The Update | Little Beaver Creek Gets Nature Preserve Status; BeerFest Sets Dates

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A segment of Little Beaver Creek in Columbiana County has been designated as an Ohio state nature preserve.

The new preserve protects nearly a mile of the scenic river, including a tributary with a series of waterfalls and groundwater springs. The preserve will protect the area’s habitat, including several salamander species.

Ohio now has 147 state nature preserves, according to Mary Mertz, director of the state natural resources department.

State botanists recently discovered the potentially threatened running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) growth at the preserve site. This sighting is the northernmost population ever recorded in Ohio, according to a press release.

“Not only does Little Beaver Creek State Nature Preserve protect rare species, but it provides long-term protection for one of Ohio’s highest quality streams,” said Jeff Johnson, ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves chief. “Keeping stream corridors deeply wooded and limiting habitat damage from development is key to also protecting sensitive aquatic species.”

The most recent acquisition brings the total amount of protected land along Little Beaver Creek, including Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve, scenic river lands and conservation easements, to more than 3,300 acres.

Currently, access to Ohio’s 147th state nature preserve is limited, but it can be reached from the Grimm’s Bridge Road pull-off or by paddlers who can float the Little Beaver Creek and leave their paddle craft on the western bank. Hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife observation and photography are all permitted activities.

Columbiana Craft BeerFest Sets Dates

COLUMBIANA, Ohio – This year’s Columbiana Craft BeerFest will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at TownCenter at Firestone Farms. 

Now in its fourth year, Columbiana Craft BeerFest will feature samples from more than 10 area breweries, live music, food trucks and vendors.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate and include 10 tasting tickets and a 13-ounce tasting glass. 

State Again Offering Tax Credits to Filmmakers

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state development department is once again offering incentives through its motion picture tax credit program.

The program provides a refundable tax credit of 30 percent on cast and crew wages plus other eligible in-state spending for feature-length films, documentaries, pre-Broadway productions, miniseries, video games and music videos.

More than $33.4 million in funding is available. Applications are accepted online until 4 p.m. June 1, and projects will be awarded on or before July 31. Applications are now available on the program website.

The Department of Development reviews applications and makes awards during two funding rounds each year. The program provides $50 million annually, evenly divided between the two rounds, plus any rollover amounts from the preceding period and any recaptured funds from previous productions.

Annually, $5 million is withheld from the full amount specifically for Broadway and theatrical productions. Projects are awarded first to television series or miniseries, then to all others, based on the extent of positive economic impact in Ohio and the effect on developing a permanent workforce in the state’s motion picture or theatrical production industries.

Vehicle Workshop for Kids with Special Needs

CANFIELD, Ohio – The ninth annual Go Baby Go Workshop will take place Saturday, April 20, at the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center, 7300 N. Palmyra Road.

Since its inception, the Go Baby Go Workshop has completed 154 vehicles specially designed for children with special needs.

The event is made possible through the support of MCCTC and The Magic of Michael Foundation.

The workshop will begin Friday night, when volunteers will assemble the custom vehicles that will bring joy and mobility to children. Families can arrive Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m., to pick up their vehicles. The workshop will conclude by 11:30 a.m.

Pictured at top: The view of Little Beaver Creek in Columbiana County from Grimm’s Bridge.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.