Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Partnership Conserved Over 3,990 Acres in Coshocton County Since 2020 

In multiple stages over five years, Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) have forever protected over 3,990 acres in Coshocton County. The land is now owned by MWCD. Starting with the 1,827-acre Coshocton Forest acquisition in January 2020, these efforts continued with acquiring the 933-acre Coshocton Forest Extension in December 2021 and the 609-acre Turkey Ridge Preserve in November 2023. Most recently, the 622-acre Turkey Creek Preserve acquisition was finalized in August 2024.  

Located in the Muskingum River Watershed, the conserved properties span a reclaimed coal mining area and boast successional hardwood forests, old field habitat, almost 400 acres of sprawling ponds and high-quality wetlands, and over 50,000 linear feet of streams. More than 450 plant and animal species call the properties home, including several rare and state-listed species. An Ohio endangered moss and two Ohio endangered bat species have been documented as well. 

In addition to preserving these natural spaces, these projects also conserved a significant portion of publicly accessible recreation land. MWCD will manage these properties in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which owns two large preserves within seven miles of the property, including the 14,615-acre Woodbury Wildlife Area and the 844-acre SIMCO Wildlife Area. Hiking, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and other passive outdoor recreation activities will be allowed on the property.  

Previously, the land was owned by Ohio Franklin Realty, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP). After mining activity ended in the mid-1900s, ODNR managed much of the area for public access as a component of the AEP public ReCreation Land. The conserved area contributes to an approximately 9,600-acre corridor of protected land owned by MWCD in Coshocton County. Applications for additional funding are underway for Phase V of the project, which will help connect the corridor to SIMCO Wildlife Area.  

Together, the Land Conservancy and MWCD submitted four successful funding applications to the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund through the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC). As a result, $10.4 million was awarded for the acquisition of these properties, which are permanently protected by Clean Ohio deed restrictions.