COLUMBUS, OH A $319,000 grant has been awarded to the Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization, Inc. to clean up ice storm damage at Dean State Forest in Lawrence County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry.
“This grant will provide some needed work in removing debris caused by last year’s ice storm, as well as help boost the local economy,” said John Dorka, chief of the Division of Forestry. “In addition to aesthetics and trail maintenance, this clean up reduces the chance of wildfire in the forest.”
A February 2003 ice storm caused extensive damage to the 2,745-acre forest, toppling tens of thousands of trees. Clean-up activities, some of which has already taken place, will include reducing the amount of downed material near designated roads and trails.
The ODNR Division of Forestry manages 20 state forests with more than 185,000 acres, spanning parts of 21 Ohio counties. State foresters demonstrate proper timber management within these forests and assist private landowners with maintaining their woodlands. Benefits of these properly managed forests include increased biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.