A Land Stewardship Agreement with the Watershed Management Section is required before applying for a private boat dock or stake permit on city-owned land adjacent to a homeowner's property near a city-owned reservoir. These reservoirs provide a drinking water supply for thousands of customers and activities on the banks of the reservoirs can have an impact on water quality, which drives the need for such a program.

After the agreement is secured, the private boat dock or stake application process can begin with the Recreation and Parks Department.

There are the four steps required to secure a Land Stewardship Agreement:

1. Contact the Watershed Management Section at (614) 645-1287 and request a Land Stewardship Program information packet which will include the following:
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   • A stewardship plan information data sheet
   • An instruction sheet
   • Guidelines for submitting a stewardship plan proposal
   • Copies of the Third-Party Agreement and Exhibit A
   • An aerial photograph of your potential stewardship area
   • Two copies of the Land Stewardship Agreement
   • A copy of the approved native plant list for your particular reservoir
   
   Schedule a site visit with the Land Stewardship Manager to review your potential stewardship area and to identify any encroachments or violations of applicable regulations that must be resolved prior to approval of your Land Stewardship Agreement and Plan.
   
   
2. Resolve any outstanding encroachments or violations of applicable regulations as identified by the Watershed Management Section.
   
   
3. Return both signed copies of the Land Stewardship Agreement and your Stewardship Plan proposal to the Watershed Management Section. A copy of your Land Stewardship Agreement and Plan will be signed and returned to you if approved. Any required amendments to your proposed Stewardship Plan will be discussed with you by the Watershed Management Section prior to approval of your final agreement and plan.
   
   
4. Upon receipt of your approved Land Stewardship Agreement and Plan from the Watershed Management Section you may request a private boat dock, stake, or mooring permit application from the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department at (614) 645-3337.

For the boat permit application process, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 645-3337.

More detailed information on the Land Stewardship Plan Program includes:

• Details regarding the benefits to the public parkland, native vegetation, reforestation, wildlife considerations, river bank vegetation and related soil erosion concerns
• Instructions on how to request an agreement
• A description of the various forms required
• Exhibit A
• Third Party Agreement
• License Agreement