Wildlife/Forestry Services

The Athens SWCD offers technical and educational services to landowners regarding forestry and wildlife practices or concerns. Contact our Wildlife Specialist/Forestry Technician at 740-797-9686 ext. 6283 to see how we can assist you.

Forestry Services

Forestry education programming
Identify invasive species and treatment recommendations
Advises landowners on Ohio Forestry Tax Laws (OFTL) and CAUV
Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), thinning, and pruning practices recommendations
Provide sample timber sale contracts to landowners
Recommendations for tree planting practices
Tree identification and recommendations
Assists loggers with site Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Timber Harvest Plan (THP) site reviews

Wildlife Services

Wildlife education programming
Wildlife habitat enhancement and education
Crop damage reviews and solutions
Assists urban landowners with wildlife matters
Food plot recommendations

Help Protect Young Wildlife
If you observe a nest of birds or a young mammal with no adult in sight, please let it be. Many species of animals are raised by one parent that may be out seeking food. It is very rare that wildlife will abandon their young, unless an injury or death has occurred. If you believe that the young is in trouble, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, trained to handle cases of orphaned animals. It is illegal for anyone to keep a native wildlife animal unless permitted by ODNR Division of Wildlife.
- Division of Wildlife Rehabilitators

Ohio Landowner/Hunter Access Partnership Program

“The Ohio Landowner/Hunter Access Partnership (OLHAP) Program is funded from the USDA Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) and offers farmers and landowners financial compensation for allowing public hunting on private lands. The goal is to provide public access to over 20,000 acres of private land across the state of Ohio, and habitat practices may also be financially incentivized through the program.

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Pollinator Habitat Establishment

Native pollinator species are experiencing population declines across the United States. In particular, the Monarch butterfly has drastically declined here in Ohio and in the wintering grounds of Mexico. It is currently at risk of being placed on the U.S. Endangered Species List. The Athens SWCD, numerous state, national and private agencies and citizens have joined in a state and nationwide effort to provide and protect native habitats for these very beneficial creatures.
Beginning in March 2017, the Athens SWCD partnered with the Athens Conservancy to use their land along Johnson Road in The Plains, known as The Plains Preserve, to plant 1000 square feet of pollinator habitat. The nectar rich plants used in this area were grown by local FFA chapters in their Greenhouse Production and Labor class. The seeding soil and native Ohio wildflower seed were generously donated by Scott’s Miracle Gro and the Ohio Prairie Nursery.

Athens Soil and Water Conservation District