Habitat & Conservation  |  09/20/2024

Ohio's Big Island Wildlife Area Adds New Acres


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New parcel expands public land complex north of Columbus

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce a new addition to the Big Island Wildlife Area in Ohio. The 44-acre acquisition connects two larger parcels of public land in Marion County. This expansive complex lies along the Scioto River, and provides some of the state’s best public hunting opportunities for wild pheasants. 

Formerly utilized as a golf course, a portion of this property is also still being farmed. The remaining acres consist of grassland habitat with scattered trees, along with several man-made ponds. This project builds upon the Big Island Wildlife Area complex, which includes the 415-acre Mallet Family and 299-acre Beaver Family tracts that were previously acquired through Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area® program. The habitat supports white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, waterfowl, woodcock and several non-game species. 

“This acquisition is an example of what can happen when private landowners, local chapters and staff work together,” said Austin Roby, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Ohio regional representative. “This property will be a great addition to the Big Island Wildlife Area for everyone to enjoy, no matter their pursuit. These public land acquisitions would not be possible without the continued support of our local chapters and their supporters.”

Similar to other Big Island Wildlife Area parcels, this property will be managed as wildlife habitat and open to public hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation. The cropped portions will be restored to native grassland cover, and wetland restoration may also be possible. 

This project was made possible by PF & QF chapters, partners and members who contribute to the Build a Wildlife Area® program. 

Build a Wildlife Area® is Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s permanent habitat protection program delivering strategic, fee-title acquisitions to conserve habitat and increase public hunting access. The program strives to create functional landscapes supporting wild, sustainable populations of upland birds and other wildlife, while providing ancillary benefits to natural resources and communities. Since 1982, the program has permanently protected more than 236,000 acres of publicly accessible habitat in 16 states. 

By permanently protecting high-quality habitat, Pheasants Forever’s acquisition strategy also provides solutions for rural economic development and the nation’s most complex sustainability issues including improved biodiversity, soil health, and water stewardship— while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail, and associated wildlife.

For questions about public land access in Ohio, contact Austin Roby at ARoby@PheasantsForever.org