The rewrite of an intergovernmental agreement meant to protect the environmentally valued Big Darby Creek is a high-stakes moment for Central Ohio, with the Ohio State Sierra Club and state conservation groups pushing for stronger protections while Columbus faces continued pressure to build more homes and businesses.
Located just west of Columbus, Big Darby Creek is one of the most biologically diverse freshwater systems of its size in the Midwest and supports nearly 40 federal- and state-listed threatened and endangered aquatic species, which include fish and mussels, according to the Protect the Darby website.
Doug Babcock, managing director of water policy for the Ohio Environmental Council, said the Darby is the last pristine gem among Franklin County’s major rivers…