ODNR Division of Wildlife acquires 492 additional acres at Woodland Trails

A recent acquisition by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has added 492 acres to Woodland Trails Wildlife Area in southern Preble County.

The total size of Woodland Trail now expands to 1,684 acres.

“Adding this space to Woodland Trails Wildlife Area secures the conservation of this public land for current and future generations to enjoy,” ODNR Division of Wildlife chief Kendra Wecker said in an April 21 news release. “The Division of Wildlife invites hunters, birders, and all who enjoy wildlife to visit Woodland Trails and experience this excellent natural resource.”

Woodland Trails Wildlife Area is in southern Preble County, northwest of Camden and within an hour drive from the Cincinnati and Dayton metropolitan areas. The new parcel connects two earlier purchases that were separated by private land.

Woodland Trails Wildlife Area was purchased over time from the Boy Scouts of America.

The new wildlife area is home to abundant white-tailed deer, wild turkey, eastern cottontail, and squirrels on mostly forested land and some open lands, according to the release. The newest parcel and a 477-acre tract acquired last year will be open to hunting this fall through controlled access opportunities, the release said. The original 716-acre tract will remain open to all public hunting.

Acquisition costs for the property came from hunting license funds paid by sportsmen and sportswomen and will be fully reimbursed from federal excise taxes paid by hunters on their purchases of hunting equipment, the release said. The Division of Wildlife uses these funds to acquire and manage habitat that benefits wildlife and wildlife recreation.