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LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This 84 acre wildlife area is situated in eastern Ohio in western Harrison County 2 1/2 miles south of Stillwater. Access to the public area is from State Route 258 on Craigo Road, T-100. The area lies in the unglaciated deeply eroded Allegheny plateau hill region of Ohio. The deeply dissected terrain is composed of ridges with steep slopes. Second growth hardwoods occupy 80 percent of the area.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
The land for the Keen Wildlife Area was deeded to the ODNR Division of Wildlife from the estate of Mrs. Margaret C. Keen in 1996. Management work will include protection and improvement of existing woodlands to maintain habitat diversity. Hunting is the major recreational use of the area; sightseeing, hiking, nature study, and bird watching are the other popular recreational uses.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
This area is primarily used by forest species which include deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and gray squirrel. The cottontail rabbit and all furbearers common to the region are found on the area. Woodland birds can be seen in abundance during the spring and fall migration. No fishing opportunities exist on the area.
HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Keen Wildlife Area has many good squirrel woods. Wooded areas, small brushy areas and pine stands produce excellent wild turkey and grouse hunting. White-tailed deer occupy this area as well and can be hunted during the bow and gun season.
UNUSUAL FEATURES
The rugged, scenic beauty of the area attracts many sightseers. Visitors find a wide variety of plant communities and in association with them, a diversity of songbirds and other wildlife.
PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
State, county, and township roads provide good access to the wildlife area. A small parking lot is located along the roadway that bisects the area.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from the Area Manager, Highlandtown Wildlife Area, 16760 Spring Valley Road, Salineville, Ohio 43945; telephone (330) 679-2201 or from the Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319, telephone (330) 644-2293.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to curtail poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline at 1-800-POACHER.
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