerial craft for the purpose of harassing persons or wildlife within the boundaries of any lands or waters of the division is strictly forbidden.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 6:19 PM

History

• Effective: June 30, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-11-04 Alcoholic beverages prohibited.

No person shall bring into, possess, carry, serve, or drink alcoholic beverages within any nature preserve or natural area.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:58 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-11-05 Special orders posted.

The division shall post in a conspicuous location within the access areas of any state nature preserve or natural area, special instructions, orders, and notices pertaining to the use of the area by the public. Such instructions, orders or notices shall pertain but are not limited to: Special hours of operation, emergency situations or other situations not otherwise covered in the rules. Declaration of posting shall originate with the chief of the division.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:58 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-11-06 Temporary closing of facilities.

(A) No person shall enter upon the confines of any state nature preserve or natural area or facility that has been temporarily closed or evacuated by the chief of the division or his appointed agent if it has been determined to be hazardous for public use due to weather, water, fire, construction or other situation involving public health, safety or welfare.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:58 PM

History

• Effective: September 20, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:17-13 Notice of Hearings

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:17-13-01 Notice of public hearings on rules.

Public notice of hearing to be conducted by the department of natural resources for nature preserves, scenic river lands or natural areas shall be advertised in the register of Ohio at least thirty days, but not more than forty days, prior to the hearing. In addition to public notice given in the register of Ohio, the division may give whatever other notice it reasonably considers necessary to insure notice constructively is given to all persons who are subject to or affected by the proposed rule, amendment or rescission. The notice shall include: a statement of the division's intention to consider adopting, amending, or rescinding a rule; a synopsis of the proposed rule, amendment, or rule to be rescinded or a general statement of the subject matter to which the proposed rule, amenedment, or rescission relates; a statement of the reason or purpose for adopting, amending or rescinding the rule; and the date, time, and place of a hearing on said proposed action. The notice shall also state the place from which copies of the proposed rule, amendment, or rule to be rescinded may be obtained.

Last updated February 17, 2026 at 1:59 PM

History

• Effective: December 15, 2014
• Promulgated Under: 119.03