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September 6, 2005
NEW RECREATION AREA OPENS AT SHAWNEE STATE FOREST
 WEST PORTSMOUTH, OH - A new recreation area at Shawnee State Forest is now open as a result of a partnership between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and the Scioto County Chapter of the Ohio Horsemen’s Council.
Chapter members cleared two miles of bridle trail and constructed a parking area on Rt. 52, fifteen miles west of Portsmouth. The new bridle trail, called Moore Run, begins at the parking area and intersects McAtee Bridle Trail on the ridge. Continued maintenance of the new recreation area is part of a Volunteer Agreement with the Ohio Division of Forestry.
“Since 2001, local chapter volunteers of the Ohio Horsemen’s Council have agreed to maintain the bridle trails in Shawnee and Brush Creek State Forests,” said Ben Hamilton, district manager for Shawnee and Brush Creek State Forests. “They have increased access to many of the remote bridle trails in Shawnee State Forest by providing parking areas and hitching posts in strategic locations. They also met a need at Bear Lake Horse Camp by replacing the hitching posts in 2002. After the ice storm of 2003, they cleared down trees from all of the bridle trails north of Rt. 125 in Shawnee State Forest. They have provided better horseback riding opportunities in Shawnee State Forest, and they are to be commended for their efforts.”
The ODNR Division of Forestry manages twenty state forests, which encompass 185,000 acres. These forests provide a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking and backpacking, and nature appreciation. The Division of Forestry’s mission is to promote and apply management for the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s private and public lands. For further information about the facilities and programs offered by the Division of Forestry, visit ohiodnr.com/forestry, or call 1-877-247-8733.
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