ODNR Division of Forestry State Forests & Recreation

 

Additional Resources:

Wayne National Forest

Our mission is to promote and apply management for the sustainable use of Ohio's private and public forest lands.


Program Administrator:
Nate Kirk
614-265-6694


Division of Forestry
2045 Morse Rd.
Building H1.
Columbus, OH 43229

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FIREWOOD ALERT! ODNR and the Department of Agriculture are trying to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer which is an insect that kills ash trees.

Extensively found in Michigan and in parts of Indiana and Ohio, the movement of firewood from Michigan into Ohio and out of quarantined counties in Indiana and Ohio has been banned.

Campers warned not to risk fines if caught bringing firewood from these quarantined zones.


State Forest Planning Documents for Fiscal Year 2009 - These documents, that outline important activities such as timber harvests, prescribed burning, recreational trail activities, and other activities scheduled for the next 12 months on State Forests managed by the ODNR - Division of Forestry, were shared and discussed at annual statewide open houses.  Should you have any questions regarding this information, please contact us

Athens Open House (pdf)
Chillicothe Open House (pdf)
Maumee Open House (pdf)
New Philadelphia Open House (pdf)
Shawnee Open House (pdf)  

 

AUDIO: ATVs and APVs

AUDIO: Ohio's Best Fall Color Trees

VIDEO and MORE AUDIO

State Forests and Recreation

Ohio operates 20 state forests, covering more than 185,000 acres in 21 counties, mostly in Ohio’s unglaciated southeastern region.

The forests are open to visitors daily between 6:00 a.m. and 11 p.m., except Hocking State Forest which closes at dark. Campers, hunters, and those with special permits are allowed in authorized areas after hours.

Backpack Trails
Two backpack trails available. The 60-mile Shawnee State Forest backpack trail crosses rugged terrain requiring moderate skill and endurance. The 23-mile Zaleski State Forest backpack trail provides a shorter and less strenuous hike.

Self-registration permits (no fee) available at each respective trailhead. Groups restricted to a maximum of ten persons and reservations are not required or accepted. Latrines and water (weather permitting) provided at various locations indicated on trail maps.


Featured News
  • Trees to Textbooks - Nearly $2 million to schools and communities
  • Students Today for Environmental Protection - Approximately 5,000 schoolchildren played a key part in reforesting Perry State Forest. READ MORE>
  • Mohican-Memorial Five-Year Plan
    This plan is largely an outgrowth of the efforts and work of the Mohican-Memorial State Forest Ad Hoc Advisory Council. The Council was formed by the Chief of the Division of Forestry to make recommendations on the current and future management of the forest. READ MORE>(pdf download)

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