OEC Applauds Acquisition of Additional AEP ReCreation Land

Emily Bacha, Vice President of Public Affairs, October 2, 2019

Today, the Ohio Environmental Council joined Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for an announcement highlighting the acquisition of an additional 31,000+ acres of AEP ReCreation Land.

The following statement may be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council:

“The AEP ReCreation Land has been part of Ohio’s outdoor heritage for decades, providing recreational opportunities for millions of people. The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), working alongside many of our conservation partners, have long been advocating for public ownership of this important outdoor space.

“Today’s announcement marks Ohio’s most important victory for conservation in decades. Gov. Mike DeWine’s leadership in acquiring this land for Ohio’s residents is worthy of high praise. The OEC thanks Gov. DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for securing 31,000+ acres of AEP ReCreation Land. This important place will now be owned by the public and protected in perpetuity for conservation and outdoor recreation. We look forward to working with the Governor, ODNR and General Assembly to secure the remaining acres.

“Ohio ranks near last when compared to other states in its public land acres available per capita. Full acquisition of the remaining 18,000 acres of AEP ReCreation Land by 2023 would create the largest contiguous outdoor recreation area in Ohio. Public ownership of this special place will help ensure that Ohioans can recreate outdoors, enjoying the natural world in our backyard for generations to come.”