Program Resources

Ohio's Drainage Laws

Extension Program Resources-Community Development 1996

I. Title of Program or Issue:	Ohio's Drainage Laws
A. Situational Statement:	There are seven primary mechanisms by which Ohio citizens can address drain age problems. However, most Ohioans are not knowledgeable in how to even initiate an activity to correct the problems. Most also do not have any under standing of their legal rights as landowners to pursue any of the seven alternatives and which ones might be applicable to their situation. Specific topics that can be summarized: Seven Alternatives and Historical Perspective Ohio Drainage Improvement Petition Procedure Urban and Rural Drainage Court Cases Wetland Conservation and Agricultural Drainage
B. Description/Educational Objectives:	This program provides an overview of Ohio's drainage laws,background to the present laws, cases that have prominent statue in Ohio courts, and summary of the legal rights of landowners who want to resolve drainage disputes. The primary objective of the program is to help the client better understand the seven alternatives, and which alternative may be applicable to certain situations. A question and answer session should be incorporated.
C. Suggested Time Required for Program; Time of Year:	These topics can be tailored to various audiences and time frames: Seven Alternatives and Historical Perspective - 15-20 minutes Ohio Drainage Improvement Petition Procedure - 30 minutes Urban and Rural Drainage Court Cases - 10-15 minutes Wetland Conservation and Agricultural Drainage - 30-45 minutes Questions and Answers; Perspective on Personal Experiences - 10-15 min. Anytime, but try for winter or spring
D. Audience and Level of Offering:	Audience and Level: This program, or modification thereof, can be offered at any of several levels (county, multi-county, district, state) for audiences with at least an eighth-grade reading level.
E. Teaching Methods, Resources, Costs:	Verbal, informal presentations supported by slides and overheads. Some handout materials provided. Each student may purchase a copy of Ohio Drainage Laws - An Over view, OSU Extension Bulletin 822 for $1.50. This bulletin is recommend ed and should be made available by the Extension office sponsoring the meeting.
F. Contact Person(s), Location:	Dr. Larry C. Brown Dept. of Food, Agriculture and Biological Engineering 590 Woody Hayes Dr. Columbus, OH 43210 Phone: 614-292-3826