Learn what’s happening with your Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Pimtown Road Update
by Tom Allen, Conservation Chair, TU Mad River Chapter
In the December newsletter, we shared the restoration plan submitted to the Ohio EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Pimtown Road project. I want to thank Mark Dilley and his team at MAD Scientist Associates, LLC again for developing the design and guiding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit process. This marks the third section of restoration work we have completed at Pimtown, encompassing approximately 280 linear feet of stream. The work includes cabling in large logs and placing cobble to stabilize eroding banks while creating improved runs, pools, and holding water for trout and native aquatic life. We are also planting native trees and vegetation to strengthen and improve the riparian corridor over the long term.
In late December 2025, we received notification that the proposal meets the criteria for Nationwide Permit No. 27. Preparatory work followed quickly. It took three workdays to cut and remove invasive honeysuckle. We are especially grateful to J.R. Smith, the adjoining landowner, who allowed us to remove a portion of his fence to improve site access. Logs and cobble were staged near the work area in anticipation of in-stream construction.
Winter weather has made in-stream work a challenge — as anyone who has spent time on the Mad this season can appreciate. Despite the conditions, the crew has made excellent progress. Thanks to TU volunteers Mike Palatas, Lee Southern, “Red,” Randy Kirchner, Nate Ferris, John Davis, Sam Hanna, and Bo Ward of Ward Excavating and his assistant Bill, nearly two-thirds of the project is complete. To date, more than 26 logs have been secured and approximately 120 tons of cobble have been placed.
If weather conditions cooperate, we expect to complete the project by late spring or early summer.
Beyond Pimtown, additional projects continue to advance through planning and funding stages. Restoration efforts are being developed for Heffelfinger Run and the main stem of the Mad River within West Liberty Park, and Mac-O-Chee Creek on the lower Piatt Castle property. This work takes time, persistence, and partnership. We will keep you updated as progress continues.
Want to lend a hand? We’re always looking for more boots on the ground—and in the water. To get involved with upcoming workdays or trail projects, reach out to Tom Allen at ptallen111@insight.rr.com.
Owens Fen, Photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Articles Needed!! I could use your help with future newsletters. If you’ve been on a fishing trip, or have something else you’d like to share, like a fly recipe, we’d love to hear about it. Write an article and send pictures to me at pamallen@tumadriver.org; it’s that easy 🙂Copyright © 2026 TU Mad River Chapter, All rights reserved.
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Volume 7, Issue 4 March 2026
IN THIS ISSUE:- President’s Message
- Conservation Corner – Pimtown Road Update
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Data Center Proposal Near Cedar Bog
- Disappearing Ohio Wetlands and Prairie Fens
- Clark County Parks Levy Renewal
- Upcoming Events
President’s Message
“Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” – Henry David Thoreau As we stand on the doorstep of another season along the Mad, that quote feels particularly fitting. The last few months have given us a taste of just about everything Ohio can throw at us—cold snaps, rain, wind, and the occasional perfect afternoon that reminds us why we tolerate the rest. Spring always feels like a reset. The river rises, recedes, clears, and begins to find its rhythm again. The fish do the same. Early in the season I tend to remind myself to slow down. High, cold water doesn’t reward impatience. A thoughtful approach, a clean drift, and attention to where trout conserve energy often matter more than constantly changing flies. Sometimes the best adjustment isn’t in your fly box—it’s in your pace. Looking ahead, we have our Annual Meeting scheduled for April 18th, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Van Dyke Club, Springfield, Ohio. Save the date! Our stream restoration and habitat improvement efforts continue, and those opportunities are always open to volunteers. Whether it’s monitoring water quality, assisting with in-stream projects, or simply lending a hand where needed, there is always meaningful work to be done on behalf of the Mad River. I also want to acknowledge that support takes many forms. Many of you faithfully renew your Trout Unlimited membership each year, Thank you! What’s less visible is that only a small portion of those dues returns directly to our local chapter. The on-the-ground restoration, monitoring, and education work on the Mad River relies heavily on local volunteer time and locally raised support. If you’re able, we’d welcome involvement beyond your annual renewal — whether that’s a few hours on a project day, helping with an event, or lending your expertise. The river benefits most when those who enjoy it also help sustain it. I want to thank everyone who continues to show up—on project days, at meetings, and in support of our mission. Protecting and improving coldwater resources is not a one-season effort. It’s steady, ongoing work that depends on dedicated people who care about this river. As you venture out this season, take a moment to appreciate where you are. The Mad River remains one of Ohio’s true coldwater treasures. Fish it thoughtfully. Respect it fully. And if you have the time, consider giving a little back to the water that gives us so much. I hope to see many of you on the river in the coming months. Tight Lines, Steve Moore, PresidentConservation Corner
Take care of the stream and the fishing will take care of itself
Pimtown Road Update
by Tom Allen, Conservation Chair, TU Mad River Chapter
In the December newsletter, we shared the restoration plan submitted to the Ohio EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Pimtown Road project. I want to thank Mark Dilley and his team at MAD Scientist Associates, LLC again for developing the design and guiding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit process. This marks the third section of restoration work we have completed at Pimtown, encompassing approximately 280 linear feet of stream. The work includes cabling in large logs and placing cobble to stabilize eroding banks while creating improved runs, pools, and holding water for trout and native aquatic life. We are also planting native trees and vegetation to strengthen and improve the riparian corridor over the long term.
In late December 2025, we received notification that the proposal meets the criteria for Nationwide Permit No. 27. Preparatory work followed quickly. It took three workdays to cut and remove invasive honeysuckle. We are especially grateful to J.R. Smith, the adjoining landowner, who allowed us to remove a portion of his fence to improve site access. Logs and cobble were staged near the work area in anticipation of in-stream construction.
Winter weather has made in-stream work a challenge — as anyone who has spent time on the Mad this season can appreciate. Despite the conditions, the crew has made excellent progress. Thanks to TU volunteers Mike Palatas, Lee Southern, “Red,” Randy Kirchner, Nate Ferris, John Davis, Sam Hanna, and Bo Ward of Ward Excavating and his assistant Bill, nearly two-thirds of the project is complete. To date, more than 26 logs have been secured and approximately 120 tons of cobble have been placed.
If weather conditions cooperate, we expect to complete the project by late spring or early summer.
Beyond Pimtown, additional projects continue to advance through planning and funding stages. Restoration efforts are being developed for Heffelfinger Run and the main stem of the Mad River within West Liberty Park, and Mac-O-Chee Creek on the lower Piatt Castle property. This work takes time, persistence, and partnership. We will keep you updated as progress continues.
Want to lend a hand? We’re always looking for more boots on the ground—and in the water. To get involved with upcoming workdays or trail projects, reach out to Tom Allen at ptallen111@insight.rr.com.
Glacial History of the Mad River Watershed
by Tom Allen, Conservation Chair, TU Mad River ChapterBecause of the unique glacial history of this area, the Mad River watershed contains an unusually rich network of wetlands, fens, and bogs. These areas play an important ecological role and are closely connected to the quality and quantity of our water resources.
Some places, like Cedar Bog and Owens Fen, are protected, but other important areas remain vulnerable.
In this issue we’re including two articles that touch on these landscapes—one about concerns surrounding a proposed data center near Cedar Bog, and another that looks more broadly at the loss of wetlands and rare fen ecosystems in Southwestern Ohio.
In future newsletters we’ll highlight wetlands, fens, bogs, and nature preserves throughout the Mad River watershed, along with ways people can learn more and get involved.
2026 Water Quality Monitoring
by Tyler Wright, TU Mad River Chapter As we survive the onslaught of snow and ice, and look forward to warmer weather, we are also starting to gear up for the 2026 season of river sampling. Each year we here at TU Mad River, meet along the Mad River, and take macroinvertebrate samples. Our goal with the samples is two-fold, one part education, one part conservation. Monitoring is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to come out and learn about the different bugs and critters that can be found in the river throughout the year. This also gives us a snapshot of the quality of the river, as different bugs thrive in different conditions. Last year we began using the sampling sheets provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which gives us more information on the overall numbers of the different invertebrates we find in our sampling, as well as a rating for each invertebrate for how tolerant they are to pollution. The total for the location gives us an idea of what kind of environment that part of the river is. For more information on the ODNR sampling sheets see Stream Quality Monitoring Program (SQM) | Ohio Department of Natural Resources This year our monitoring dates will be held on the following dates: May 30,2026 July 18,2026 August 22,2026 October 10,2026 Like last year,we will meet at Lions Club ball fields at 8am. After entering the park follow the gravel road on the left towards the river, look for our banners: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rdt6RX2KqQaZk22w9 Monitoring typically lasts until Noon, but volunteers are free to stay as long as they like and leave when needed. Looking forward to seeing everyone this year; if you have any questions please reach out. Tyler Wright Stream Monitoring Lead twright@tumadriver.orgData Center Proposal Near Cedar Bog & TUMR Comments to Ohio EPA
The Trout Unlimited Mad River Chapter (TUMR) is monitoring a proposed data center development approximately two miles northeast of Cedar Bog Nature Preserve. Cedar Bog and the Mad River share a defining feature: both are sustained by cold, consistent groundwater. That groundwater is what allows the Mad River to remain one of Ohio’s few trout-supporting streams, and it is essential to Cedar Bog’s rare plant and aquatic communities. Projects of this scale raise important considerations, including water withdrawals, cooling water discharges, thermal impacts, stormwater management, infrastructure expansion, and long-term watershed effects. Development near sensitive groundwater-fed systems calls for careful scientific review and transparency. On March 3rd Urbana City Council approved a 12-month moratorium on the development of new, large-scale data centers (over 10,000 square feet) within city limits which includes the one proposed near Cedar Bog Nature Preserve. We will continue monitoring the situation. We recently submitted formal comments to the Ohio EPA about its draft general permit for cooling water discharges. Because industrial cooling systems — including those used by large data centers — can influence receiving waters through temperature and discharge volume, we encouraged strong monitoring standards and safeguards to protect Ohio’s coldwater resources. You can read our chapter’s full comments here: ➡️ https://tumadriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TUMRDataCenterComments.pdf Our Chapter supports responsible economic development. We also believe long-term groundwater and coldwater protection must remain central to permitting decisions that affect our watershed. How Members Can Stay Engaged- Stay informed as additional details become available
- Attend public meetings if interested
- Review publicly available permit documents
- Support TUMR’s ongoing conservation and policy efforts
Owens Fen, Photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio’s Disappearing Wetlands and the Importance of Prairie Fens
by Michelle Comer, West Regional Preserve Manager and Noah Ganson, Volunteer Naturalist, ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Wetlands provide numerous ecological services as well as a refugia for rare species, particularly threatened and endangered species. These ecosystems are critical for life that depends on these very specific conditions to thrive. In Ohio more than 90% of Ohio’s wetlands have disappeared in the past 200 years. From the 1780’s to the 1980’s wetlands in this state have decreased from 5,000,000 acres to a mere 480,000 acres. Drainage for agriculture, roadways and development are the primary causes of this loss. Ohio’s original wetlands covered large areas but most of what remains are small and precious remnants. One of these formerly large areas lies south of Bellefontaine. In Ohio’s original vegetation cover map, recently created by Dave Nolin, one can see the Mac-O-Chee valley from the Mad River upstream a few miles were home to prairie and oak woodlands which were more open than forests you see now. Large trees with a diverse understory of grasses and forbs could be found. To the west of West Liberty is a prairie fen remnant, Owens Fen State Nature Preserve, named in honor of David B. Owens, a naturalist and volunteer for ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. His generous gift enabled the purchase of critical portions of this preserve formerly known as Liberty Fen. This preserve is small at 18.5 acres but is an outstanding example of a prairie fen and home to at least 25 rare species including the state endangered prairie valerian. Fens are alkaline wetlands that occur in the glaciated portions of Ohio. This water, which is the lifeblood of these habitats, originates from artesian springs which are in close proximity to calcareous gravel deposited in the form of glacial features such as end moraines, and eskers. The artesian spring water emerging from the ground is cold, oxygen deficient and moderately hard (typically with a pH of 8). When this ground water reaches the surface bicarbonates of calcium, magnesium and sometimes sulfates precipitate out to form a lime-rich substrate called marl. The most common species surrounding these marl zones are sedges which form dense mats due to lack of decomposition. The prairie component of these ecosystems occurs due to the tall grass prairie that merged eastward into Ohio during the Xerothermic period and Atlantic Coastal species that traveled westward along glacial margins. In addition to naturally occurring fire and intentional fire set by Native Americans these conditions have persisted for prairie fen plants to thrive and have prevented woody vegetation from succeeding. Changes in climate as well as non-native, invasive species have been a gamechanger for this fen vegetation. Land managers are faced with a constant battle of ecological management to prevent shading of fen plants and invasion of invasive species in these rich and diverse ecosystems.
Clark County TU Members — Parks Levy Renewal
As a chapter, we support the conservation value of protected parkland and river corridors and we partner with the Clark County Park District on projects such as Riley RiverPlay Reserve. The Park District maintenance levy — which provides 75% of the funding to maintain more than 2,100 acres of parks, 13 miles of river corridors (including portions of the Mad River and other local streams), and over 30 miles of trails — will appear on the May 5 ballot as a renewal. The County Auditor estimates the cost at $21 per year for a $100,000 home. As a nonprofit focused on conservation and access, we believe healthy parks and waterways benefit our members and the community. We encourage members to stay informed and let your friends and family from Clark County know about the renewal and participate in the upcoming vote. UPCOMING EVENTS
Articles Needed!! I could use your help with future newsletters. If you’ve been on a fishing trip, or have something else you’d like to share, like a fly recipe, we’d love to hear about it. Write an article and send pictures to me at pamallen@tumadriver.org; it’s that easy 🙂Copyright © 2026 TU Mad River Chapter, All rights reserved.
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