Forestry open houses detailing annual work goals for division

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. The open house events will take place Tuesday, Sept. 2 through Thursday, Sept. 4.

“The Division of Forestry’s decades-long mission is to promote and apply management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public forest lands,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “Open houses are an important resource in building foundational relationships and conversations that continue to promote sustainable forest management for future generations of Ohioans.”

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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 house events 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.

Open houses will occur on the dates and times below. Comments will be accepted until Sunday, Oct. 5, to be considered for the final work plan:

Athens District Headquarters

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

360 E. State St., Athens

For more information, call 740-272-8519

Chillicothe District Headquarters

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

345 Allen Ave., Chillicothe

For more information, call 740-774-1596

Northern District, Findlay Headquarters

Thursday, Sept. 4, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

952 Lima Ave., Findlay, OH 45840

For more information, call 419-424-5004

Open house information and the 2025-2026 draft Annual Work Plan for State Forests are posted on the Division of Forestry’s State Forest Plans web page.

Public comments can be submitted electronically here.

For specific questions, contact the local forest manager or email the Division of Forestry.