There was an increase in black bear sightings in recent years, due in part to the fact hunting black bears is illegal in the state of Ohio, paired with the growing public interest in protecting the animals.
Ohio currently has the driest land in the modern history of the state, increasing the risk of wildfires. Open burning regulations have been put into place to lessen wildfire probability.
Jane Goodall was not only a conservationist but a humanitarian with scientific breakthroughs, specifically in primatology. The world must continue her legacy, especially now with the ever-growing climate crisis affecting wildlife conservation.
An executive order signed by President Trump in March directs the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to increase logging across the U.S. by 25%. Land that resides within the Wayne National Forest is included in the Department of Agriculture’s outline of viable land for logging.
Free the Falls, a project to remove the Gorge Dam in Summit County, officially began recently, following years of discussion on the matter. The dam has not served a purpose for over 30 years and has contributed to mass contamination of water in the dam pool. The EPA is currently removing all sediments before the removal of the dam structure can begin.
Ohio cut lead abatement funds and the Lead-Safe Home Fund but raised the lead tax credit to $40,000, putting more responsibility on property owners to fix lead risks.
ODOT is building a new bike path connecting Athens to Chauncey and the Baileys Trail System.
Kissing bugs known to spread Chagas Disease, a deadly parasitic infection, have been found in Ohio, but there have been no reports of the disease. However, there are ways to prevent contact with the bugs.
Many are concerned about the economic impact job cuts could have on Southeast Ohio, which relies on revenue from visitors to wildlife areas. Bryden said tourism and spending from park-goers bring in a lot of benefits that are instrumental in improving the region.
Nature Conservancy and Athens Conservancy recently obtained 2,973 acres of land in the Appalachian corridor from private landowner Betty Lowe. The two organizations will work together to protect and sustain the land, while providing locals with opportunities to experience the outdoors.
Democratic Reps. Tristan Rader and Christine Cockley have introduced a bill in the Ohio House that would prevent ODNR from issuing permits for oil and gas drilling on state parks and Lake Erie
In late June, the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service announced a plan to get rid of a decades-old policy restricting roads. Getting rid of the rule will not have the advantages the Trump administration claims.
Following deforestation trends in Southeast Ohio, multiple groups of people are working on projects to stimulate tree growth. One project aims to increase plant life near water systems, and the other focuses on creating ideal conditions for White Oaks to thrive.
Southeast Ohio’s history of coal mining has left the region with many environmental dangers. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is working with both federal and local officials to close abandoned mines and plug orphan wells.
A severe drought occurred in Southeast Ohio during the summer of 2024, which posed significant challenges to the water supply, affecting agriculture and livestock.
Solutions by The State News
