Who owns the beds of Ohio streams and rivers?

In the context of Ohio's waterways, the beds of streams and rivers are typically owned by the adjacent landowners, especially when it comes to non-navigable streams. This reflects a common principle in property law known as riparian rights, which grants landowners ownership rights to the land that extends to the midpoint of the waterway, depending on the specific regulations and definitions of navigability.

In Ohio, if a stream or river is deemed navigable, the state retains ownership of the stream bed and grants the public a right of passage. However, for non-navigable bodies of water, landowners possess rights to the land under the water. This distinction is crucial because it affects how property laws are applied regarding access, use, and development of waterfront properties.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal ownership structure in Ohio. The state may govern and regulate waterways but does not own the beds of all streams and rivers outright, nor do the federal government or local municipalities hold ownership over stream beds. Understanding the nuances of riparian rights is essential for comprehending land use and property laws related to water bodies in Ohio.