Cleaning up our streams…

The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD) in partnership with the Jefferson County Commissioners and JB Green Team officially opens the application period for the Stream Debris Removal Program. This program initially was introduced to the county in 2022 to assist land owners with the removal of debris build up in local creeks and streams, in an effort to reduce flooding and reduce stream bank erosion. The program was the first of its kind for Jefferson County, and after a successful run with first round applicants, the JSWCD has been working to broaden the scope of the program to fund additional sites.

Why this program was created…

The topography of Jefferson County, in combination with its short distance to the Ohio River, results in many small streams and creeks that flow through heavily wooded areas. These small waterways often become littered with various forms of organic and manmade debris that can pose a significant threat when a large rain event occurs. Landowners, both private and public, are all too familiar with the damaging power of water in the spring and summer months. In Ohio, while the water is the property of the state, the land beneath it and the materials resting on the land are the responsibility of the landowner. According to past census data for Jefferson County, land along these waterways are often owned by low-tomoderate income households, who often do not have the resources to remove these hazards. In an effort to aid in the removal of debris buildup, the JSWCD developed and launched the stream debris removal program. Thanks to the generous help of the Jefferson County Commissioners, as well as the JB Green Team, the program will allow land owners to apply and have their property assessed for debris removal, if debris meets certain qualifications. The only expense to the property owner would be a $150 fee to cover the court recording cost of a 5-year conservation easement of the riparian zone that was effected by the debris. This easement would ensure the stream bank could achieve proper vegetative growth to prevent further erosion from occurring.

Who should apply?

Persons or organizations who own property within Jefferson County, Ohio, and have a concern regarding downed trees or various other types of unearthed debris in their waterway should apply. There is no cost to complete an application – only sites that are awarded funding will be required to pay the $150 fee. Applications can be obtained online at our website, or in person at the office – 500 Market St, Suite #4, Steubenville, Ohio 43952. There is no deadline to apply, and projects are scored based on site assessment.