The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) celebrated a century of conservation this past weekend with history lessons, games, and a day of family fun. The free event was in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Theodore Roosevelt Game Preserve (now part of Shawnee State Park and Shawnee State Forest) in Portsmouth, Ohio.
"We are excited to celebrate this milestone in conservation," ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. "The community, and ODNR's dedication to this area has grown over the last 100 years and we are thrilled to be able to share this momentous day with them. Environmental enthusiasts, history buffs, and local families gathered to learn about the history of this area and enjoy everything this land, this forest, and this park still offer today."
Dedicated in 1922, the preserve was established to encourage the replenishment of natural resources and wildlife that had been depleted in Ohio's past. It was known as a propagation area. A propagation area is a designated place used to reproduce a species. The preserve housed ring-necked pheasants, wild turkeys, deer, partridges, and other wildlife. It was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who had set aside land for national parks during his presidency and was purchased with hunting license dollars.
In the 1930s, six Civilian Conservation Corps camps were located in the area. During this time many of the roads and lakes of the area were constructed. In 1949, with the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Division of Parks and Recreation, the area became a state park and forest. Shawnee State Forest, also called "The Little Smokies of Ohio," has developed into the largest of Ohio's state forests with more than 60,000 acres. In 1949, the recreational facilities at Roosevelt Lake were transferred to the Division of Parks to eventually become Shawnee State Park, in honor of the Shawnee tribes who used the area as a hunting ground.
Director Mertz and staff marked this occasion by unveiling a new historical monument, now standing right next to the one from 1922. ODNR leaders also planted a ceremonial red oak tree, a living tribute to President Roosevelt.
The free event was hosted by ODNR's Division of Wildlife, Division of Forestry, and Division of Parks and Watercraft. Visitors were met by a Theodore Roosevelt impersonator and greeted by Smoky Bear, who has been spreading his message of conservation for more than 70 years. They learned the history of the land and gathered to listen to live music, play games, and try out fishing and paddling, and check out ODNR vehicles at the Touch-a-Truck area. Each person was offered a sweet treat, with ODNR's old-fashioned ice cream social.
Categories: Ohio, General