News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2003

THREE NEW STATE NATURE PRESERVES ESTABLISHED TO PROTECT MORE THAN 65 ACRES OF OHIO'S IMPORTANT NATIVE HABITAT
Ohio's network of state nature preserves now numbers 126

COLUMBUS, OH -- Two unusual natural areas in Hocking County and a Geauga County coldwater stream filled with native brook trout have been designated as state nature preserves, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Twenty acres of naturally developing tributary swamp on Durbin Run in Hocking County are now under the protection of ODNR, thanks to a gift from Dr. Francis and Mrs. Joyce Kessler. The new Kessler Swamp State Nature Preserve is located on Hide-Away Hills Road, adjacent to the Hide-Away Hills community.

A variety of wetland-dwelling plants thrive in the swamp, including buttonbush and bur-marigold. A healthy population of beaver also calls the swamp home. During the spring and fall migration period, the preserve offers excellent waterfowl viewing.

While the interior is not accessible to foot traffic, it does have a small vehicle pull-off area and an observation deck, where visitors can view wildlife in an undisturbed setting. The preserve is open daily to the public year round.

The 14-acre Saltpetre Cave complex in Hocking County was purchased with $137,000 in state income tax checkoff funds. Located off Big Pine Road, east of Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, the caves are a series of Black Hand sandstone recesses typical of the Hocking Hills region.

One cave, featuring a natural arch at the 100-foot opening, is approximately 124 feet deep with an 8-foot high ceiling that permits easy access for about the first 75 feet. A second cave is 143 feet deep and 125 feet wide at the opening - again with an 8-foot high ceiling toward the entrance.

Beaver and other wildlife abound among the hemlock, birch and tulip trees which grow on the slope below the caves. Saltpetre Caves State Nature Preserve is open to the public by permit only. Permits can be obtained by calling the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves at 614-265-6453.

Efforts to protect Ohio's last population of native brook trout led ODNR to dedicate more than 31 acres along the Spring Brook in Geauga County as a state nature preserve. The Geauga County Park District owns and manages the land, which is located just off Wilson Mills Road in Munson Township.

Spring Brook Sanctuary State Nature Preserve lies in a mature birch-maple forest that includes several potentially endangered butternut trees. A rock outcropping acts as a stream filter and enhances the aesthetics of the area.

Public access to the preserve requires a permit from the Geauga County Park District at 440-285-2222.

The addition of Spring Brook Sanctuary, Saltpetre Caves and Kessler Swamp brings the number of state nature preserves to 126, encompassing more than 27,000 acres. The ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves administers this system of diverse and special habitats for the benefit of present and future Ohioans.