Ohio DNR Forestry open houses will give insight into future planning

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Forestry invites the public to attend in-person open houses to learn more about the annual work plan for state forests. All three open houses will take place Aug. 31 through Sept. 3.

“Our state forests provide life-sustaining benefits to all Ohioans, and we value the opportunity to hear directly from the public,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “These open houses are a chance for people to learn about planned management activities, talk with forestry professionals, and provide feedback that helps shape the future of Ohio’s state forests.”

The Division of Forestry’s managers and foresters develop an annual work plan to guide specific management activities for 24 state forests in Ohio. This work plan encompasses more than 200,000 acres combined. The open houses provide opportunities for the public to ask questions and comment on Ohio’s plans for sustainable forestry, which include recreation, aesthetic value, treating invasive species, prescribed burning, and timber cruising and harvesting.

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The Division of Forestry’s 2026 open houses are scheduled as follows:

Southeastern District, Athens Headquarters:

Monday, Aug. 31, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 360 East State Street, Athens. For information, call 740-272-8519.

Southern District, Chillicothe Headquarters:

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 345 Allen Avenue, Chillicothe. For more information, call 740-774-1596.

Northern District, Findlay Headquarters:

Thursday, Sept. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 952 Lima Ave., Findlay. For more information, call 419-424-5004

Open house information and the 2026-27 draft annual work plan for state forests are posted on the Division of Forestry’s State Forest Plans web page.

If you would like to submit written comments, please send an email with your name to: D-NR-stateforestworkplancomments@dnr.ohio.gov.

Comments will be accepted through Oct. 5, at which time they will be considered as the plans are finalized.