Richland,
United States of America
The project provides an important buffer for wetlands that drain to the region’s main water source, Charles Mill Lake. The site contains high-quality forest with a diverse assemblage of 65-year old trees including hickory, sugar maple, American beech, black cherry, American elm, and several species of oaks. Preservation of the forest will benefit wildlife habitat, improve air and water quality, and provide carbon sequestration. The Project provides important breeding, nesting, and foraging habitat for neotropical migrating birds as well as native Ohio birds that depend on the habitat year-round.
Richland County has had a high rate of conversion of forests to agricultural use and urban expansion. Protection of remaining intact forests, such as Black Fork Forest, is critical to retain the region’s natural heritage. The protection of Black Fork Forest will add to a nearly 4,120-acre corridor of protected green space including lands owned by Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Ashland County Park District, and Ashland University.