Local nonprofit backs bold plan to revive Ohio River, boost economy

A sweeping new plan to restore the Ohio River and revitalize the communities along its banks launched this week, with a Cincinnati-based nonprofit helping drive the effort.

Ohio River Way, which promotes environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation and economic opportunity along the river corridor, collaborated with national partners to create the “Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities, Healthy Economies” report. The plan outlines strategies to improve water quality, protect wildlife, reduce flooding and strengthen local economies through recreation and job growth.

Researchers on the Ohio River Way’s RESTORE Lab – Ella Swigler with Jefferson Memorial Forest and Stephen Balko with Marshall University – testing water quality in the Ohio River. (Photo by John Nation.)

“The health of our communities is deeply connected to the health of the Ohio River,” said Forest Clevenger, executive director of Ohio River Way. “For too long, the Ohio River has been perceived and accepted as a polluted waterway. Now is the time to safeguard its beauty – and our drinking water – for future generations.”

Canoes, communities and a cleaner future

The Ohio River Basin Alliance, National Wildlife Federation and University of Louisville-based Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute released the plan and opened public comments, which will remain open through July 6 at 6 p.m. The group will consider feedback for integration into the final report.

Ohio River Way shaped key elements of the plan focused on building recreation-based economies. The group doesn’t just advocate from afar – it connects directly with river communities. Earlier this spring, the organization launched its RESTORE Laboratory initiative with a 12-day, 300-mile inspection tour.

Volunteers traveled in canoes and a houseboat to test water quality, assess biodiversity and meet with residents to learn about their conservation and access priorities.

*Citizen scientists with the Ohio River Way’s RESTORE Lab completing a biodiversity assessment. (Photo by John Nation.*)

“This report highlights the significance of the Ohio River Basin to our region’s economy and quality of life,” said Chris Lorentz, Ph.D., chair of the Ohio River Basin Alliance and professor of biological sciences at Thomas More University. “It provides a blueprint to restore our waterways, invest in community-driven solutions, and bring national attention to the challenges and opportunities of the region.”

Supporters want to secure federal backing similar to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In December, U.S. Reps. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., and Erin Houchin, R-Ind., introduced bipartisan legislation to launch the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program.

Ohio River Way plans to keep building momentum by combining policy advocacy with hands-on, on-the-water engagement – helping lead the Ohio River into a new era, one community at a time.

View the report