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East Liverpool, Ohio - A large parcel of partly forested land along the Little Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River will be protected for future generations through a recent purchase by The Nature Conservancy, the Columbiana County Park District and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

The 460-acre property protects about a mile stretch of the Little Beaver Creek’s West Fork and will become a public park owned and managed by the Columbiana County Park District. The new park is nearly adjacent to a remote section of Beaver Creek State Park near East Liverpool, Ohio.

The Nature Conservancy spearheaded the project and contributed about half of the $874,000 needed by using a bequest from William and Margaret Baker of Salem, Ohio. “We’re thrilled that we could find such an exceptional project on which to spend the Bakers’ gracious bequest,” said Terry Seidel, Ohio director of protection for the Conservancy. “This is a beautiful stretch of land along a biologically important river, and it is a very fitting tribute to their memory.”

The land will become the second park in the Columbiana Park District’s portfolio, said Dottie Betz, chairman of the park district’s board.

“The park district is very happy and pleased with this project,” Betz said. “We couldn’t have done this without The Nature Conservancy.” The park district plans to create a parking area and picnic spot. Hiking is available on former logging roads.

The Conservancy’s donation matched a grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund obtained by the Park District. The land will be further protected by a conservation easement placed on part of the property by ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

“Conservation easements are an excellent tool to preserve the integrity of Ohio’s scenic river system by protecting critical riparian corridor and high quality aquatic habitat,” said Chief Steven D. Maurer, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “The division is excited that the floodplain and adjacent lands along the West Fork will be protected while still offering recreational opportunities.”

Little Beaver Creek in Columbiana County was the first river in Ohio to be designated a Wild and Scenic river by the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1974. It is one of only three rivers in Ohio which also have been included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.

The valley of Little Beaver Creek is characterized by steep walls, high rock cliffs and numerous gentle rapids. The trees and plants include several unusual species more commonly found in cooler, more northern climates, such as Canada yew, yellow and black birch, hemlock and mountain maple. In spring, the stream banks are lined with delicate wildflowers including hepatica, violets and spring beauties.

The West Fork is believed to be one of the last strongholds for the Eastern Hellbender, the largest salamander in North America and a species in serious decline. Once common throughout the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River valley, this two-foot amphibian now is found in relatively few streams, mainly those that have been isolated from development and urbanization.