Ohio community seeks 850 acres from coal company; forest could link 74,000 acres of public land

Representative Image (AI-generated) An effort in southeast Ohio could turn roughly 850 acres of former coal-company land into a publicly accessible community forest, creating a major connection between existing protected and recreational lands. Local stakeholders are negotiating with the Sugar Creek Coal and Mining Company to acquire the property in Dover Township and establish the Sugar Creek Community Forest. The project could ultimately link the Bailey’s portion of Wayne National Forest with Strouds Run State Park, connecting about 74,000 acres in Athens County. The details come from the announcement for the upcoming Sugar Creek Community Forest town hall, alongside information published by the Ohio Environmental Council and project partners.From coal-company land to a community forestThe proposed acquisition involves approximately 850 acres in Dover Township that are currently owned by the Sugar Creek Coal and Mining Company. Local stakeholders are working to purchase the land and establish it as the Sugar Creek Community Forest, with the intention that it remains available for community benefit in perpetuity.The proposal is part of a broader effort involving Rising Appalachia ...