2010

The Year In Review

1 9 3 5 - 2 010
On November 12, 2010, the Wayne National Forest

(WNF) celebrated its 75th anniversary! This special day

commemorates the date of the aquisition of the first parcel of national

forest land in Ohio. Several Forest

employees performed community

service at a local food bank, a hospice facility, and an emergency services warehouse. This year we have

set aside a public event for Thursday,

May 12, to honor our partners and

retirees with an open house. 

Also In 2010, the American

Recovery & Reinvestment Act of

2009 gave the Forest the opportunity

to literally double its efforts to protect ecosystems across boundaries. 

Fourteen Forest projects were funded for a total of $7 million, doubling the Forest’s annual

budget with no increase in the permanent workforce.

While the vast majority of the funding went straight to the

private sector through contracts and agreements, employees stepped up to the challenge and accomplished an

unprecedented amount of work planning, coordination,

and oversight for the projects.

A Letter From The Supervisor

As Forest Supervisor, I emphasize three priorities that

define what the Wayne is all about: 

RESTORATION, which includes watershed restoration

work on abandoned mine lands, and sustaining an active

effort to restore the oak ecosystem.

RECREATION, which includes promoting safe and legal

off highway vehicle use, updating our signature recreation

facilities, and interpreting the rich history and ecology of

southeastern Ohio.

COMMUNITY, including doing work with partners, combining forces with other agencies, being involved in natural

resource and environmental sustainability efforts locally

and statewide, reaching out to urban Ohio, and being an

employer of choice.

As I celebrate my 3rd year in Ohio as the Forest Supervisor,

some of the things I enjoy most about working in southeastern Ohio are the wonderfully diverse ecosystems of

Appalachia, the fascinating history and culture, the long

spring and autumn seasons, and most of all the fantastic

people and partners here on the Wayne National Forest. 

2

Forest Supervisor, Wayne National Forest

Wayne 

Main front cover photograph: Student Conservation Association team member measures the diameter of a tree as part of a Recovery Act project.

See related story on page 3. Upper right front cover photograph: Wayne National Forest and several partners attend a Hocking County Earth Day

event to teach young children about the importance of wearing a helmet and eye protection while riding an off-highway vehcile. Bottom right front

cover photograph: Recovery Act construction crews work to improve a Monday Creek crossing to reconnect the upper reaches of the Monday

Creek Watershed with the Hocking River. 
3

The fourteen projects were located in all three land units of

the Wayne and included:

•Road and trail maintenance and improved signing Forestwide

•Wildlife opening maintenance and non-native invasive

species eradication

•Bridge and culvert replacements to improve fish passage

on the Ironton and Athens Ranger Districts, including the

Marietta Unit

•A recreation site sewer system replacement and high hazard dam repairs on the Ironton unit

While the vast majority of the funding went straight to the

private sector through contracts and agreements, Wayne

National Forest employees stepped up to the challenge and

accomplished an unprecedented amount of work planning, coordination, and oversight for the projects as

described in four major categories. 

Recreation Projects: 

The Athens District completed over 37 miles of tread work

on its OHV trails and brushed

approximately 152 miles of OHV,

equestrian, bike, and hiking trails.

Additionally, the Ironton District

completed over 46 miles of tread

work on its OHV trails and 15 miles

on its equestrian trails. The district

also brushed 91 miles of OHV and

equestrian trails. Overall, the Forest

maintained over 340 miles of trails in

2010. With the help from Recovery

Act funds, the Wayne was able to significantly reduce its deferred maintenance backlog for trails. 

Fire Projects:

The Forest installed and maintained

85 miles of fire lines consisting of

natural barriers, hand line, dozer line,

and existing roads and trails. This will

enable us to implement planned prescribed fires for the next several

years. Benefits of this work include

removing hazard trees along forest

roads and trails, increasing the efficiency and safety of fire operations, and improving the

safety for Forest visitors.

Habitat Restoration Projects:

This project allowed for an increase of 1,161 acres treated

for non-native invasive species through four projects: 1)

Bluegrass Ridge Ailanthus contract, 2) Ironton District

Stiltgrass contract, 3) Bailey Fire Lines Stiltgrass contract,

and 4) Autumn Olive Removal agreement with the Ruffed

Grouse Society. 

A fifth project focused on grassland habitat maintenance for

the Forest’s Openlands program and involved a contract for

mowing and chainsaw work on an additional 388 acres. 

Engineering Projects:

All design for the Recovery Act projects was done in house

in 2010 and delivered on time before June 1st. Projects

were also across the spectrum of civil engineering, from

solar power systems, bridges, water systems, abandoned

mine land reclamation, roads, and even large dams reconstruction. The newly installed evapotranspiration wastewater system at the Lake Vesuvius

Recreation Area is eliminating significant energy consumption, as it is all

gravity fed, unlike its predecessor.

Long-term maintenance has been significantly reduced and there is no discharge of treated sewage into the soil

or water.

FIREMON Project Profile: 

Forest-wide 

The Student Conservation Association

(SCA), in partnership with Wayne

National Forest, deployed two

Conservation Corps teams to provide

fire monitoring assistance by collecting vegetation data across 221

FIREMON plots on the

Ironton and Athens

Ranger Districts. 

FIREMON is best

explained as a samStimulus Investments Improve Public Lands

In 2010, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) gave the Wayne National Forest the

opportunity to literally double its efforts to protect ecosystems across boundaries. 

On the Forest, 14 projects were funded for a total of $7 million, doubling our annual budget with no

increase in the permanent workforce. 

Nationally, the USDA Forest Service received $1.15 billion from the Recovery Act. Almost half, $650

million went into “Capital Improvement and Maintenance,” or repairing, replacing, or performing other

maintenance on roads, bridges, trails, facilities and abandoned mines across the National Forests.

An SCA team

member gains

work experience

by collecting

critical data for

the Forest.
4

pling system designed to characterize changes

in ecosystem attributes over time and is used as

a tool to better understand how fire affects local

flora. Monitoring the Forest for changes in vegetation and fuels is imperative for documenting

the effects of a fire, evaluating ecosystem damage and benefit, estimating the success or failure

of a burn, and re-evaluating methods for future

treatments. 

The ambitious individuals that joined this project gained much needed career experience and

learned more about land management issues. 

While working in southeast Ohio, the SCA

crews of talented individuals from across the

country experienced a diverse set of training

opportunities and challenges. Collectively, each

team consisted of four corps members and one

project leader. They navigated acres of terrain overcoming

monstrous patches of greenbriar and multiflora rose, steep

and rough landscapes, heavy rains, heat, humidity and ticks,

while successfully maintaining a safe work environment. 

Through qualitative monitoring, the goal of Wayne National

Forest FIREMON plots is to utilize the collected information

from the SCA crews to restore and align ecosystems closer

to historical conditions, and to ensure the continued abundance of oak-hickory forests which contribute greatly to

both plant and animal biodiversity. 

Upstream Rock Run Coal Mine Remediation: Athens

Ranger District

The goal of this Recovery Act project was not only to create

job opportunities but to construct a healthy functioning

riparian corridor, restore water quality, and create an integrated land management strategy, while increasing species

diversity and abundance of fish and other aquatic organisms. 

The project site is located just east of State Route 93

between the nearby towns of New Straitsville and

Shawnee. Both of the bordering towns are highly interested in cleaning up old mining areas and encouraging

avenues for sustainable economic development in the area.

The Upstream Rock Run tributary was heavily impacted by

underground mining activities in the mid 1800s and

again in the 1900s by strip

mining. The tributaries

were blocked by piles of

old mine waste and soils.

Based on average rainfall

estimates, approximately

60 million gallons of water a year from this watershed

drained into the mine complexes and exited the area as

acid mine drainage.

The following features were constructed or planted to create, enhance, and restore ecosystem function:

•Unblocked all drainages to allow water to flow freely

•Constructed a 3-acre pond to enhance a small wetland

below it

•Created vernal pools for amphibian habitat in small

depressions on the side drainages

•Created a prairie meadow on the upper slope of the site

Future plans include promoting wildlife habitat recovery

by planting native species suitable for each habitat constructed; trees for shade and structure around the pond

for aquatics; forbs, grasses, and dense shrubby areas (dogwood, alder, riverbirch, willows) around prairie meadow

for woodcock habitat; large logs and brush for amphibian

shade and habitat, and patches of crabapple and

hawthorne for wildlife food sources.

Plans also include constructing a fully-accessible

trail around the pond and ephemeral pools for

wildlife viewing.

Plans are also underway to place benches and

interpretive signs to foster an appreciation for

wildlife, native plants, and the rich cultural history of the local area.

Partners include: Hocking College, Monday

Creek Restoration Project, Ohio Department of

Natural Resources, and Little Cities of Black

Diamonds. 

Recovery Act workers

placed 3000 tons of

sand into a new wastewater treatment system

in the Lake Vesuvius

Recreation Area.

Prior to this

project, surface

water once

drained into

underground

coal mines and

later emerged as

acid mine

drainage into

nearby streams.
abandoned mine land reclamation across the country.

Construction was completed in 2010 by the D.J. Group,

a Disabled Veteran Contractor from Beverly, Ohio.

Since 2001, the Wayne National Forest has completed

32 watershed restoration projects. 

5

Restoring Water Quality in Coe Hollow

The Coe Hollow project closed several subsidences in a

former mine reclamation site to reduce the impact of acid

mine drainage (AMD). Four limestone dams were constructed to neutralize AMD and discharge water into a wetland area. The watershed restoration project is already seeing improvements in the quality of the water. The pH, once

3.0, is now at 6.0, a level that will sustain

life for fish and other aquatic organisms. 

Coal mining in Coe Hollow, as well as

elsewhere in the Monday Creek

Watershed, left scars and residual effects

from mining activities prior to reclamation

laws. The State of Ohio listed Coe Hollow

as a priority watershed for reclamation

because it contributed roughly 10 percent

of the acidity found in the entire Monday

Creek Watershed. 

Coe Hollow includes 126 acres (all but 6

acres are public lands) in the Monday

Creek Watershed that was once part of an

abandoned mine complex. The project

was financed by the national

Comprehensive Environmental Response,

Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

funds. These funds are intended to address

ATHENS COUNTY

ATHENS COUNTY

Local youth helped

replace deteriorating vehicle barrier posts at the

Sand Run Picnic Area.

Children Participate in Service Learning

The Wayne National Forest partnered with Ohio University’s Kids on Campus Fun

and Service Learning Together (FAST) program. The FAST program was a new summer program geared toward engaging youth in grades 6 through 9 in communitybased service learning. Projects the students were involved in had an environmental

focus and complimented the Forest Service’s goals of engaging youth in outdoor

activities and connecting citizens to the land.

“This partnership gave us a chance to get young people outdoors, into the Forest, and

learning about natural resources,” said Regina Martin, project leader for the Wayne. 

As part of the service learning component of the program, FAST participants worked

on a variety of projects at the Wayne. They transplanted seedlings for a pollinator

garden, planted native trees and flowers, and made improvements to Sand Run

Picnic Area. In addition to their work, the participants were engaged in conservation education. The knowledge and awareness they gained will hopefully increase

their willingness to become future stewards of the environment. 

The Wayne National Forest was proud to be a part of this project that empowered

youth of Appalachia to create positive change in their community. The students had

fun but also developed leadership and teamwork skills. They took pride in their

work and made significant contributions to their community and public lands.

Devela Clark, Athens District Ranger commented, “It was a pleasure to be a part of

this program. The kids were great. They worked hard but still had fun and at the end

of the day, they enjoyed a sense of accomplishment. That’s a valuable lesson.”
Project Provides Youth Hands-on Training

In July, a group of 100 young adults from four states

attending the Green Pathways Conference at

Hocking College worked on several Forest projects

as part of a US Department of Labor Job Readiness

Program called YouthBuild. Locally, Sojourners, a

nonprofit organization rooted in Appalachia Ohio,

administers the program and worked with the

Forest to provide help on numerous work projects.

The young adults assisted with construction of a

pole barn, fixed drainage along a trail, constructed

a kiosk and helped with improvements at the Sand

Run Picnic Area. "These projects are ones we

would not have been able to accomplish without

the help of these volunteers. We are very appreciative of their help and hope to work with them

again," noted Devela Clark, Athens District Ranger.

YouthBuild serves young people who need to complete their education and receive job training. The

3-tiered curriculum offers participants individualized job readiness training, employment and leadership development, and experience in hands-on

training in the use of construction and woodworking tools.

The Green Pathways Conference was made possible through funding from the Appalachian

Regional Commission and the US Department of Agriculture. 

6

Historic Cemetery Recognized

The Historic Payne Cemetery received a Friends

of Freedom historic marker on Saturday, June

19, 2010. The marker officially designated the

historic African-American community known as

Paynes Crossing as an Underground Railroad

site. The Friends of Freedom Society, long-standing Forest partners, dedicated the marker to

coincide with the historic African- American

holiday known as "Juneteenth". This holiday celebrates the day (June 19, 1865) that the last

group of African-American slaves were told of

their freedom under the Emancipation

Proclamation of 1863. 

Around 100 people attended the event to unveil the marker. Research on Paynes Crossing began in 1994 with the Lancaster

Ohio Genealogical Society, who studied the family histories of those buried in the cemetery. The cemetery was initially

restored in 1995, at which time a dedication was held and attended by over 200 people. 

In the past fifteen years, over 30 partners have helped piece together the story of Paynes Crossing. Mining operations

obscured any remains of the community, leaving only the ridgetop cemetery. One of the most recent studies, done through

Hocking College, used high tech equipment to establish the extent of the original burial plots. Many new grave anomalies

were found which add to the mystery of Payne’s Cemetery. Thanks to the town of New Straitsville for providing parking

spaces and also for holding a luncheon after the ceremony.

ATHENS COUNTY

PERRY COUNTY

YouthBuild volunteers help build a

pole barn that will

be used to store

equipment.
7

ATHENS & HOCKING COUNTY

Wayne Employees Give Back to the Community

In November, several employees, along with family

members and friends, spent a day performing community service projects in observance of the 75th anniversary of the Wayne National Forest. Several employees

volunteered to package commodity boxes at the

Southeastern Ohio Regional Food Center, a local food

bank in Hocking County. Others volunteered at a hospice facility and at the Athens County emergency services warehouse. Chad Wilberger, who helped the

Forest package 900 boxes said, “It makes you feel

good to help people in need and I was surprised at the

magnitude of work needed to run

the food bank.” 

Wilberger hopes the Forest can do

this again, since he points out,

working together builds camaraderie while accomplishing something worthwhile.

The Athens Ranger District and

Supervisor's Office sponsored two

American Red Cross blood drives

and held a food drive to help local non-profit organizations.

Gary Chancey, WNF Public Affairs Officer, noted the Wayne

consistently meets or exceeds our blood donation goals. In

August, employees and some members from the public

donated 22 pints of blood – well surpassing our goal of 15

pints! 

On that same day, the office participated in the “Feds,

Farmers, and Friends Feed Families” Food Drive. The food

Improving Habitat at Mine Reclamation Sites

Trees and shrubs were purchased to supplement native

plants to restore two watershed reclamation sites. One site

was a subsidence closure project near New Straitsville, the

second was the Lost Run steel slag leach bed and borrow

sites in Hocking County.

Partners and volunteers from the National Wild Turkey

Federation, Rural Action, Hocking College, and Alexander

High School joined Wayne NF staff to plant approximately

200 potted plants. The plants not only aid in the revegetation of areas disturbed during abandoned mine reclamation, but work with native plants and help soften the hard

forest edge created by the projects. The species chosen will

also provide excellent cover and food sources for wildlife in

the future. 

Species planted included: American elm, butternut, paw

paw, persimmon, redbud, cottonwood, mulberry, serviceberry, flowering dogwood, spicebush, little blue stem grass,

and big blue stem grass. 

PERRY & HOCKING COUNTY

drive was USDA’s contribution to the federal governmentwide effort Feds Feed Families, led by the Office of

Personnel Management. From June through September

2010, USDA employees, farmers, and friends joined

together to combat hunger and help children and families in need. 

Cash and nonperishable food items were collected and

given to the Hocking, Athens, Perry Community Action

Agency for public distribution. "There are a lot of people

in our communities who are struggling. It feels good to

do something positive to help," said coordinator Regina

Martin. "I told everyone they could accomplish two good

deeds in one day and not have to leave the office - it

helps to make donating convenient."

A group of volunteers packaged

900 commodity

boxes, which were

later distributed in

the community in

time for the holiday season.

Mike Nicklow

from the

Wayne NF

helps plant

trees on watershed reclaimation sites.
Forest Service Crews Improve

Stream Flow

In late October, firefighters working for

the Wayne National Forest cleared

debris from almost a mile of stream

along State Route 93 in Lawrence

County’s Elizabeth Township. The two

fire crews removed a beaver dam, two

log jams and over 13 bags of trash. 

“We know that removing debris will not

stop flooding along 93, but it can prevent culverts and small bridges from

getting blocked by debris in a big storm

event,” says Tim Slone, Ironton District

Ranger.

The firefighters were from the HuronManistee National Forest in lower

Michigan and from the Keweenah Bay

Indian Community on Michigan’s

Upper Peninsula.

8

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Fishing Derby Promotes Outdoor Fun

In honor of National Get Outdoors Day, the Wayne

National Forest Kid's Fishing Derby was held at Leith Run

Recreation Area. The derby was one of 91 events

planned nationwide to raise awareness of the benefits of

spending time outdoors. Over 90 kids and their parents

participated in the June 12th event

on the banks of the Ohio River.

The Derby is always a favorite outing for kids in Ohio’s Monroe and

Washington Counties. Activities

included fishing, a casting contest,

free hotdog lunch, and lots of

prizes! 

The event supports the goals of

America's Great Outdoor Initiative

by actively supporting and encouraging use of outdoor spaces by the

public. "Fishing is a great way to

connect kids and their families to

the outdoors," said Pam Meyer,

Recreation Technician. "It is great

when you have so many partners

that step up and help."

The local event was held in partnership with the West

Virginia Chapter of Muskies Inc., Cabelas, Coleman

Outdoor Sporting Goods, Grandview Township VFD, and

New Matamoras EMS. Thanks to a host of local contributors for making this annual event so successful. Visit

http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/ to learn more

about this national campaign.

Engaging Kids in 

Discovering Nature

New in 2010 was a Forest initiative to

engage youth in environmental education programs designed to spark

curiosity and increase their knowledge and enjoyment of the natural

world. 

Sarah Forrest, a newcomer to the

Forest is heading up the effort by

introducing a monthly event called

“Wild Weekend Discovery Series.”

The program is designed to engage

kids preschool to fifth grade. 

During the first Saturday of each month, children are invited to the Athens Ranger District

Office to learn about a different topic. The programs are hands on, interactive, and fun. After

most programs, kids leave with something to

take home. One parent commented, "This program is all

he talks about for the rest of the week. He loves to go

home and tell Grandma everything he did!"

December’s program "Crazy Concoctions" was very popular with over 30 participants. Solids, liquids and gasses

were explored using safe but fun experiments. The kids

made "oceans in a bottle" "Oobleck" and "Blobber".

The monthly programs are scheduled through Saturday,

October 1, 2011 and can be found on the Forest website

under Events. 

ATHENS COUNTY

During a group

activity to learn

about turkeys,

a child digs

into leaves.

LAWRENCE COUNTY
9

WAYNE EMPLOYEES

ASSIST WITH

INTERNATIONAL

PROGRAMS

International programs are

more pertinent than ever

as global issues such as

climate change and homeland security provide a

forum for demonstrating

the value of Forest Service

international assistance.

Two Wayne NF employees

helped the US Forest

Service in Peru to enhance

their forest sector governance (developing a DNR-type program), promote sustainable forestry, and encourage legal

trade in timber products. 

Carleen Yocum, Wayne Operations Group Leader

completed four short assignments from June-October

and is serving through early 2011 as the In-Country

Coordinator. Nicole Stump, a GIS specialist on the

Wayne, joined her this summer to contribute to the

design of a training component dealing with spatial

information management. 

Through funding from the US Agency for International

Development, the project provides technical support

in a variety of areas including forest management,

information management and forest inventory. 

Partners Dedicate Canoe Launch on Symmes Creek

On October 22, the Ironton Ranger District and the Ohio

Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft held a

dedication ceremony for the new Arabia Canoe Launch located

in Lawrence County. 

“The Forest Service and the Division of Watercraft have been

great partners to have in building our canoe trail,” according to

Grayson Thornton, long-time member and President of the

Symmes Creek Restoration Committee. “The Arabia Launch

was a dream for the late Art Ferguson and is the capstone of 30-

years of work put into Symmes Creek.” 

The canoe launch is the trailhead for the Arthur S. Ferguson Canoe Trail on Symmes Creek, which is managed by the

Symmes Creek Restoration Committee. The canoe trail follows 32 miles of Symmes Creek in eastern Lawrence County

from Arabia to the Chesapeake launch on the Ohio River. It is named after Art Ferguson, who founded the Symmes Creek

Restoration Committee in 1977 to remove log jams and promote recreation on the creek. Launch sites are also available in

Aid, Willow Wood, Getaway, and Sky Lake. 

The new Arabia launch was funded by a grant from the Division of Watercraft. 

A map and brochure are available from the Ironton Ranger District. Visit Symmes Creek Restoration Committee website at

https://sites.google.com/site/symmescreek/. 

LAWRENCE COUNTY

Finding Invasive Plants along the Ohio River

The Central Hardwoods Invasive Plant Network (CHIP-N),

a three state effort launched in 2009, is working across

agency jurisdictions and state lines. Our goal is to standardize protocols and survey for invasive species. The network believes a landscape level approach is needed for the

region to address invasive species at a larger scale. 

The group is working to determine the extent and distribution of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species along the

lower Ohio River Valley. Ohio Department of Natural

Resources aquatic biologists, US Forest Service State and

Private, the US Forest Service Eastern Region, and a private

foundation help to fund the project. 

In 2010, surveys were done by a team of graduate students

employed by Notre Dame University and supervised by

The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The survey teams surveyed

aquatic species at inland lakes, along the Ohio River, and

along major tributaries to the Ohio River. They focused on

boat ramps using a method developed by Lindsay

Chadderton (TNC) with a snorkeler and kayak. Students

also surveyed for terrestrial and wetland invasive plants

around each boat ramp and parking area. The inventory

data will be used to develop an interstate response plan. 

One find of concern were several infestations of hydrilla

along boat ramps in the Ohio River. Hydrilla is said to be

the most serious aquatic invasive in the southern United

States but is now being found in northern waters.

This same group just received the 2010 Annual National

Forest System Invasive Species Program Award in the Early

Detection Rapid Response category. 

Nicole Stump,

a Wayne NF

employee in

Peru.
Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Visit Cincinnati 

The Wayne National Forest, with the help of Smokey Bear and Woodsy

Owl visited the annual Garden Club of Ohio convention to present

awards for the 2010 Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl poster contest. 

Ohio was well represented with more than 500 posters being submitted

for judging. Posters featured Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl or featured

both together. Smokey Bear posters were based upon and included,

Smokey’s fire prevention message (Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires!).

Woodsy Owl posters were based upon and included, Woodsy’s conservation message: Lend a Hand – Care for the Land!

The annual poster contest is held in support of the USDA Forest

Service/National Gardens Clubs, Inc. national contest. The Grand Prize

National Poster Contest Winner won a free round trip airfare and

accommodations for four to Washington, DC. A $100 U.S. Savings Bond was also

awarded to the First Place National Winners from each grade level sponsored by the

National Garden Clubs, Inc.

The contest is a great opportunity for students (Grades 1-5) to demonstrate, through

original drawings of Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl, their understanding of wildfire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles.

Visit www.gardenclub.org to view the posters of the 2010 winners in support of the

national campaign.

10

In late July, heavy rains caused Storm’s Creek to flood and

damage the County Road 29 bridge. The county engineer

was forced to close the bridge to the public. The road

plays an important role in the communities livelihood and

provides a primary access to the popular Lake Vesuvius

Recreation Area. 

Soon after the incident, the

Wayne National Forest

applied for federal assistance

through the Federal Highway

Administration (FHWA)

Emergency Relief for

Federally Owned (ERFO)

roads program. 

On August 11, 2010, a representative from the agency met

with the Wayne National Forest and the Lawrence County

engineer to assess the damage and verify it was eligible for

funding under the ERFO program. 

Online Purchase of Recreation Permits and Passes

Purchasing a trail permit for the Wayne National Forest is now just a click away! In 2010, the Wayne National

Forest began offering secure on-line purchasing of its trail permits, trail permit gift certificates, and the Interagency

Annual Pass.

“To purchase any of the products, visit the Forest website (www.fs.usda.gov/wayne) and click on Passes and Permits

in the left column. The online store is open 24/7, so the public can make their purchase when it’s convenient for

them,” said Recreation Program Manager Chad Wilberger. “No more waiting in lines, and permits are shipped

directly to the purchaser.”

Visitors will continue to be able to purchase permits at any Forest office location or any of the twenty-five local participating vendors in southeast and central Ohio. A complete list of locations is available on the Forest website.

Garden Club of Ohio, Inc.

State President Betty

Cookendorfer from Harrison,

Ohio poses with Smokey Bear

and Woodsy Owl during the

2010 State Convention in

Cincinnati, Ohio. 

(Photo courtesy of Jared

Dort/Wayne National Forest)

While the bridge is located on County Road 29 and is

under the jurisdiction of Lawrence County, it’s also designated as Forest Highway 2. Because of its designation as a

Forest Highway, it was eligible for emergency ERFO funding to pay for the temporary bridge and eventually the

construction of a new bridge.

“The designation allows both the temporary bridge and

the permanent bridge to be installed at no cost to

Lawrence County, this is due to the county engineer’s

knowledge of the forest highway system,” said Forest

Engineer Steve Marchi. “His early coordination with the

Forest Service and FHWA was critical.”

With funding secured, the Forest soon hired a contractor

to construct the temporary bridge. Fortunately, the bridge

was opened to the public before Thanksgiving. The Forest

is now in the planning phases to construct a new permanent bridge in 2012.

Collaborative Efforts Help Reopen Road in Lawrence County
11

New Boat Launch Facility Opens

in 2011

In the spring of 2011, the Wayne

National Forest Athens Ranger DistrictMarietta Unit will open the new Frontier

Boat Launch, located on 5 acres of public land in Washington County along the

Ohio River on State Route 7 (Ohio River

Scenic Byway).

The boat launch is located 7 miles north

of Newport and 6 miles south of New

Matamoras near Frontier High School.

The public will be able to access the

river free of charge year-round from the

launch site.

Funding in the amount of $2,247,055 from a

Cooperative Boating Facility Grant from the Ohio

Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of

Watercraft is helping pay for the new facility. The Forest

has invested $300,000 to complete the project.

The new facility features a two-lane ramp with 65 boat

trailer parking stalls and 15 spaces for other vehicles. The

facility will also offer restroom facilities. In designing the

facility, the Forest Service and ODNR focused much of

their design work on sustainability as well as being 

fully accessible. 

The boat launch is in full compliance with the

Architectural Barriers Act (Federal Version of ADA) for

Renovated Campground Opening in 2011

In Lawrence County on the Ironton Ranger District, the newly renovated Oak Hill Campground is set to open

Friday, April 29th, 2011. Approximately $1.7 million was invested in the new campground from the Recreation

Site Improvement fund, which is money collected by users to help reduce deferred maintenance cost. The amount

also includes some appropriated funds.

The site is located above the 143-acre Lake Vesuvius on a ridge top that is surrounded by mature oaks, hickories

and other hardwoods. Some of the recreation opportunities include boating, fishing, canoeing, horse and hiking

trails. An archery trail, public beach, group picnic shelters and a fully-accessible boardwalk are also available. 

The beautifully designed campground has new shower and restroom facilities, new water and electrical system, and new wastewater collection and treatment system for 32 campground sites. 

The campground also features new picnic tables, fire rings, sidewalks and signage. Also available are electric hookups at each

site. New paved camp spurs are also available for recreational

vehicles that average 16 feet wide by 50 to 60 feet long. The

campground has 8 pull through sites. 

This is a fee site. The overnight rate is $21.

Visit www. recreation.gov to reserve a campsite.

equal access for all users. The D.J. Group, an Ohio

based company from Beverly was awarded the Forest

Service contract to construct the boat launch.

The Wayne National Forest knows first-hand how

much the people of this area enjoy recreation opportunities on public lands. Just a short distance from the

boat launch is the Leith Run Recreation Area, with 18

camping sites that can accommodate RV’s. It’s one of

the most popular recreation sites on the Wayne

National Forest. 

Visit www.recreation.gov\for reservation information.

The Wayne National Forest is planning a ribbon cutting ceremony in the spring. Further details will be

announced soon.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

LAWRENCE COUNTY
USDA Forest Service • Wayne National Forest 13700 US Highway 33, Nelsonville, OH 45764 

NONDISCRIMINATION

STATEMENT:

The U.S. Department of

Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and

activities on the basis of race,

color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political

beliefs, sexual orientation, or

marital or family status, (not

all prohibited bases apply to

all programs.) Persons with

disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information

(Braille, large print, audio

tape, etc.) should contact

USDA’s TARGET Center at

202/720-2600 (voice and

TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA Director,

Office of Civil Rights, Room

326-W, Whitten Building,

1400 Independence Avenue,

Washington, DC 20250-9410

or call 202/720-5964 (voice

or TDD). USDA is an equal

opportunity provider and

employer.

Wayne 

Wayne National Forest

2010 Payments to Counties

In 2010, Ohio counties received from $2.06-$3.75/acre (average was $2.49/acre) for NF lands

within their counties. In addition monies were also paid for road projects, cooperative law

enforcement, and volunteer fire department support. Although national forests do not pay property taxes for the land managed by the federal government, these are funds paid in lieu of taxes

to compensate local governments for the land taken off the tax rolls. 

County NF Acreage PILT Payment

Athens 18,633 6,143 40,259 7,230 53,632

Gallia 17,563 6,292 27,198 6,616 40,106

Hocking 26,000 8,572 47,848 10,089 66,509

Jackson 1,701 560 3,586 660 4,806

Lawrence 73,415 138,663 12,413 27,071 178,147

Monroe 24,415 8,049 40,742 9,423 58,214

Morgan 3,334 1,098 8,631 1,292 11,021

Noble 694 229 2,104 269 2,062

Perry 22,330 7,342 52,548 8,596 68,486

Scioto 11,626 3,832 21,128 4,511 25,639

Vinton 1,869 616 5,200 725 6,541

Washington 39,537 13,758 52,541 15,273 81,482

TOTAL 241,117 195,154 314,108 91,755 601,017

Secure Rural

Schools

Payments

Mineral

Payments

Total

Payment 

to County

www.fs.usda.us/wayne

NOTE: All acres managed as national forest are not entitled to PILT payments.

Land Adjustment 

The Forest Service acquired two parcels of land on the

Athens Ranger District in 2010. One parcel was a 58-

acre tract of land in Perry County surrounded by national

forest land near the historic village of Shawnee. This parcel is a woodland property with some open meadows

and wetlands. The land purchase had the support of the

village of Shawnee and the Little Cities of Black

Diamonds Council. Another 6-acre parcel was purchased in Morgan County to join two large blocks of

national forest land together. The Wayne National Forest

land purchase program buys land from willing sellers to

improve the management efficiency of the Forest as

funding becomes available. 

Minerals

The Wayne National Forest and the Bureau of Land

Management (BLM), Eastern States Office, presented 24

parcels of federally owned oil and gas mineral rights at

auction for possible leasing in March of 2010. 9,507

acres were sold at the auction. The total collected for

Ohio was $180,923.50. Three oil and gas wells were

developed on the Marietta Unit in 2010 as a result of

this lease sale. Expressions of Interest (EOI’s) for oil and

gas leasing continue to come to the Wayne from BLM

and are processed for possible lease

sales. The development of federally

owned minerals underlying the Wayne

National Forest provides revenues and

income to local communities. The new

development of private mineral rights underlying the

Wayne National Forest has slowed down recently, but

may increase as new deposits of oil and gas are found

in the area.

FOREST LANDS & MINERALS PROGRAM

The largest

land purchase

in 2010 was 58

acres near

Shawnee Ohio.

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