Land preserved in perpetuity through conservation collaboration.
(Coshocton County, OH) — December 17, 2024 — In multiple stages over five years, Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) have forever protected over 3,990 acres in Coshocton County. The land is now owned by MWCD. Starting with the 1,827-acre Coshocton Forest acquisition in January 2020, these efforts continued with acquiring the 933-acre Coshocton Forest Extension in December 2021 and the 609-acre Turkey Ridge Preserve in November 2023. Most recently, the 622-acre Turkey Creek Preserve acquisition was finalized in August 2024.
Located in the Muskingum River Watershed, the conserved properties span a reclaimed coal mining area and boast successional hardwood forests, old field habitat, almost 400 acres of sprawling ponds and high-quality wetlands, and over 50,000 linear feet of streams. More than 450 plant and animal species call the properties home, including several rare and state-listed species. An Ohio endangered moss and two Ohio endangered bat species have been documented as well.
In addition to preserving these natural spaces, these projects also conserved a significant portion of publicly accessible recreation land. MWCD will manage these properties in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which owns two large preserves within seven miles of the property, including the 14,615-acre Woodbury Wildlife Area and the 844-acre SIMCO Wildlife Area. Hiking, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and other passive outdoor recreation activities will be allowed on the property.
Previously, the land was owned by Ohio Franklin Realty, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP). After mining activity ended in the mid-1900s, ODNR managed much of the area for public access as a component of the AEP public ReCreation Land. The conserved area contributes to an approximately 9,600-acre corridor of protected land owned by MWCD in Coshocton County. Applications for additional funding are underway for Phase V of the project, which will help connect the corridor to SIMCO Wildlife Area.
Together, the Land Conservancy and MWCD submitted four successful funding applications to the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund through the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC). As a result, $10.4 million was awarded for the acquisition of these properties, which are permanently protected by Clean Ohio deed restrictions.
“MWCD is proud to partner with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and other organizations to protect these vital natural areas,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “We are dedicated to keeping the lands open for public use while also planning to enhance areas to improve recreational experiences. This collaboration ensures these spaces serve both the environment and the community for generations to come.”
“Conservation at this scale doesn’t happen without partnership,” said Hannah Kelling, southwest field director at the Land Conservancy. “Of course, conservation at its core is about human beings partnering with the natural world — recognizing our place in it, our responsibility to it, and our relationships within it. In this case, we have accomplished the conservation of thousands of acres together with MWCD and OPWC because they, too, have embodied this vision from the beginning and have devoted their resources to it. With their help, we are confident that these acres will provide a refuge for both humans and wildlife for decades to come.”
About Western Reserve Land Conservancy:
The nationally accredited Western Reserve Land Conservancy — the largest local land trust in Ohio — provides people throughout Ohio with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. To date, the Land Conservancy has permanently preserved 75,000 acres at more than 930 properties; helped create and expand 220 public parks and preserves; led the efforts to create 69 county land banks across Ohio; and planted and distributed more than 16,000 robust trees in Cleveland. For more information, visit wrlandconservancy.org.
About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District:
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $8 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy, garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD, and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
