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LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This unique, 273-acre wildlife area lies in the southwest corner of Washington County. It can be reached by way of County Road 3 from State Route 555.
The area includes steep, rocky terrain, varied forest types, and a small stream. Nearly all of it is wooded. The ridges and steep slopes are mostly mature, upland oak-hickory forest. One stream, Twomile Run, flows from north to south through the area. Vegetation along Twomile Run is mostly bottomland hardwoods of pole and sawlog size, with small openings comprised primarily of alder and elderberry.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
This area was received as a donation from the ODNR-Division of Natural Areas and Preserves in 1998. Wildlife management work has included the protection and improvement of existing woodland.
Hunting is the major recreational use, along with nature study, hiking, bird watching, mushroom hunting, and berry and nut picking.
WILDLIFE
The primary game species are gray squirrel, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, raccoon, and ruffed grouse. Most furbearers common to the region are found on the area. Migratory game species such as crow and woodcock are present both as residents and migrants. Red-tailed hawks, screech owls, and turkey vultures are common birds of prey found here. Many songbirds and small nongame mammals live in the mixed forest types.
HUNTING AND TRAPPING
The area is most popular for gray and fox squirrel hunting. In the big-tree woods, gray squirrels far outnumber the fox squirrels. Ruffed grouse and deer hunting are also popular. Although trapping is limited, furbearers can be found at Twomile Run, which parallels the road going through the area.
UNUSUAL FEATURES
A 112-acre portion of Acadia Cliffs Wildlife Area was dedicated as a state nature preserve featuring a sandstone cliff community and upland oak forest. The sandstone outcrops found on the area support a rich array of flowering and medicinal plants including the rare Bradley’s spleenwort, Obed shield lichen, and chalky ramalina.
PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
In keeping with the objective of perpetuating the wild state of this area, the facilities are limited to one roadside parking area.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest Wildlife district office is located at 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701-1895; phone (740) 589-9930. Further information may be obtained from the Wolf Creek Wildlife Area Manager, 961 S. State Route 78 S.W., Malta, Ohio 43758; phone (740) 962-2048.
The Division of Wildlife enforces all state laws on these lands including hunting regulations. Enforcement priorities include prohibiting litter, off-road vehicle use, and timber theft and destruction.
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, 1-800-POACHER.
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