Well, here it is.  I finally got a response and its a no go.  I do, however, think I am going to politely reply.  The issue though, that none of us will be able to get past is that the land in which Clifton Gorge is cradled is off limits.  Although some may be able to navigate this stretch of river without portaging, most recreational paddlers certainly could not.  This is a problem when youre not allowed to stand on the land that the banks are composed of.

I would encourage other Ohio boaters (and those outside of Ohio as well, but Ohioans especially) to provide me with feedback and thoughts for my reply.

Thanks!

HB



Dear HRDBTR:
Thank you for your email requesting information about Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve and Little Miami National and State Scenic River.

In your email, it appears as if you would like to film kayakers traveling through "The Narrows" within the state nature preserve.  This area has been closed to boating by Special Notice issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.  This notice was issued under Ohio Administrative Code 1501:17-11-05 prior to 1982 by Richard Moseley, Division Chief, and was prepared due to the extreme danger of travel through this area.  (A copy of this noticed is posted at the state nature preserve.)  In addition, state nature preserve regulations require that visitors to Clifton Gorge remain on the designated trails at all times. This rule would prohibit any portaging around "The Narrows" and "The Falls of the Little Miami" or stationing people on the bank.  During normal water conditions, it would be nearly impossible to travel this area, and during flood conditions, the danger of the area increases.  

We respect your credentials but the Division cannot issue a permit for kayaking in the gorge.  Clifton Gorge is visited by over 500,000 people annually.  The rules that we enforce are designated to protect the resource and the visitor.  The Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is charged with protecting remnants of Ohio's natural landscape.  Our mission is first and foremost protection.  Even though we have hiking trails and interpretive facilities,  the division is not recreation oriented.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Nancy
Nancy Strayer, Acting Chief
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Natural Areas & Preserves
1889 Fountain Square Court
Columbus, OH 43224-1388
(614) 265-6466
(615) 267-3096 (fax)