ODNR Strikes Deal with AEP

The state has struck a deal with American Electric Power that could lead to the most significant public recreating expansion in recent memory in Ohio.

ODNR Director James Zehringer and AEP Vice President Jim Henry announced ODNR’s interest in purchasing  AEP ReCreation Land to be used by the state for a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hunting and fishing.

The 60,000 acres covers Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum and Noble counties, which is all company-owned property that in the past had been surface mined for coal. In recent years, AEP reclaimed the land and opened it to public access for camping and other outdoor recreation.

Praising the agreement, Governor John R. Kasich said, “An opportunity to acquire and protect such a large, open expanse of land for public recreation is rare. Ohioans and out-of-state visitors who are drawn to our great state parks, forests, nature preserves and wildlife areas will potentially have even greater opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors.”

Director Zehringer emphasized that acquisitions would likely be made in separate parcels over a number of years, and much work remains to be done before the first purchase is negotiated and complete.