COLUMBUS, OH – Eighteen Ohio school districts and their corresponding counties and townships will share $1,238,864 thanks to the sale of timber in Ohio’s state forests, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry.

Through the division’s “Trees to Textbooks” program, a percentage of the revenue generated from state forest management activity goes to the county, township, and school district in which the activity took place.

With the passage of Governor John Kasich’s budget, the Division of Forestry is implementing a gradual increase in its sustainable timber harvest program. As a result, schools and local governments will realize a greater benefit in the future from these timber sales. At the same time, these projects create a diverse landscape for wildlife, provide university research opportunities, and promote healthier forests.

The Division of Forestry is responsible for managing more than 200,000 acres of state forests. State forestry experts manage these woodlands for overall health and diversity, soil and water conservation, improved wildlife habitat, and a variety of recreational opportunities. Selected trees or areas of woodland are harvested through a competitive bid process that includes requirements for sound management practices. All work is conducted by certified master loggers under strict monitoring.

Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit the Division of Forestry’s web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.

The ODNR 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 more information, contact:
Drew Todd, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 265. 6707
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6842