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May
6
Written by:
news editor
5/6/2010 1:00 AM
4/06/10 The ODNR, Division of Forestry invites stakeholders to help identify unique, high conservation value sites on State Forest lands.
Ohio Division of Forestry holds Open House in Athens on June 2
Stakeholders invited to help identify unique, high conservation value sites on State Forest lands
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry invites stakeholders to attend a special open house in southeastern Ohio, to participate in an assessment process to determine the presence of locations on state forests that are unique and have exceptionally high conservation values.
The open house will take place on June 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Division of Forestry’s office located at 360 E. State Street in Athens.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in their state forests to come learn about this process, and to participate in this opportunity to identify unique and special natural areas on state forest lands,” said David Lytle, state forester and chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “We are committed to ensuring proper identification and maintenance of forest areas with exceptionally high conservation value.”
High conservation forest areas are defined as having significant concentrations of biodiversity values including rare, threatened and/or endangered species; having significant concentrations of rare, threatened and/or endangered ecosystems; or contain viable populations of most naturally occurring species and exist in a naturally occurring pattern.
The Division of Forestry will also be soliciting input from stakeholders on the management strategies for these unique areas of state forests. The process is part of the division’s efforts to obtain third party certification of Ohio’s state forests.
Additionally, the division will also be soliciting comment on elements of state forest management plans. Stakeholders will have a second opportunity to comment on individual state forest management plans at open houses which will be scheduled later this summer.
The Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For further information, contact:
Andy Ware, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 265. 1089
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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