Southeastern Ohio is a region rich with wondrous landscapes and resilient, innovative people.
Extractive industries – industrial timbering — have long been a source of community vitality and identity for many Appalachians. But these practices have also left scars on the region including polluted waterways and air, and related human-health issues. The pride and ingenuity of the region’s people are crucial assets in efforts to heal degraded landscapes and shift away from harmful practices.
OEC’s work in Southeast Ohio is focused on advancing local policies and projects to protect the health of people and the ecosystems we depend on by centering community voices, and building meaningful relationships with elected leaders and regional partners. Our work has resulted in local action to protect public forests and parks, defend communities’ climate action efforts, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SEO is home to the majority of Ohio’ public lands, including the state’s only National Forest.
The region is positioned to become a nexus in the sequestration of carbon — a place stewarded for the recovery of old-growth forests, sustainable outdoor recreation, and a thriving, place-based economy. The OEC continues to collaborate with residents and community partners in these efforts.
Together, we are working for a healthier, more equitable future for all who call the region home.
Regional Newsletters
The Latest in Southeast Ohio
Key Staff
Molly Jo Stanley
Southeast Ohio Regional Director
