Tag: ODNR

Ohio wildland firefighters from the ODNR Division of Forestry and partner agencies mobilized across the country in 2026, deploying engines, hand crews, and management teams to fight wildfires in Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota and Oregon.

For 25 years, pilot John Clem flew missions for the Ohio Division of Wildlife—from tracking serial killers and radio-tagging otters to flying through the Appalachians. Learn how aviation transformed state wildlife management, law enforcement, and conservation in Ohio.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is asking deer hunters to donate extra harvested deer to the Field to Food Bank program. Donated venison will be processed and distributed to regional food banks to help address food insecurity for Ohio families in need.

Explore Part 4 of Ohio's wildlife history. Learn how sportsmen helped establish dedicated funding, how game protectors formed the nation's first training academy, the return of deer hunting in 1943 and the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1949.

As deforestation, dam construction, and industrial pollution threatened Ohio's natural resources in the 19th century, public outcry forced state leaders to take action. Jim Abrams traces early game laws, fish passage mandates, and the 1873 founding of the Ohio Fish Commission.

In part one of a series on the history of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Jim Abrams explores how 19th-century settlement, bounties, and the Great Hinckley Hunt depleted native species—leading to Ohio's very first wildlife protection laws in 1829.

Four injection wells in Washington County, Ohio ceased operations on July 1 and 2 due to brine migration into oil and gas production wells.

As National Safe Boating Week begins May 16–22, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft urges Ohioans to prioritize safety. Learn why wearing a life jacket, staying sober, and having a float plan are critical steps to preventing accidents and enjoying a tragedy-free season on the water.

Wild turkeys were once thought to be gone from Ohio forever. It took birds from 7 different states (shipped by air and rail!) to restart the population we see today. Now, biologists are using GPS transmitters to solve a new mystery: Why are populations declining in some areas? Read Outdoors columnist Jim Abrams’ latest field notes on the past, present and future of wild turkeys in Ohio.

Plan your spring hike with the ODNR’s weekly Ohio Wildflower Bloom reports. Discover when and where native species like bluebells and trilliums are peaking across Ohio’s state nature preserves and parks.